New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-19
VAR views OF EXPERTS.
Russian Successes Expected When
Land Fighting Begins.
Irpox TIE rrrRuNE BUREAU.

Washington, April 1S.-American army Off
generally have reached the conclusion that
Russia in this war must find her salvation in en-
gagements on land. They believe. Of course,
that the Japanese have now gained a material
advantage by their victories on the water, and
that possibly the situation for them will be
made the easier on land by their naval success.
The problem is not by any means settled. say
army officers, by the Japanese control OF the sea.
The removal of the Russian ships OF the Port
Arthur fleet from the scene Of activity would
enable the Japanese to land army unimpeded
in the transportation OF the troops by water,
but military experts look with some confidence
for great setback for the japanese as soon
the land fighting begins. 1t is regarded as
admirable and sagacious strategy Of the jap
anese to retain their positions IN Corea, but 1t
is considered hazardous undertaking to pene-
trate into Manchuria, Of which a single element
Of weakness would be a lengthening of the line
OF travel for their supply trains. The Russians
practically their own territory, where
they have prepared for a siege.
1t has been suggested by some officers that IT
may be the Russian game to retreat before the
japanese advance and entice the enemy well into
Manchuria and then accomplish their defeat by
movement by cavalry on the rear of the Jap
anese. The scheme must have also appeared to
the Japanese the most likely Russian manoeu-
vre. and It may be that this anticipation of the
Russian plan will lead the Japanese to remain
IN the security Of the Corean mountains, where
they are probably by this time strongly placed
and invulnerable against Russian attack The
prompt retreat Of the Russians from the Corean
bank of the Yalu River appears to officers here
TO confirm the opinion that Russia is anxious to
get the japanese troops across the boundary
and far enough from the river to permit OF flank
movements.
There has been much controversy again to-
day over the real causes OF the destruction Of
the Petropavlovsk. Army men are inclined to
hold that the Japanese are claiming too much
credit II Is pointed out by these doubters that
Il would be difficult and hazardous matter for
the Japanese. we'll as the Russians. to plant
mines in the supposed path Of ships coming out
of Port Arthur. A contact mine must be To-
Gated with great precision and at the right dis
lance from the surface Of the water. 1t would
be next to impossible. these officers say for any
one to place mine in the open sea, where the
Russian ship was destroyed. with the certainty
Of achieving such deadly results In the case
Of the Petropavovsk. They consider It more
probable that the ship was blown up either by a
deliberately aimed or a stray torpedo on the
other hand, there naval officers who insist
that the project is possible and that the claims
OF the japanese admiral must be accepted as
beyond dispute in establishing credit Tor the
ton.
There is one question which has been raised
by some officers who have followed the progress
of the war. They asking whether or not
the torpedo. the submarine boat and the sub
merged mine are humane implements or war
fare The shipment from st. Petersburg Of hve
submarine boats as announced In to-day
dispatches makes the subject pertinent, and the
destruction OF the Petropavlovsk, with the enof-
nous loss OF life. furnishes example. II Is
argued that the object Of attack Is not to de-
stroy but TO disable a crippled ship like
crippled army, becomes a greater impeachment
than vessel destroyed. 1t is on the theory that
a man who IS dead gives no trouble 10 his com
rades while the wounded must be cared FOR. II
is pointed out that II explosive bullets. poisonous
proiectiles and other Internal inventions OF war
fare are prohibited because or the tnhuman
dAmag they do in conflict, similar objection
might well be raised against submarine warfare.
The purpose Of the Japanese attack, X Is con-
tended. would be accomplished as well with the
Russian ships disa bed and the lives Of human
beings saved. BY most naval officers this prop
ositIon Is characterized as beneyolenty absurd.