Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-23
CHARGE IT TO BRITAIN
Russian Authority Claims
England Seeks Two Things.
PUSHING PRESENT WAR
CHECKING RUSSIA AND GRIP
PLING JAPS' MARITIME POWER.
Gear Will Bide His Time-Grand Duke
Remains in ST. Petersburg-Pre-
diets Japanese Defeat.
PUSHING PRESENT WAR

ST. PETERSBURG. February 23.-"The
war will end in August or September, in
the complete defeat of the Japanese said
to the Associated Press "A high authority in
intimate touch with the Russian war plans,
whose opinoin can be taken faithfully to
reflect the belief in the highest official
quarters He added:
How the japanese can hope to succeed
when our army in the east is strengthened
to point equal superior in numbers TO
that of our adversaries we are honestly
unable to comprehend. 1t will not be diff
cult to place two. four or even six hundred
thousand addition men in the field, if nee
essary. When our forces are concentrated
and ready they viii finish by driving the
japanese into the sea.
Failed to Appreciate.
Frankly. it seems to us that the Japan
ese either have utterly failed to appreciate
Russia's resources or have counted on the
aid of Great Britain or the United States,
neither of which ever contemplated be-
coming involved. So far as Great Britain
is concerned we do rot believe any hallu-
cinations existed there.
I'VE think the British statesmen who did
so much to push Japan into war realized
that with Japan's defeat they would ac-
complish two things for Great Britain
AlSl, ~ give IuSSld II clleCk-IOi. OI COURSE
the war must impede our progress tempo
rarily; second, to cripple Japans maritime
power, which was beginning to be greatly
felt in the Pacific
1t can be said with the utmost positive
ness that Russia will bide her time She
will act on the defensive until she feels con-
fi6ent that her weight of numbers will leave
no doubt as to the result. Reinforcements
are going forward at the rate of 5000 per
day. Probably some time will elapse be-
fore Russia feels fully prepared to assume
the offensive.
Conviction as to Jap Fleet.
The conviction is growing here in official
circles that In spite of japanese denials
the japanese feet was severely crippled off
Port Arthur in the engagement which be-
gan February s. The admiralty has no di-
rect official information to support this ex-
cept the manner in which the Japanese
abandoned the attack at the end of forty
five minutes.
1t is pointed out at the admiralty that
two weeks have now elapsed without the
whereabouts of the Japanese fleet being
definitely reported. and the opinion is gain
ing ground that 1t has gone Japanese
port for repairs. 1t is pointed out also,
that it has always been the Japanese policy
to announce only victories. the admiralty
adding:
1--WE know they sustained losses in the
China war which were never admitted
Kuropatkin's Status Unsettled.
Gen. Kuropatkin will not leave for the
front for another fortnight. In the mean
time he is going TO his country estates. to
bid farewell to relatives. His status has
not yet been fully settled. BY the terms
of his appointment the general will COM
mand the Manchurian army. subject to
Viceroy Alexieff. but his powers probably
will be extended to include the troops north
of ManPhI1ria ba VII oft ba s+o e
US is that Viceroy Alexief will be In su-
preme command, but the viceroy being
sailor, Gen. Kuropatkin will be appointed
his lieutenant for the army, Admiral
Makarof is for the navy.
The viceroys departure from Port Ar
thur was not due to apprehension of the
possibility OF its investment, but simply
10 the requirements of the strategical sit