Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-09

into almost inaccessible country. 1t seems.
therefore, that the possession of the line
of this stream will mean nothing to the
Russians or japanese. except that on one
bank lies Korea and on the other Man
churia.
at the north of the Ya1u there is de-
feasible position of great strength. the pos
session of which, however, can have no
more than local effect. If the Russians
hold it if the Japanese capture it, there
will simply be few square miles more Or
less within the sphere of influence of one
or the other combatants.
Points for Bridging.
1.-THE river at its mouth is narrow arm
of the sea. The coast of the Korean bay
on both sides is shallow fiat and muddy for
five to seven miles from shore so that The
effect of fleet in aid of a land attack
would not be great Al the mouth of the
river vessels drawing thirteen feet can
barely enter.
yards wide the river on each side narrow
ing to about DO yards. This is the only ia
vorabie point to bridge or tn force a pas
sage in front. About seventeen miles fur
Their up the river becomes narrower and af-
fcrds better opportunities for bridging.
ION the left of the position TIE All river
flows down from the north and the nil at
Hushan CTiger plountain) affords strong
D
titled by the Chinese in the last war, and is
probably well defended now The right
flank at Taton-kou. which is the Chinese
port of Wiju and Antung. is said to be forti-
fled by the Russians Between these points
the line is long hut rather easy of defense
on account of the width and depth of the
river, from which We may be sure the Rus
SLAMS have removed all boats In the rear
the mountains rise from the plain and give
good sec 1ndary lines of defense Three
roads lead to the rear. one is the imperial
highway TO Fenghuang phoenix City; the
two Others lead to Ta-ku-shan (G1 at Or
phan HID, which is ordinarily used instead
OF Taton-kou as the river port.
A Formidable Obstacle.
Here is a position that is formidable
obstacle to any army. 1t is too long for q
small force, but easily defended 1t can be
turned on the left flank, but there 1t Is
particularly strong for the defense. and not
favorable to the attackers. The Tiger
mountain, 300 feet high, is the key to the
position, and is well known to the Japa-
nese who walked over it without break
ten years ago. A thanking force defeated IN
that place might have hard work getting
away.
Turning 70 another field OF action, the
visit of Kuropatkin to Yinkow and Nieu-
Chwang is significant. His anxiety about
this part of his system shows its impor-
lance. and gives a strong hint as to future
events.
Il have recently seen some interesting
figures on rhe subject of Manchuria as
source of Russian supply The province is
said to export 10000 tons OF cereals an
nually while east Siberia does the same.
This would be six months supply of food
for $50, 600 men. These provinces are also
said TO have several million head OF cattle
and immense groves of hogs and sheep No
doubt il will be part of the Russian policy
to encourage the inhabitants by good pay
and fair treatment to bring their products
i'm for sale. Russians have ever conciiiat"d
the Asiatics in this way By inducing every
small farmer to add to ms acreage TINS
snrinp n Is probable that the Russians " iI
be able to control a supply OF provisions
which will make their army independent of
the Siberian railroad. Alexieff will find
way TO bind the Chinese population to him
by the best arguments of self-interest and
material prosperity. Much has been accom-
plished in this way already by the employ
ment of Chinese. Boxers, brigands and all
by the thousand on the railway.