Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-12
A POLICY OF RETREAT
HOW PURSUIT CAN BE MADE Elk.
PENSIvE.
Instances Cited From the Civil and
Other Wars-Fortified Garrisons
on Liao-Tung Peninsula.

"A policy of retreat on the part of the
Russians" said The Stars military critic
today, with the ultimate result of leaving
the entire Liao-tung peninsula, except Port
Arthur, in the hands of their opponents,
has been persistently reported for several
days 1t is said that Yinkow, at the mouth
of the Lao river, is also included in this
general withdrawal which would also ex-
tend to Hai-chen and Newchang. From
Feng-Huang the Russians seem to have re-
treated to the mountain passes further at
the north, while leaving open the paths
and cart tracks which center there from
other directions. Along the coast from the
Yalu to Talien-wan no effort at coast de-
Tense has been made, the few Cossacks on
guard merely limiting themselves to the
duty of observation.
Outside of indications of rather strenu-
Gus defense of Port Arthur which perhaps
will include the entire peninsula of the Re-
gents Sword, it seems that the troops of
Gen. Kuropatkin are folding their tents and
waiting only for the advance of the jap
anese to march away.
Advantage to Japanese.
The immense advantages that all this
would give to the japanese can hardly be
estimated, If this war is really to be
fought to a finish Instead of base of
establish one 800 miles nearer the seat of
kow, right in camp. The entrance to the
Lao river will afford access to the great
valley which drains the most fertile por-
lions OF Manchuria, and a stream which
can be used for purposes of supply and
transportation even to the gates of Muk-
den. Establishment on the East China
railroad closes Russian communication
with China and permits the full exercise
in ri
ton. Control of the portion of the Port
Arthur branch of the railroad gives the
vast advantages of such communication
10 an advancing army. always supposing
mat they will be able to find rolling
STOCK for the five-foot gauge or that they
VIII change the gauge. The bay of Talien
wan Will be splendid harbor for their
fleet. But the greatest of all advanta ges
Will be the foothold which they will be
able to establish.
Obstacles to Pursuit.
IAN army which finds 1t advisable or nee
essary to retreat does not always freely
abandon country to invaders. In the
Franco-Prussan war several insignificant
forts or important roads either were a
steady menace or prevented all use of i'm
portant roads, and In the case of Bedford
an energetic defense was able to cause
great inconvenience to the German MANS
By ieaving garrisons in these small places
VIC fiSiSh dchitSeu almost their only Sue
cesses. In the Russo-Turkish war the army
OF Osman In the fortified camp at Pleyna
arrested the Russian advance paralyzed
Their whole plan of campaign for Ave
months. and killed. wounded and spread
sickness among 10000 of the enemy. Lees
retreat from the Rapidan to the James In
1854 cost some 6Oo00 men to the northern
armies. Not patch of scrub or cornfield
that he did not make Grant fight for as n
II were the garden spot of Gods elect. The
defensive campaign called forth nearly
double forces on the part of the north. and
tnat was forty years ago. when a man be-
hind a parapet was not worth as much as
now.
Many Fortified Garrisons.
The question then arises whether Port
Arthur is the only point on the Liao-tung
peninsula which can be utilized for de-
Tense even If the active field army should
retreat. The most efficient fortresses of
our day are really no more than irtrenched
camps, such as Plevna. Belfort and Peters,
burg To raise up citadels of defense no
more is needed now than an abundance
of big guns. ammunition, food, soldiers and
bitches. Port Arthur, upon which they
say thirty millions have been expended and
years of work. Is perhaps more vulnerable
than an earthwork might be In the flats