New-York tribune., 1904-09-04
NEWS OF TWO CAPITALS.
4FF1IRS IN LONDON.
What Russia's Defeats Mean to the
Politics of Europe.
Especial to The Hev-Tork Tribune by French ca6l'1

Copyright: 1904: BY The Tribu2s Association)
7ondon Sept 3-Military critics have been
savirr that the japanese have been strong IN
tactics and weak in strategy; but they now re-
fa- TO Ovama's plan Of battle master stroke
y, strategy. since an army corps rather than
division vas sent across the river and the Rus
sian position was turned after three days Of
.-ontsl attack all along extended line. Ma
noleonic is the word used by many writer's in
describing this audacious attempt to cut of Ku-
ronatFzir's retreat by the rapid march OF Kuro-
Lrs main force IN two parallel lines northward.
II Kuropatkin had been Napoleon he might have
massed his retreating division against Kuroki
end won a decisive victory; but apparently the
Japanese army was enabled in a wide turning
movement TO pass across the Russian front
without serious opposition. The veteran Off
GERS OF the military clubs can talk OF nothing
except the brilliant Japanese campaign and the
magnitude Of its operations Oyamas fighting
forces are estimated at 100000; Kuropatkin's at
10000.
All prospects OF peace are surveyed with hope
less eyes by diplomatists and men on Change.
The Russian disasters at Liao-Yang are so COM
pletely hu-niliaring that another campaign is
required, and must be fought before negotia-
tons can be opened. The Russian arms have
not been dlsgraced at the defence Of Port Ar
thur. which has been even more heroic than the
memories Of Seoastopol: but the government has
been convicted of mismana cement and lack Of
scientific preparation, and must retrieve its
reputation by reinforcing Kuropatkin heavily
and resumng offensive operations Although
Europatkin retreats. the governing group at
ST. Petersburg remains in the saddle and has
reserves Of gold in the treasury for carrying on
the war indefinitely. There is a general agree
ment among writers, soldiers and inanciers
here that the war Will last another year unless
the Russian government be confronted with an
internal revolt The boIdest councillor would
not venture 10 face even a weak spirited Car
with proposals for peace with dishonor, and
fatal loss Of prestige. which would include
heavy indemnity. The chances Of Intervention
are not seriously discussed in any quarter
Russia, having been set back at least gen
Grafton. is no longer dreaded as an enemy nor
welcomed ally Germany and Austria
have been released from the dread OF invasion
from the East, and England cannot now be
frightened by Russian intrigues in Tibet or
Afghanistan or Persia. France would be weak
ened by disasters to her ally II her relations
with England italy and Germany had not been
recently improved AS it Is Paris and London
viii act together when Japan and Russia So
hcit Intervention. There is a possibility that
second Russian campaign for the restoration
Europe rather than in Manchuria: but as yet
there are no signs of trouble fl the Near East.
Prince George has started a tour Of the
European capitals TO convince the foreign Of
fees that Crete must be annexed TO Greece but
his mission is discredited IN advance by the evil
dence Of his own Incompetence as an admins
TRAITOR. The powers viii not allow the Car 10
reverse hts policies and take up the cause Of
be strenuously opposed TO the reopenng OF the
Macedonian question. although the failure of
all reform measures is notorious Apparently
Russia must fight a new campaign in Man
churia, where every battle on land and sea has
been lost, and Europe must continue 10 suffer
from the disturbance Of Continental trade the
suspension Of neutral commerce with China and
the failure Of many ordinary sources Of food
supply.
The price Of bread is already advancing in
many English towns, and the dear loaf is likely
10 be hard reality before winter ends The
shr1nkage in American and Russian food sup
plies has conceded with the reduction of the
wheat area in the United Kingdom TO the small
est dimensions on record, since the doom OF
British agriculture was sealed by the adoption
Of free trade a half century ago
BalfOur has settled down 10 golf In the North
but he is in daily communication with the
Foreign and Indian Offices Mr.. Chamberlain
Is again reported 10 be out of health and he is
disposed 10 spare himself all needless exertion
II the fiscal campaign. He has not cancelled his
engagement. however, at the Luton meeting,
where the great landowner, the Duke OF Bed
ford, viii act chief patron Of the hopeless
cause Of British agriculture; but he is planning
restfUl journey TO Italy and a less energetic
popular canvass than that Of year ago The
Free Trade Tories assert that Mr.. Balfour
is telling his friends under his breath that the
hscal agitation viii soon blow over That is
what Gladstone's opponents said about the
Home Rule movement; but the land bill has
been enacted, the Irish party reunited and the
establishment OF a Dublin parliament is
sarded by old political sages hardly more
than question Of time.
The Kings first engag cement after his return
from Marienbad is with Lord Savile Rufford
Abbey for Doncaster week. He will remain
about month at BaImoral stag shooting and
fishing Only one visit is mentioned as probable.
namely, that TO Glen Quoich as the guest Of
Lord Burton. King Edward was not shadowed
by detectives at Marienbad, the police precau-
tons having been relaxed the King not
willing TO be known as the English Gar sur
rounded by military guards. The Scotch sea-
son VIII be exceptionally brilliant, nearly all
the great houses being filed with guests.
Runors arc received that Lord Curzon will not
remain IN InQia more than eighteen months. and
that Brodrick viii succeed him. The Duke Of
Marlborough has never been a candidate for
S1ceregal honors at Ottawa, and consequently
Lord Grey's appointment causes no disappoint-