The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-02-10
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 1904.
FIRST BLOOD.

AS was expected, Japan draws first
blood in her contest with Russia. Her
alertness is the most formidable ele-
ment of her strength. In her war with
China she carried everything with
rush. While the experts were debating
how long ii would take her to get into
the field, and the Chinese planning in
leisurely way for an invasion that
would overwhelm Japan, her armies
were already far into the enemy's
country; and the war was over in less
time than had been expected to pass
before it should be fairly under way.
The same tactics are repeated now
against a foe at least as open to their
successful use. Russia is mighty, but
she is slow. Japan is pigmy by COM
parison, but she has the pigmy's swift
ness of action, dash and facility in es-
cape without injury. Perhaps a better
comparison would be that between the
furious bull in the arena and the plea
doris and matadors whom he could
crush in an instant if he could but get
at them.
Japan has followed the line of ex-
pectation in directing her first assault
upon the Russian fleet; and the advan-
tage gained is in harmony with the ex-
pectations of the naval experts every
where. Hemmed in as she has been,
Russia has had little opportunity to
become familiar with the sea Or to
grow great upon it. Her officers and
crews are unused to naval maneu-
vers; while those of Japan, besides
incessant practice, have the great ad-
vantage of having been in action dur
ing the war with China. 1t is a differ
ence that could not but tell.
This engagement does not appear to
have been as decisive in it's advantage
as the first and conflicting dispatches
seemed to indicate. 1t adds to Japan's
prestige and is a corresponding dis
enlargement to the enemy; but the
student of war history will have learn
ed long ago to distrust the prophetic
value Of first engagements. Besides,
the strength of Russia lies not merely
In her aggressive force, but in her ca
pacity to bear infinite punishment with
out yielding. That was the element with
/ which Nonn1nnY7 -
sorrow; the unallowed- for force in ma
tional traits against which his vast
prestige and power were shattered.
The world will look with more inter-
est for the result of the first consider
able land engagement. No sea fight can
determine the fortunes of this struggle.
1t may be of immeasurable value to the
victor; but it will neither put the other
out of the combat nor decide the con-
fiicting claims to desired territory. In
the end the test will be whether Korea
can be held against the troops of the
car, and whether the Cossack can be
driven out of Manchuria. No naval
battle can settle these questions. The
most that Japan can do with a sea ad-
vantage is to secure free transportation
of her troops to the mainland and to
secure her own ports against the en-
envy. Even then her battles are stiu
to be won.
For the first week there will probably
be series Of spectacular encounters.
the first movements of the two powers
that have been long preparing and
planning for exactly this emergency.
No success that can be won on either
side is likely to be at all decisive or
determining of the general result.
After that will come the steady pull Of
logged determination. After that race
characteristics will begin to tell and
power of endurance be pitted against
Etivity. daring and courage. Japan