New-York tribune., 1900-01-28
sHIKIsHIMA SAILS FOR JAPAN.
THE NEW BATTLEsHIP WILL ATTEMPT TO
PASS THROUGH THE sUEz CANAL.

THE NEW BATTLESHIP WILL ATTEMPT IO
PASS THROUGH THE sUEz CANAL
London. Ian. T-some of the afternoon news
papers associate the departure to-day OF the new
japanese battleship Shilishima with possible COM
pcations regard to the situation in China espe-
cially as it is announced that the Shikishlma VIII
endeavor to traverse the Suez Canal by divestinS
herself of her armament Up to the present no
ship of such size has traversed the canal.
The Interpretation that the departure OF the Shi-
kishima directly due to the situation in China
is incorrect It learned to-day that the date
set for the sailing was decided many weeks ago,
and farewell party was held on board OF her
previous to the deposition Of the Emperor OF CHINA
But, though this incident had exaggerated i'm
portance in the afternoon newspapers, The Associ-
ated Press is able to say that those in England
most cognizent Of the secret aims Of Japan, es-
pecially those who are fulfilling her naval con-
tracts have for time past thoroughly be-
heved she meditated striking blow at Russia.
II this impression is correct, and there is the
highest and most conservative authority which
to base it. it is not unlikely that Japan's hands
may be forced, and that her intended coup will be
attempted before her plans completed. 1t may
be that Japan only meditates for the present
demonstration to prevent Russia from accomplish
ing the designs which various correspondents have
CT edited her with since the change in China's Em-
peror. Two powerful war vessels built for Japan
ON the Clyde will soon be ready to sail. while
Others under course Of rapid construction
Their strength not attracted much attention
but their importance International factors can
be judged from statement Dy one OF England's
greatest shlpbuders VINO declared mat the Vesseis
building japan the most powerful in
word, ana could oesIroy the Dest Britlsn ships
nIIeen minutes,
Several Japan's vessels in course OF construc-
tton would have heen completed before now had not
Japan encountered nnancal difficulties. The Brit
BUILDERS would let vessels sail until
everything paid for in cash. 10 accomplish
this Japan induced a syndicate OF English bankers
the subject OF a good deal of private criticism in
the inner Admiralty circles. when it was realized
what tremendous naval power Japan accumu-
lating, and. although Great Britalns strength Was
not impaired. II was thought inadv1saDle for Brit
ish capitalists to so materially assist japan to be-
come dangerous rival.
A well known naval expert says that II Japan
puts in commission the snlps scheduled for service
IN the near future she VIII oe ready for within
six months. and can then defy Russia and. the
Japanese and Russian ships at present in the Ear
East compare, Japan Meet would nave an excel
lent chance or controlling the situation.
The Shikishima, which was laid down at the
Thames Ironworks in March, 1897. was launched
November l. 1898. She is 400 feet long and 70 feet
inches wide and has a draught Of q feet 8 inches
Her displacement Is 1850 tons; indicated horse
power. $500. and speed, 1875 knots. Her armament
consists OF four 12inch guns in barbettes fourteen
6-inch quick firing guns, all mounted In casemates
twenty l2-pounders and eight Maxim guns. Her
complement of officers and men is 7F.