The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-01-29
JAPAN'S NEW BATTLESHlP.
sHIKIsHIMA GOES BY THE WAY
OF SUEz CANAL.
Japan Has a Navy Which Will Ena-
BILE Her To Meet Russia on
Even Terms.

London. January 2-Some of the af-
ternoon newspapers associate the depart
ure today of the new battleship Shiki-
shima with possible complications in re-
gard TO the situation in China. especially
as 1t is announced that the Shiksshima
VIII endeavor to traverse the Suez canal
by divesting herself of her armament.
Up to the present no ship of such size
has traversed the canal.
The Interpretation that the departure
OF the Shikishima was directly due to
the situation In China is incorrect, as the
Associated Press learns today that the
date set for the sailing was decided on
MANY weeks ago ana farewell party
was held on board of her previous TO the
deposition of the emperor of China. But
though this incident was given eXagger-
ated Importance in the afternoon news
papers. the Associated Press Is able to
saw that those I'm England most cogni-
zant Of the secret aims of Japan. especial
" those who are fulfilling her naval
contracts. have for some time past thor
oughly believed she meditated striking
a blow at Russia. If this impression Is
correct ana there Is the highest ana
most conservative authority on when
to base il. II is not unlikely that JapanS
hands NAV be forced and that her IN
tended coup will be attempted before her
plans are completed.
II NAV he that Japan only medttates for
the present a demonstration to prevent
Russia from accomplishing her designs
which various correspondents have cred
tied her with since the change in emma 5
emperor Two powerful war vessels bulit
for Japan on the Clyde will soon be reaog
to SAIL while Others are in course OF
rapid construction. Their strength mas
not attracted much attention. but their
Importance as international factors can
hc Judged from a statement made 10 y
representative of the Associated PRESS
bv one of England greatest shlpbulldtrs'
y no declared the vessels building Tor ia
pan were the most powerful in the WORM
and could destroy the best British ships
I'm fifteen minutes Several of Japan
vessels in course of construction would
have been completed before now had
not Japan encountered financial dlthcul-
ties. The British builders would not
let the vessels sail until everything was
paid for in cash. TO accomplish inns
Japan induced syndicate OF Filsiish
bankers to advance the money and their
action has been the subject of good
deal of private criticism in the inner ad-
mfrafty circles. when IL was realized
what tremendous naval power Japan was
accommodating. and, though Great BrN-
aims strength was not impaired, It was
thought inadvisahlc for British capitalists
to so materially assist Japan TO become
a dangerous rival.
A wei known naval expert tells a rep
reseutatiVc Of the Associated Press that
If Jauan puts in commission the SHIPS
scheduled for service in the near future
she will be ready for war within SIX
months ana then can defy Russia. and.
as the Japanese and Russian ships at
present in the far cast compare. Japan's
fleet would have an excellent chance OF
controlling the situation.