Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-29
Chances Growing Simmer for
Naval Engagement as
War Progresses.
.as /. ~. a -- .... 49,:
Land ATTACK EXPECTED,
A~cs@~ -- :4.z4%aax
Troops MasSing in Corea and Man.
Churia--- Japanese Minister Ex-
plains Attitude.


Toxic, Feb. 2S.-As the campaign
are growing simmer for Il great
pitched battle on the open sea of the
fleets of modern battleships which the
world has long awaited. 1t is believed
here that the Russians lack the
strength to assume the offensive and
that they will probably stick to Port
Arthur dogEcdly to await Il sea and
war, Port Arthur will undoubtedly
cease to be an important base. The
Notifications will probably be disman-
tied, as they are small ana cramped
and as heavy guns are in the fortifica-
ton it is thought they are incapable of
securing protection.
1t is estimated that the Russians
have zoo guns mounted at Port Arthur,
making it theoretically one of the
strongest forts in the world.
In the opening of Win for which
United States Minister Allen has long
been pressing, it has been decided to
await the formal announcement Of the
Japanese, whose influence is now DOM
inant in Corea.
The incident has IL significant bear
ing on the future of Corea, assuming
that the Japanese are triumphant.
On account of Vice Admiral TogO's
successes at Port Arthur the rebpen-
ing of the sea 10 japanese merchants
and the revival of shipping, the Japa-
ncSe government does not anticipat G
that it will have further need for the
auxiliary cruisers America Maru and
Yawata Maru. and they will be dis
armed and returned to their owners.
Nothing now prevents the America
Maru from resuming her place on the
San Francisco line and the Yawata
M2ru on the Australian run.
In preparing Cor the war Japan
armed IL big feet Of fast auxiliary
cruisers, but it is believed that the
uxiliary cruisers are no longer needed.
1t is expected other vessels will be dis
armed and released.
The Nippon Yusen Kaisha co. is
ChartCring Il feet of vessels for rc-cS-
tabIishing the Chinese coast lines. Lack
Of details of formations, firing ranges
ANA evolutions prevents Il full under
standing and appreciation Of Vice Ad-
miral TOGo'S tactics. He seems to be
cndcavoring to accomplish the maxi
mum destruction with the minimum of
exposure. lie is carefully balancing
those considerations ana relying upon
superior mobility, craftsmanship and
ammunition. At the outset, the equal
ity of naval strength and the probable
necessity Of fighting the Russians I'M
der the batteries of Port Arthur. made
extreme caution essential. The loss of
= few ships endangered the success of
tho Japanese arms, hence the brcvity
Of the engagement Of Feb. 9 and the
avoidance of the engagement of the
fortress. The same tactics were fol-
lowed in Thursdays engagement and
bomhartlincnt. These Withdrawals arc
= novelty in warfare which warrant
the consideration of strategists. Vice
Admiral ToGO's reliance particularly on
Gunnery, is fully warranted by his gum
ners clearly outshooting the Russians.
He constantly fought at long range,
furnishing the enemy severely and es-
Gaping without serious damage HIM
self. The personnel of his forces is
shown il another way. by the superior
ity of the officers and men who are
anxious TO undertake hazardous duty.
Togo's ships are apparently in better
condition than the Russian vessels. The
heavy scoring of the torpedo craft is
one of the surprises Of the war so far.