The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-03-30
COMPARATIVE NAVAL
STRENGTH.

We copy below an article from the
New Orleans Pieayune which makes
interesting reading at the present
time. 1t shows the comparative
, strength of the different countries
in case of war in the Ear East. !"
It is said that Japan and Russia will
lock horns over the disputed terri
tory in China; and if they do, other
countries will be drawn into the war:
The somewhat strained situation IN
the Far East, which may ultimately
lead to an open rupture, and even war,
between several of the great powers,
makes comparison of the respective
ornaments of those powers likely to be
engaged of much general interest at
the present time. Although at the
nresent moment Great Britain, Russia
and Japan appear to be the only coun-
tries assuming quasi belligerent attl-
indie. an outbreak of hostilities be-
tween any two of them would be pretty
certain to involve some, if not all, of
the others.
1t has been reported, and with some
degree of truth, that Japan is prepar-
ing 10 actively resist the attempts of
Russia to absorb the northern prov
inces of China The Japanese squad
ron is reported to have sailed from
Japan to the Corean coast, and meet
ing of all the important military CON-
manders of the japanese Empire has
been ordered by the japanese Minister
of War, for the purpose of considering
plans of home defense.
AS far as Great Britain Is concerned.
no move has been made since the ar
rangement of the dispute with Russia
oyer the railway siding at Ten Tsin;
but the dismissal of the British Collec-
tor of Corean Customs, due to Russian
in fluence. has infused fresh element
of danger into the situation. Both
Japan and Great Britain have interests
antagonistic to Russia in China, and
may be expected to stoutly oppose
Russian plans should such plans
threaten the actual dismemberment of
the Chinese Empire. Although Ger
many and France have taken no active
steps as yet, ii is impossible that either
of these powers can be disinterested
spectators.
A fight in the Far East would. in the
very nature of things. be naval fight.
Should the contest be between Russia
and Japan alone, the lighting would be
confined entirely to the waters of the
Far East. Should Great Britain be in
yolved. the fighting might extend to
Europe, but it would still be entirely
on the sea. Germany alone would be
exposed to land attack should she side
with England and Japan against Rus
sia and France. For that reason it is
probable that Germany will seek to
maintain strict neutrality as long as it
is possible to do So Still Germany has
large interests. and she might at any
time be forced into the quarrel in spite
of all efforts to keep out. Italy and
Austria, having no direct interests, can
afford to be neutral, and will no doubt
maintain neutral attitude under all
circumstances.
Since the possible war would be en-
tirely naval one. il will be interesting
TO compare the strength of the various
fleets.
The Army and Navy journal, of Sat-
unday last, publishes an interesting
of the number and tonnage
of vessels possessed by the six powers
having important fleets in the Orient.
Although the United States is not like
ly to become involved in any dispute
which may arise. that power is includ-
ed in the statistics as matter of inter-
est. The figures are as follows: