Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-17

Russian Minister of War, who will undoubtedly
take command of army in field.
and it is assumed by the German authori-
ties that Japan will be ready by early
spring for a forward land movement sup
ported by properly equipped bases. Posi-
bly, 25O, 900 men according to the estimates
made at the German admiralty will be in
the field before a collision takes place with
the Russians in force.
Expert naval opinion in Berlin justified
the Japanese in landing before the Rus
sian fleet is destroyed, as to wait until
that is accomplished might mean delay in
the land operations for months, consequent
on the strengthening of Russias forces
The expectation expressed by technical
newspaper which reviews the situation is
that japan probably will, in the beginning,
have considerable land successes through
hard fighting. What may happen after the
early period of the land operations no tech
nical person ventures to predict in writing,
though it is doubted If the Siberian rail-
road will be at all adequate to reinforce
and supply the Russian army.
Russians Fired First Shot.
The Marine Rudschau, the semi official
publication of the admiralty, has issued the
first of series of pamphlets designed to
keep German naval officers informed as to
what is happening in the far east and the
meaning thereof After reciting the prepa-
rations on both sides and giving profess
sional estimates of the strength of the
fleets, the Marine Rundschau says:
''The Russians fired the first shot from
the korietz, doubtless because the Japanese
torpedo boats were creeping near.
The Russian Port Arthur squadron re-
lied too much on protective nets, and OBJ
viously was surprised. The commander
made serious blunder in having two ships
at Chemulpo and one at Chefoo (Shang-
hai?), separated from the main body. If
these ships were sent to observe the Japa-
nese they did it badly
Russians Criticised.
when the Japanese squadron withdrew
tfrom Port Arthur February 10 the Rus
slams ought to have followed and kept in
touch with it by means of swift scouts as
the Russian commander now Is ignorant Of
where it went
1.-The conduct of the Russian ships in re-
tiring to cover in the inner harbor indi-
Gates that they will not again engage the
enemy at sea. In the harbor many of the
Russian guns will not be effective"
Massing Of Jap Troops Confirmed.
PORT ARTHUR, February f-The re-
ports that the Japanese have concentrated
about 10000 troops at Wonson (on the east
coast of korea), with the object of entering
Manchuria; are confirmed.
Text Of Alexieff's Order.
The text of the order of the day issued
to the Russian troops by Viceroy Alexieff
! today follows:
An heroic army and feet have been In
trusted to me by his majesty the emperor,
and now, when the eyes of the Car of Rus
| sa and of the world are upon us, we must
remember that 1t is our sacred duty to pro-
| tect the car and the fatherland. Russia
| Is great and powerful, and If our foe Is
strong this must give us additional strength
J and power to fight him. The spirit of the
Russian soldiers and sailors is high.
"Our army and navy know many renown-
| ed names which must in this hour serve as
| an example to u.s. Our God, who has al
| ways upheld the cause that is just, Is doing
| so now. Let US unite for the coming strug-
| gle; let every man be of tranquil mind, in
| order the better to fulfill his duty, trusting
| In the help of the Almighty, and let every
man perform his task, remembering that
prayer to God and service to the emperor
| are never wasted.
Long live the emperor and the father
land. God be with us. Hurrah."
| Russian Claim Of Defense.
| Troops are arriving here continuously,
and the mobilization OF the forces is making
! Continued on Seventh Page.)