The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-07-06
NOW PICKS JAPAN
Faith of the Continent in Russia's
Supremacy Shaken.
PEACE FEELING IN THE AIR

The Success of the Japanese Arms
Was No Surprise to England, How
ever-Possibility That the Gar MAJ
AbdIcate-Rumors Of Russian Upris-
f~nrs-Internal Troubles OF b Empire.
London. Eng. Japan's unbroken
md overwhelming success is produc-
ne some curious effects on European
opinion. Continental sympathies have
been largely pro-Russian and were
coupled until very recently with the
conviction that the war would soon
demonstrate the military superiority
of Russian arms.
1t was especially feared in financial
circles that such a disillusionment as
was afforded by the storming Of the
heights Of Nanshan would demoralize
France and cause a serious collapse
on the bourses. The real effect has
been curiously different The COM
pleteness of the Russian disaster seems
to have created the impression that
peace is not far of.
Europe has apparently suddenly
Jumped to the conclusion that Rus
STA. rather than carry on a useless
war. will sue for terms. The reversal
of opinion throughout the Continent
seems almost universal among ordi-
nary observers.
Nor is much sympathy wasted up
on Russia. Her prestige has well
nigh vanished and with it has gone
| that mingled awe and respect which
constituted her greatness in European
eyes.
English and American opinion was
prepared for Japan's sudden leap INTO
equality with any master of arms
known to the modern world. 10
Europe the revelation has come as
an utter surprise. 1t is strange that
this momentous event is accepted al
most without resentment and without
apprehension, despite Russia's studied
attempts in anticipation to arouse
fear of Yellow Peril among Western
nations. Admiral Togo's earlier naval
successes caused more serious disturb
ance than this decisive display of his
c~ountrymen's supremacy in the art OF
war.
Nowhere outside of Russia Is credit
for this marvellous achievement at
Kinchau stinted or questioned. 1t
Is even conceded by most military
authorities that the japanese sue
ceeded where the best European troops
would have finched and failed.
When it comes to a question Of early
peace diplomatic opinion is not in &C
cord with that Of general observers.
1t is expected that General Kouropat-
kin will be crushed, or, at best. driven
in demoralized retreat to Hardin.
Diplomatists are convinced, however,
that Russia cannot under those cir
cumstances seek peace. 1t Is argued
that the only means by which such
q result could be reached would be
by arbitrary act Of the Car, and such
a move would probably be followed
by his abdication, voluntary or CO.
creed.
Evidence accumulates of a grave
revolutionary spirit throughout Rus
STA. The war has not served to pacify
or unite the country. and a national
disaster does not arouse patriotism,
although for that matter the masses
are quite ignorant of the extent of the
humiliation Of Russian arms.
1t is impossible, however. to per
ceive any chance Of success of violent
uprisings. All the troops sent to the
front continue to be from reservists
whose time has expired and who have
been recalled to the colors. The regu-
lar troops are retained in European
Russia for use in any revolutionary
movement. They are so distributed
that nowhere Is there any personal
sympathy between the rank and file
and the population of the district
where they are stationed. An unarmed
%populace, no matter how desperately
rebellious, Is utterly helpless in such
circumstances.
Nevertheless wholesale secret con-
formations, executions and disappear
ances continue until there is a veri'
table reign of terror in many districts.