Arizona republican., 1904-05-20

the sea power of the enamy. It is pointed out that the Hatsuse was one of Japan's finest battleships and that the loss of two and possibly four warships at intervals of a few days, cannot fail to deeply affect the Jap anese and to influence the course of the campaign. The general staff to- night is without direct news of the sinking of the two ships. but there is an impression that it may be true The reports. at any rate. have infus fresh life and enthusiasm into official circles, where it is believed the tide has turned.
 No surprise is expressed by the ad- miralty at the Japanese vessels strik- ing the Russian mines, the admiralty expecting such mishap to Vice Ad- miral Togo, particularly since the na- val commanders at Port Arthur have faithfully duplicated his plan, which resulted in the destruction of the Pc trCpavolovsk. Wherever, off Port Ar thur, the Japanese squadron appeared during the day, that same night the Russian torpedo boats stole out and carefully planted contact mines which, below the surface, could not be touched by the destroyers, but ships of heavier draught cruising in the mine feds, would be sure to strike them.
 A favorite spot selected by the Jap anese for bombarding is Lao Tishan promontory, and the water there has been thickly sown with Russian mines. Other points besides Liao Tishan have also been mined and it has been dan gerous for Japanese ships to cruise in those waters.
 The loss of the ships. irrespective of other casualties which may have Oc- cured, is of utmost importance. ac- ccrding to the general staff, members of which pointed out to the Associated Press that it tends to restore the equi- librium afloaT. Despite the number of casualties in the Russian fleet, it has really only lost one battleship, the Pe- tropavoloVsk. It is true the RetVZan and Czarevitch were torpedoed at the beginning of the war, but both were safely lowed into Port Arthur. The damage they sustained was serious, particularly to the CZarevitch, but Ie pairs have been in progress since then and officials state that the Retvizan is ready to resume her place in the fight ing line. The Czarevitch is still under going repairs and it will be some time DEICIe SIt CdIl put lO Std TUT lO us isolation of Port Arthur several thou sand shipwrights entered the city and they have since been rushing the work of repairing the ships.
 The Russians now say the fates are against Jauan. Later movements re- ported to the general staff tend decid- edly to befog the authorities as to the real position of the enemy.
 f now orara-o11y- fbaf 70 mission of the second Japanese army is not merely the investment of Port Arthur, but it's capture. The Japanese must appreciate now that their fleet has been weakened, that the appear ance Of the Baltic fleet will make Rus sia immensely superior afoat unless the Port Arthur squadron be destroyed.
 If the Japanese are to be successful in the war they must retain command of the sea, however great the cost.
 Whatever may have been the orig inal object of the landing of troops in the southern part of Liao Ting penin- sula, it is believed here it can now only be the destruction of the squadron at Port Arthur.
 Even should the enemy capture the fortress, it is emphatically declared, it would never get the Russian war ships. Under orders given before Port Arthur was cut off, the crippled squadron was to leave the harbor immediately before the fortress fell and attack the Japan csc feet If the enemy retained the su- periority which existed before the ships were destroyed there would have been little chance of a successful sortie.. Now authorities are hopeful that in case the squadron must go out the chances in a conflict will be more even. This will be the case if the repairs to the Retvi- gan and Czarevitch are finished in time.
 The crippling of Togo's fleet. will it is thought, more than ever deter the Japanese commander from dividing his fleet, as he must retain his heavier ships off Port Arthur. Thus the Vladivostok squadron may have an other opportunity for raids.