The Irish standard., 1904-09-03
THE STRUGGLE IN THE EAST.

THE STRUGGLE IN THE EAST.
The situation in Manchuria is
hardly satisfactory to the misguided
American enthusiasts who have been
looking for the complete overthrow
of Russia in the East. The campaign
has settled down to the hard knocks
Of war. After months of maneuvering
both armies have come into deadly
conflict. We have been advised for
months that the decisive battle of
the war was about to be fought. Mere
skirmishes have been heralded as de-
cisive and fatal defeats for Russia.
The Japanese sympathizers have &C.
tually been led to believe that the
Russian empire was to be defeated
without genuine engagement. We
have been told of the wonderful pow
ers Of Japan and the incompetency of
the Russian soldier. There is no doubt
sad news in the future for the parti-
sans of Japan. The world ought to
know the character of the Russian
army from past performances. Sebas-
topol should not so soon be forgotten.
Granting all credit to the Japanese for
their fighting ability, the Russians
must, nevertheless, be considered their
equal. The bravery of the Japanese
is due in large measure to his reli-
gion and his inherited contempt for
death. In late years Japan has adopt
ed many Of the ways of the western
world, but the spirit which led the
soldiers of old Japan to go into battle
with antique weapons and commit sui
eide rather than incur the disgrace of
cowardice is still present. The repeat
ed attacks upon the Notifications at
Port Arthur, where the japanese have
scaled heights into the very mouths
Of machine guns to be moved down
like fields Of grain, display that fana-
ticism which it is hard for western
people to understand. With the Japa-
nese it is regarded as a glorious privi-
lege more than a duty to give ones
life in war.
Opposed to this fatalism, this semi
barbarous bravery of the Japanese, the
Russian officers and men show an
equally stubborn courage. There is no
such thing in the military history OF
Russia as the surrender of fortified
post. When Japan takes Port Arthur
it will be when the stores of that place
have been exhausted and it's gallant
garrison reduced to point where re.
sistance is impossible. 1t will be re-
membered that when the Investment
of Port Arthur was complete, General
Stoessel told his men that there was
no escape but death. Ever since the
small garrison has been fighting
against fearful odds, and they will
continue to fight until actually over
powered. We are advised from day to
day Of the assaults which are being
made by the Japanese, and the nero
ism displayed by them, but hear little
of the stoicism of General Stoessel's
small army Of $4,000 which is gradu-
ally wearing out the resources of ia
pan in the face Of certain destruction
to themselves. The war in the East
is not over by any means, and those
who have been looking for the early
defeat Of the Russians are sure to be
disappointed. For months we have
been told that Port Arthur was about
to fall. The probability now is that it
will hold out for some months longer.
A United States naval officer, who has
been Mt Port Arthur, predicts that the
place will hold out for three months
longer. The cause of Russia is by no
means as desperate as the London
press would have us believe. In fact,
the longer the war goes ON the better
the chance of Russian success. Until
now Russia has done nothing but play
for time. Kuropatkin has retreated
from one base to another. This action
can only be accounted for on the basis
that his army Is greatly outnumbered.
If Russia can prevent disastrous de-
feat until time allows the regulars of
the Russian army to be brought into
Manchuria, the day will be lost for
Japan. Indeed, Notwithstanding all
the reported japanese victories, it is
probable that the situation at the pres.
ent time favors Russia rather than
Japan.
MORE STATISTICS.
The New York Sun has penchant
for statistics. 1t is especially fond of