The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-03-02
JAPANESE VIEW OF SITUATION.


Toxic, Feb. 2a.-On account OF Ad-
suiral Togo's successes at Bort Arthur
the reopening of the sea to japanese
merchantmen sind the revival of snip.
ming, the japanese government does
not ansicipate that it will have fur
siaer need for the auxiliary cruisers
America Maru and Yawata Maru, and
they will be disarmed and returned to
their owners.
Nothing now prevents the America
Maru from resuming her place on the
San Francisco line and the YaIata
Maru on the Australian run.
In preparing for the war japan
armed a. big feet OF fast auxiliary
rruisers on account of the equality OF
naval strength between the Russians
and Japanese, but it is believed that
the auxiliary cruisers are no longer
needed It is expected other auxili-
ary vessels will be- disarrned and re-
leased. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha
company are ehartering a feet OF
British vessels for reestabiishing the
Chinese coast lines. Lack Of details
pf formations, firing ranges and evolu-
lions prevents a full understanding
and appreciation Of Admiral Togo's
Eactics. He seems to be endeavoring
60 accomplish the maximum destruc-
lion with the minimum Of exposure.
He is carefully balancing those con-
siderasions and relying upon superior
aobility, markmanship and ammuni-
zion at the outset, the equity Of
naval strength, the probable necessity
Of fighting the Russians under the
batteries Of Port Arthur. made ex-
treme caution essential. The loss of a
few ships endangered the ultimate
success OF the japanese arms, hence
the breyity of the engagement of Feb.
g. and the avoidance of the engage
ment Of the fortress. The same tac-
Tics wer, followed in Thursdays en-
aagemens and bombardment. These
aashes, brief battles, speedy with
drawals, are novelty In naval war
fare which warrant the consideration
OF stratsgists. Admiral Togo's reli-
ance on gunnery is fully warranted by
his gunners clearly outshooting the
Russians. Ee constantly fought at
long range, Furnishing the enemy se-
vers.y and escaping without serious
damage himself. The personnel Of
his forces is shown in another way by
the superiority of the officers and men,
who are anxious to undertake hazar-
dous duty.
Togo's ships are apparently in better
condition than the Russian vessels.
The heavy scoring of the torpedo craft
rs one Of the surprises Of the war so
Ear. Foreign naval experts say, how
sver, that making every allowance for
the daring. skill and persistency of
the japanese, the Russians are largely
TO blame for lack Of watchfulness
and poor craftsmanship.
THE NOVIK'S IMPETUOUS DASH.
london, Feb. %. "A Russian cores
pondentsof the Associated Press at Port
Arthur, cabling under yesterday date,
describes the combat between the
Russian cruiser Novik and the Japa
nese squadron following the attempt OF
the japanese to bottle up the Russian
Meet in Port Arthur Feb. "a, as fol-
lows:
e g The Noyik impetnously bearing
down on the squadron Of the enemy
was observed to fire on the japanese
flagship aud she then Immediately
opsned FIRE with all her batteries. The
Japanese answered with a running
Ere.
The guns of our squadron thunder
ed and the batteries Of the forts roar
cd. The battle had begun.
The Nogik, going at full speed did
not give the enemy chance to aim,
hat few By, her bow guns belchlng
forth solid shot. Then turning at full
speed she showered him with shells
from her stern batteries.
The Noyik was in the very midst
OF the enemy's FIRE and shells Kissed
past and fell close BY raising tremen-
dous columns of water. That's what
you call serving guns.
1sThe officers remained cool and
calm. The firing proceeded without
the least confusion and was seasoned
with that humor which never deserts
q Rusisan even in moments of terrible
danger.
&sThe Noyik continued manoeuvering
alternately approaching the enemy
AID withdrawing until she received an
injury to her stern. One gunner was
Killed. Still energetically sustaining
her fire the Novik turned to the shore:
As this moment column Of fire and
smoke was noticed on the flagship.
After that the Novik repaired to her
Aock ,,