The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-02-12
RUSSIA HAD TINE
TO Be PREPARED
So Says Prominent Ameri-
can Naval Officer.
PRAISE FOR TORPEDO BOATS
Experts Studying the Meager Dis
patches With Great Interest as
Solution of Deep Problem.

Another example of what happens
to a fleet surprised when IL is not ready
for war" prominent United States
naval officer said. I'm discussing the Jap
anese victory at Port Arthur.
There was no excuse for the lack Of
preparation on the part OF the Russians.
They have had months and years TO pre-
pare, and Japan did not strike until after
diplomatic relations had been broken
or. and there was every reason to 'ex-
pect an attack at any minute.
"A feet which was in readiness for
action probably would not have suffered
as the Russian vessels did at the hands
of the japanese torpedo-boat destroyers.
The details OF the fight received so far
are not sufficient to enable one 10 un-
derstand II thoroughly. but there can be
no question that the Russians were TAX
en- or guard.
Efficiency Proved.
''Of course. the efficiency of torpedo
boat destroyers is shown by the decisive
victory. Nobody can question that. The
result will probably be an increased de-
mand for boats OF that description. IN
the war with Spain the United States
had no opportunities to give it's torpedo
boat destroyers a thorough test Conse-
quently the idea became current that
they were not effective. and the United
States quit building them
Naval authorities credit the Japanese
officers with great skill and aIertness in
the Port Arthur fight ana say the fact
that the Russians were not prepared
should not detract in the least from the
glory OF the Japanese
Information received So far conce,n-
lhg the naval engagements at Port Ar
thur ard Chemulpo is so INCOMPLETE
that M val officers have not been able
10 MAKE an analytical study Of the re-
sulJs.
Dispatches announcing that three Jap
anese torpedo boats were sunk by the
russian neet in the Port Arthur en-
BaBenent have not lesseued the glory Of
the Japanese torpedo fiottila or detract-
ell from the praise of tceDedo boats. in
the opinion Of naval officers. Although
the first reports Of the Port Arthur con-
met seemed almost incredible 20 civil
ians. naval officers We're not surprised
AT the reports Of the miraculous escape
OF the little craft after playing such
havoc with the Russian fleet
Under cover of darkness torpedo
boats are just as likely TO escape as they
are to be destroyed" said Admiral Tay-
Tor. chief Of the Bureau Of Navigation
in speaking of the Port Arthur engage
mont There was nothing incredible
about the first reports OF the battle"
Dispatches received by the State De-
partment yesterday announcing the de-
struction OF the Russian cruiser Variag
at Chernulpo. were indefinite. They said
the cruiser blew mp. This indefinite
statement Is explained thu tnc1ning by
dispatches. which have not been CONFIRM
ed. that Capt Vladimir Behr., the Rus
Sian officer in command OF the cruiser
blew the vessel up rather than allow IT
to fall into the hands OF the Japanese
The heroism of Captain Behr In destroy
ing his vessel is warmly commended by
Commander Boutakoff. the Russian ma
val attache at the Washington embassy.