Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-03-12
HOW TOGO PREPARED.
Japanese Admiral's Plans to
 Fight the Russians.
ALL WARLIKE TALK FORBIDDEN.

ated the Admiral at Saseho a Few Days Before He Appeared at Port Arthur Tells How the Fleet Was
 otism Aroused.
 That Japan was fully prepared to fight is made plain by the following letter, written by Toyohiko Turushima from Ssseho, Japan, which was print ed in copy of a leading Japanese paper that recently reached Amer ica. The date of the letter, Jan. 15, shows that Japan was waiting Rus sia's reply only for formality's sake. It is not hard to see why the Japanese could be so quick In action. When her minister was recalled from St. Peters burg her ships were waiting for chance at Port Arthur, says the Pitts burg Dispatch.
 The translation of the letter, which is herewith given, is by Tone Noguchi, a native of Japan who has lived in the UnitSI States for years.
 All she sailors of Vice Admiral To- go's ship were disappointed in their hope of welcoming a Happy New Years Day" in Japan. Some of them bade their farewell to Japan some months ago.
 They really expected to see the rising sun of the first day in the Yellow sea yes, looking upon the ruin of the Rus sian fleet wrought by themselves. Their faces beamed when they were summoned by Admiral Togo to the deck to hear his words. His words? Were they not the very notice of de- parture-of the break of war? They gathered on the deck selennly. The admiral bade one to bring out the things he had prepared. The eyes of all the sailors were fixed. Alas, it was sanho of white wood. Sanho? Little table on which was placed small sword for committing harakiri, an honorable suicide of ancient days. The sailors understood perfectly what he meant by it. They understood that the time was near for going to commit an honorable suicide. They were glad. On the sanho were some little sheets of paper which the vice admiral distrib- uted among the sailors. They were his advice upon how to leave their af- fectionate words with their mothers and sisters. The. crisis was near at hand. They smiled.
 There was report that the New Years party would be held on board the flagship Mikasa. Seventy officers were taking part. The admiral for bade, however, to act or speak any, thing warlike on the streets or any where else. We understood the time was approaching when we were to break fire in silence. Should we await Russia'S answer?
 There was no other place so busy as Saseho, where all the workingmen were kept at work day and night. They were hurrying to make the ships ready for fight. Everything seemed to say that the war clouds were gath ering.
 And on the 10th there came mighty news. Our three princes were to be appointed officers by the august com mand of his majesty. Princes appoint ment? Certainly it was great news. Prince Kacho was to be appointed a division master of the Mikasa. Prince Yosihito was coming to the ships of the Admiral Togo. And the Prince Yamashina would be aboard the Ya- kuma. All the sailors and officers ex- claimed: "We will be sent to hell if we show even q moments hesitation in dying! Think of the princes!' They cried from joy.
 Everything is ready. Yet they are not departing. They begin to condemn the gofernments slowness in action. They begin to call the cabinet mem- bers towards. What use to wait for Russia playing bluff? The hairy Russians shall see what the Nippon spirit is.' They are only looking at the face of Admiral Togo for his final con- mand.
 It was on the afternoon of the 18th that l got an interview with the Ad- miral Togo. He was in his cabin busily engaged in writing. The papers and some other stuff almost covered his table His face appeared especially gloomy. Undoubtedly his brain was oc- cupied by something important. Of course every ything would be serious in those days. He stopped his pen and looked upon me, and he said that lie hoped the war could be averted. But I thought knew he was treating me like anybody else. His sparkling eyes said, We shall fight" He gracefully apolo- gized for the governments severe cen sorship.
 Japan is acting before the whole world, not only for Russia. We must try to keep our secrets and tactics be- hind the curtain as much as possible Usually our Japanese make too much noise about nothing. We must show to the world our reserve of strength and patience I have found the pub- lie satisfactory so far, but I hope it will continue to act quietly even when we shall have ruined all the Russian , ships. Our sailors business is only to fight. Leave everything to us!
 Even the princes take part with us. We must give our lives for our coun- try's sake," he said. His voice trem- bled. g.
 "How bare is your room, admiralw I