Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-05-17
THE JAPANESE ARMS.
Believed in Europe That They Will Be
Successful.

London, May 16-Belief in the over
Whelming success of Japanese arms
during the operations of the current
year is becoming general in Europe,
even among such Russians as possess
knowledge of the real situation.
Much additional information from
competent, unprecedented observers, in
Guiding several English war cores
pondents of wide experience, has come
to hand during the past week, regard
ing the military events ON the Iaiu and
in Manchuria. 1t all testifies without
reserve to the great superiority of the
Japanese arms II equipment, skill and
courage.
AS to courage only do the Russians
take nigh rank. Japanese valor, how
ever, according to all accounts par
| takes of quality almost unmatched in
modern history.
Even friendly continental experts
condemn the tactics of the Russian
generals in severe terms, While the
japanese themselves say the Russians
have learned little from modern eXpe-
rience. The Russian army in courage
alone maintains it's old standard. There
are signs Of change for the worse i'll
the relations of officers and men.
An order assured by Gen. StoesSel on
assuming command at Port Arthur
seems to signify that he fears a lack of
discipline and reports are coming
through of great discomfort at INSULT
cient food and the prohibition of vodka.
European opinion regards the invest
ment of Port Arthur and strongly in
clines to the belief that there will be
great engagement OF the combind
Japanese armies with Gen. Kuropatkin
in the neighborhood of Lao Yang with
in a fortnight, which will result in the
| latter's defeat.
Advice from St. Petersburg indicate
that the Russian policy will be to with
draw as soon as possible to Hardin, but
great battle must first be fought, so
that northern Asia will not gain an i'm
preston OF Russian impotence.
Meantime the political aspect of the
situation is unchanged. The talk of
mediation or some other eXpedient end
ing the war has entirely disappeared.
The best that Russia's friends now
hope for is that the struggle will con-
tinue until exhaustion on both sides
results in Il situation where victory is
impossible for either side.
Meantime internal disaffection in
Russia is ranidlv becoming acute. but
there is no danger that this will take
violent form in the near future. The
military power in the hands of the
authorities is far too great for the pos
sible success of such a movement. The
revolutionary propaganda has already
received an immense impetus and is
affecting nearly all classes.
The most loyal people are exasperat-
ed by recent events and resent being
treated as children by the government
in disclosing facts piecemeal in regard
to the Russian land disasters. A typi-
cal comment from Kicff is:
1--WE have known for some time that
we have no admirals; now we learn
that We have no generals. God help us
when we have bigger enemy than
Japan to face"
The revolutionary leaders are adopt
| ing wisely the conservative policy OF
waiting until the imperial power has
been shaken and exhausted by pro-
tracted struggle before attempting an
open demonstration against the gov
eminent. Then they believe the re-
formers opportunity will arrive. They
also hope a day may dawn for even
Ioutraged Finland,