New-York tribune., 1900-07-08
H4NGUTREs OF THE JAPANESE NAVY
A MIMIC BATTLE AND A REVIEW BY THE EN-
PEROR.

In view of the present conditions in China the
manoeUvres of the japanese navy. recently held.
become interesting. At the close of the China
Japan war, in 1894 the Government concluded that
it was essential for Japan build a navy that
would be respected by the entire world. in order
that her supremacy in Eastern affairs might not
be threatened. There only ambition IN
this, bat a feeling that her own safety could best
be assured by conspicuous show Of naval power
The large indemnity to be paid by China could
not be put to patriotic or advantageous use.
argued the progressive leaders The result they
believe. shows that they right
The new japanese navy consists of five battle
ships, the way from England and one
building, seven in all; twenty-one first and second
class cruisers, including Cse Just launched in
England and two being built at Rochefort and
Stettn eight third class cruisers sixteen EunbOats
and coast defence vessels eleven torpedo boat
destroyers one tOrDedo depot vessel and thirty
six torpedo boats. Besides these there are build
ing in Japan and other countries several more
cruisers and forty-odd torpedo boats
After building such navy II natural that
the Japanese should wish TO see how the ships
and men would behave in action. It was perhaps
a mere coincidence that the manouvres should be
held when Russian warships were present to OBJ
serve JaDan's naval force and skin There has
been a barely concealed resentment against the
Russians in Japan since they stepped in and
checked the advance to Pekng and robbed the
Japanese of the full fruits of victory. This feeling
was increased when Russia took possession OF
Port Arthur. and 1t is not abated Russian
vessels hover around the coasts Nagasad alone
was visited last year by many as one thousand
Russians whereas all other foreigners combined
amounted to 32 426 who made stay in Japan.
Certain it is that the Japanese uistrust the in
tentions of Russia upon the Chinese question. with
nov much reason remains 70 be seen.
maneuvres, and boarding the cruiser Asana with
his suite, led the array Of warshi2s to the Bay OF
fleet consisting Of sx battieshfps and cruisers 79
sixteen torpedo boats. commanded by Admiral
manded by Admiral samejima The defending fleet
was lying in the Bay of Kuroye on which is sit
eighteen vessels of various descriptions. The
action lasted about an hour and was a spectacular
scene. Terrific cannonading torpedo firing. and
all the vivid flashing searchlights, made this
mimic battle OF fleet of forty-ive vessels almost
The Emperor stayed on board all night and the
next morning summoned all the principal officers
gence'' Of themselves and their crews. Later he
reviewed the fleet at Kobe. Five battleships.
three coast defence ships, thirteen cruisers one
torpedo tender. one torpedo gunboat. torpedo
boat destroyers and seventeen torpedo boats were
arranged In streets" When the Asama. with
the Emperor aboard and escorted by three war
ships. was yet a mile away the cannonading and
guns were hushed and cheers and bugIes were
heard In impressive silence the Asama at slow
crews stood lined up motonless for an hour until
the Asama passed out of the lines. The Emperor
afterWaTd boarded the Shlkishina, where he
ceiyed the admirals and foreisn diplomatic ohi-
cials. After the Emperor returned to the Asarna
course the city and harbOr were profuseIy dec
grated and the day was generally observed as a
Critics praise the knowledge and quality of the
otlcers or the fleet. but say that the training of
and torpedo practice is not first class and the
these torty-hve-odd warships in Kobe Harbor alb
solutely up TO date in construction and equipment
must nave Oeen an OBJECT lesson to the French and
Russian warshiPs who dutifuly saluted Japan. her
navy and her Emperor