The Washington times., 1903-12-27

CARS DISADVANTAGES
English and French Press Ex-
press Divergent Views
Upon Situation.

- War botween Russia and Japan-as-
Stunning that the conflict be actually ma
turing in the womb Of time-must afford
ideal test Of what is known in mill
tary circles as newspaper strategy.
There is scarcely one important Journal
which is without a theory of its own
regarding the most advisable course for
both japan and Russia to adopt when
hostilities break out
1t seems strange that Admiral Alex
eicff, the viceroy in the Far East, should
have to travel so many miles to ac-
quaint the Gar with Japan's chances
in the event OF war. The same result
could be attained. apparently. by ten
dollar subscription to a bureau of news
paper clippings. The st. James Ca
zete' Oondonl. the Daily News" Oon-
dom. and ever so many others. have
outlined the whole course of war. They
know what Russia will try to do. what
Japan VIII try to prevent. where the ma
val battles will be fought. and the points
upon which the forces of the Car will
be hurled"
Would Fight Alone.
1t should be understood from the start.
thinks the Independence Beige" CBrus-
sels), that neither OF the combatants
would be supported by an ally Russia
would request France to keep her hands
off. Russia understands the interfer-
ence of the French fleet in her behalf
would at once bring the British fleet
to the aid of Japan" Russia has no
wish to try conclusions with the mis-
tress OF the seas. But Il would appear
from the London Times that Russia
has adopted in the Far East a device
long brought to perfection by managers
of comic opera companies. This consists
in keeping the same soldiers moving
constantly on and of the stage of oper-
atoms. with the object of giving the
Ensophisticated spectator a false idea
VI multitude. Japan alone observes
the London organ, is not deceived -
She is well aware that the trainloads
of troops dashing back and forth over
the great Siberian line are performances
as theatrical as a mobilization OF the
late Edwin Booths regiments for the
maneuvers- in Orchard III" Only the
Russian navy need enter seriously into
the immediate calculations of the
japanese, and the London News" pre-
cents this aspect of the case. as fol-
lows:
How 1t Would Begin.
Presenting, therefore, that a naval
campaign would be the first develop
ment, it is easy to see how il would be-
gin. Japan would not attempt TO de-
OF Port Arthur. Her splendid homo
geneous fleet. with its admirable back
ing Of minor craft. is not designed for
such an adventure. Its coaling capac-
ity is intended rather for a swift move
ment close to an assured base than for
long journeys at sea Russia would
have TO strike the naval blow to pre-
vent the occupation Of Korea by he1
opponent.
Against such an attack Japan pos
sesses immense natural advantages
Her great semicirccle of islands forms a
fender surrounding Vladivostok and
the Russian territory north OF Korea
on the north the inclosed space Is
completely shut in during the winter
months by ice. On the south Il Is only
entered by the Korean straits, domi-
mated by the central island of TsU
Shima. which is strongly fortified by
Japan, and is a sort of Gibraltar OF the
East. with the forts Of Fusan on the
Korean shore and the japanese naval
base Of Sasebof and the unlimited Goa
supply Of Nagasaki on the opposite
side Thus within the japanese Sea
Japan would be supreme so long as she
had any fleet remaining.
'Na@asaki would be the key Of the
situation. and there Russia would have
- deliver her blow. II Is between six
and seven hundred miles from Port Ar
thur. and without beating Japan there
and securing "A coal supply the Russian
fleet could not hope 10 round JapaT
and attack Tokyo and the farther side
OF the island 1900 miles from its base
Japan's Advantages.
Fighting the enemy on its owr
ground. amid the immense natural har-
b9rs and fortified islands west OF
Kiushiu. the Japanese feet would have
every advantage I'm the struggle"
II may be asserted with confidence
therefore. thinks the News" that -
naval battle oD a gigantic scale would
certainly arise and "A comparison al
the nsvies Of the two countries becomes
important" on paper such a compari-
son is certainly 20 the advantage OF St
Petersburg. as our London contempor-
AIRY admits. u presents the subject
ti.rz:
The total number OF officers and mer
IN the Russian feet is about $1,000 and
that Of Japan rather over 5000. The
warships built or building are as fol-
lows.
Russia. Japan
Ba;tlG,iips Crate D..-.........-.-
fFlffg