The sun., 1903-12-27
JAPAN'S BEST CHANCE AT SEA.
ri SSIAN FLEET SAID TO RE IN
POOR CONDITION.
Corruption In the Supply Department
Best Observers Believe War Must
Come II Russia Won't Back Down.
Czar Counting on GcrInany's support.
Special Cable Despatch 10 THE sun.

Special Cable Despatch 10 THE sun.
LONDON, Dec. 28. Another Christmas
season finds war and rumors of war as
the chief topic of public discussion in
Europe. There has been little apparent
change in the Far Eastern situation dur
ing the week. Japans position is now
clearly defined and it is toerably obvious
that nothing save the withdrawal of some
of the principal Russian pretensions can
avert a conflict. Those who believe in the
sincerity of the Russian policy regard war
as inevitable, while others, who are con-
vinced that Russia is playing a dangerous
game of blu6. expect the Car to yield at
the last moment.
One opinion, In the absence Of all official
Z information, is as good as another. 1t is
just beginning to be realized in Europe that
Russia counts much upon the so-calle d
benevolent neutrality of Germany, and
that the latter country has been giving
free expression to its pro- Russian sym
pathies in the past few days. 1t is true,
doubtless, that Russia would get sub
stantial assistance from Germany in the
case of a conhict-more in fact than she
would receive from her own ally, France.
The same sort Of assistance in the same
measure would be available to Japan from
Great Britain and the United States. Ger
many's aid to Russia, moreover, will have
an important effect in alternating Frances
sympathy, which is already showing
tendency to turn toward British opinion.
In the present situation each week makes
it clearer that France would come to the
aid of Russia in the Far East in case of
necessity only with the greatest reluc-
tance. Nothing could be more repugnant
to the French sent iment at this moment
than to find itself arrayed in the same camp
as that of Germany and against Great
Britain. This development is by no means
impossible If war begins, and the posi-
bility is regarded with genuine adherence
in Paris.
A lively discussion is pro crossing in the
European press concerning the relative
chances of Russia and Japan in the event
of hostities. The corruption resulting in
the ll-equipment of the Russian navy is
80 notorious that opinion seems to favor
the Japanese as having the better chance
in case of a decisive engagement.
The Spectator says: For the conduct of
an Asiatic Power in a naval war there are
few precedents. The idea which lies at
the basis of European speculation, that
Asiatics grow timid on the water is con-
tradicted by many facts Of history and of
many Chinese and Japanese vessels in the
late war. But of their capacity to manage
the huge yet delicate machines which we
now describe as fighting ships the evil
dence is imperfect. So is the evidence for
the Russian management of great fleet
in war time, and SO above all Is the evidence
of the comparative condition of the rival
squadrons. There have been rumors that
corruption has been rampant in the supply
departments of the Russian Navy and
that the most experienced Admirals are
annoyed by the condition of their ships.
Nor is it yet known with any certainty
whether European nations may not by
mschance be drawn in We should say
that the great maritime Powers would all
be glad to keep out of the struggle, but
their conduct will be hampered both by
treaties and by the distrust which Russia,
by her needlessly tortuous diplomacy when
dealing with Asiatic affairs, often contrives
to inspire"