New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-01
WAR VIEWS OF EXPERTS.
They THINKS Russians Nay Haze Set
Trap for japanese.
IFRoM THE rR1BUNE BUREAU.l

Washington, April 30-Most of the experts OF
the army and navy who are following the devel-
opments in the Far East had their earlier cal
cuetions of the situation somewhat disturbed
by the news to-day of what appears to be the
beginning Of actual hostilities in Manchuria. 1t
was commonly supposed that the japanese
would not be found forcing the issue with the
enemy their own territory. for the obvious
reason that the Russians must have been pre-
pairing for months for just such a descent on
them, and ought to be strongly intrenched
against the invasion. There is an impression
that the Russians are coaxing the japanese from
their base, and If this has gone TO such a sue
cessful end that 10000 Japanese find themselves
confronted by 10000 Russians, the situation is
not so promising for the invaders. OF course.
the dearth of statistics and lack of knowledge
of the resources at hand for both armies inter-
fere with expert prediction, and much is left to
conjecture. AS one officer said, the 'if'' in the
situation was the most important factor If the
japanese have gone Into Manchuria without the
means Of reinforcement which will bring the
invading army up to the dimensions and ability
of the Russians. then the latter destined to
gain an immediate advantage which can be fol-
lowed up by driving the Japanese from their
stronghoIds in Corea. There is a chance. too.
that the movement Of the Japanese recorded in
the meagre dispatches of the day will be fol-
IOWed Dy the invasion or q larger force 10 eN-
perts here it is not conceivable that the Japan
csc have merely crossed the Yalu with an in
ferior force, for If they have it shows greater
temertty not to say recklessaess than they have
hitherto been credited with. There are chances
of some flank operation one side or the other.
OF which the news from St. Petersburg would
naturally contain hint at this stage Of the
proceedings.
The best opportunity Of the japanese is con-
sidered 70 rest in just such a manoeuvre as is
now attempted in the neighborhood of VIII,
while at the same time another force is being
modified elsewhere for the purpose of striking
at more vulnerable section of the Russian
line. The experts cling TO the theory that there
must be double play Of this kind If Japan is
to gain a firm footing in the enemy's country;
otherwise the movement of an inadequate force
In Manchuria would be regarded reckless,
unless every one has underestimated the Rus
sian power on land. Every advantage is with
the army which is at home, and that is to all
tntents and purposes the situation for the Rus
slams in Manchuria. They must be credited with
sagacity enough to have OWNED the japanese
plan OF the flank manRuvre and If the latter
are successful in any such operation and sur
prise the Russians 1t will go hard with the rep
utation of the Cars strategists.
The interest in the situation has greatly In
creased especially as most of the experts
thought Japan had abandoned the project OF
crossing the Yalu and assuming the aggressive
ANY one may make predictions at this point in
the situation" said one expert at the War De-
partment, but it Will take more information OF
the real situation and some further adVices OF
the results to permit anything which possesses
real value"