The National tribune., 1904-09-22
THE Wax IN TIE EAST.

AS might n3M Deem expected botn the
japanese and Russians have remained very
quiet during the past week. Physical ex-
haustion, and tho exhaustion of supplies
must have coahpsDeds this. The Japanese
must have simply worn themselves out in
their efforts tS>snrround and capture the
great Russian nrmy. Their commits
sariat must have been drained of the last
crumb Of supplies.7 their timber chests and
cartridge boxts Entirely empty. and their
batteries broken, down and disabled. Carts
and wagons must have been wrecked and
the railroads and common roads in terri
BILE state. On the other hand, the Rus
SLAMS in addition to their physical ex-
haustion must be- equally badly off. They
had to abandon large stores of supplies
at Lao Yang. How much of these they
succeeded in destroying and how much
they left for the use of the Japanese is
question. At all events they were lost to
the Russians. This loss must have been
greatly increased by the fearful retreat
over wretched roads where teams and
trains must have had to be abandoned.
and all sources Of supplies seriously dis
organized.
1t has been estimated by the European
experts that the japanese will not be
ready for another advance for at least one
month, during which time the Russians
will have an opportunity to gather them
selves together and offer battle again.
There is a concurrence of belief that the
Russians will abandon Mukden without
serious resistance. as soon as the japanese
advance in force. Mukden is in an open
plain. without capabilities of withstand
ing siege. The next struggle will occur
it is believed at the Tie Pass, about 40
miles northeast of Mukden. Mukden is in
the broad valley of the Hun River which
opens out into the much broader valley
of the Lao River. Forty miles northeast,
the Lao River makes an abrupt turn from
it's southeastern direction to the southwest
through the foot hills of the great dividing
range. separating the water sheds of the
Lao and the Sungari. The railroad takes
advantage of this gap-Tie Pass or Tie
ling-to get up into the mountains. which
it ascends On its course toward Hardin,
300 miles to the northeast. For over $50
miles the railroad runs through the noun
tains. and then dcscends into the valley
of the Sungari at Chang Chung-Fu. This
will become the debatable ground Of the
future. If the Russians can successfully
hold Tie Pass they will have a gateway
by which to return to Southern Man
churia. If the japanese push them back
from the pass and through the mountains,
the Japanese, On the other hand, will have
at Chang Chung-Fu a gateway through
which to advance on Hardin.
study of It the map shows that the
mountains are favorable for the japanese
ianking the Russians out of Tie Pass and
compelling them to retreat back into the
mountains. The japanese can follow up
the valley of the Lao, which is the main
highway for the Winter trade, and flank
Tie Pass on the left while striking at the
railroad in it's rear. There are reports,
which are not generally credited. that they
are already moving up the valley to their
left. and the west of Mukden, to flank the
Russians out of that place. If they are al
ready in shape to move by continual, on
of the 1anking movement they will be able
to compel the abandonment of Tie Pass
also. If they are in any shape for move
ment it would be good policy to do so be-
fore the Russians become settled in forti-
fled positions.