The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-02-08

it could be seen that thousands of work
| lngmen We're engaged in strengthening
| them. On all the surrounding heights
masked batteries and other ordnance
were being rushed into position to open
fire upon any Russian or hostile warship
that might venture into those waters.
Russia Would Be Handicapped.
In war between Russia and Japan the
car will be greatly handicapped Japan
has not only strong Notifications at the
entrance of all her principal ports, but if
war should actually break out the mikado
| could transport his troops to the probable
| seat of war much easier than could the
car. From Japans naval stronghoIds it
is less than 200 miles across to Korea and
only zoe miles to Port Arthur, and troops
could be placed in either of these places
in a remarkably short time
with Russia it is very difficult for the
Russians would have to send, their troops
1000 miles, the larger part of the dis
tance by water. and it would give the
Japanese a great advantage. The Trans
Siberian railroad would not be Of much
use to the Russians, for it is so poorly
equipped that troops and munitions of war
could not be transported by it to any ad-
vantage
Without any interference by other naval
powers, with Japans magnificent fleet of
that nothing could prevent the Japs from
swarming into and taking possession of
the disputed territory shortly after war is
| declared. Should Japan be successful in
this, it would practically end the war. as
there would be nothing else to fight for
unless it should be an unlimited area of
Siberian desert.
Railroad Would Be of Little Use.
1.-THE Trans Siberian railroad would. no
doubt, soon be put out of commission in
the event of war. At present a person
can buy ticket on that road at Port
Arthur and go to London by way of Mos
COW with no water voyage included ex-
cept the crossing of the English channel
There Is a single track across the desert
| trip of 10000 miles or more, and requires
not less than three weeks to reach Lon
don. The roadbed is being improved and
no doubt quicker service will soon be pro-
vided if the impending war does not nut
stop to the business indefinitely. But
the road would be of little use to the
Russians in case of war"
Mr.. Bowling expressed the opinion
that in the event of war the first COL
lision would be on the water.
There will be a naval clash" said
Mr.. Bowling, followed Immediately
by an attempt upon the part of the
Japs to land troops in Korea, which
will undoubtedly be the base Of opera
tions during the war. Japan is well
prepared to operate against Russia
from Korea"
Mr.. Bowling says war between ia
pan and Russia will be or great adj
vantage to the United States, espe-
cially to the Western part of the coun-
try. He says this country will natur-
ally be the base of supplies of both
armies, and Japan will look to this
country for the greater part of her
munitions of war.
United States Would Get Trade.
Japan will have little trouble in
handling munitions of war secured in
this country said Mr.. Bowling. "They
can be shipped from our West coast
and landed at the northern ports of
Japan without any interference on the
part of the Russians"
Mr.. Bowling has been connected with
the Great Northern Steamship COM
pany for many years, and has studied
the situation in Japan thoroughly On
account of i'll health he gave up his
duties the first of the year, and is now
on his way East, where he will rest
for a time to recuperate, in which
event he expects to return to Japan
and China.
He stopped over Sunday In St Paul,
last night, talked enthusiastically of
Japan's chances of whipping Russia
should war be declared. Mr.. Bowling,