The Cairo bulletin., 1905-05-31
A FAMOUS VICTORY

The banner of rhe Rising Sun still
floats prouly to The breeze Admiral
Togo has won the greatest sea fight
fought under modern conditions.
Hitherto Admiral Schley's decisive vic
tory at Santiago held the record; but
Tngo's fleet far outnumbered thar Of
Schlcy just as Rojestvensky's did that
of Ceyera. Russ an boasts as usual
have come 10 naught. Great reliance
was placed on Rojestvensky by the
Russian Government. He was crack
ed up 10 be peerless strategist,
fine disclplinarian and valiant sailor.
His fleet was said to be In superb con
|diticn, and the Russians predicted a
disastrous defeat for Togo when The
two fleets should meet. In this hour
|of crushing defeat. it would not be
generous or chiyalric to gloa1 over
the Russian Admiral's collapse. He
has violated most OF tle rules Of the
game, II Is true. He has fired upon
merchant ships of nearly every neutral
nation. He has smashed a British
fishing feet. He has violated the
fundamental principles Of neutrality
to the point, when Il threatened cause
lessiy to involve other nations. He
has tried the patience Of the civil
lzed world Bur on the other hand he
carried his great armada round the
wcrid. and he has met his fate-the
fate he richly deseryed--like a man.
III is easy enough to make predictions
after the event. but ii Ii hard to see
how the Russian Admiral ever had
any chance. Togo made his prepa-
rations quietly and thoroughly. and
he struck just what he thought he
would strike. He did not advertiEe
his whereabouts or tell what be was
going TO %, He bided his time, and
let the world think what 1t pleased
Some of the newspapers strategists
said he was afraid to meet Rojestyen-
sky Some said he had been ontwt-
ted All Of them complained taat
they didn't know where he was; AMI
still he made no sign.
II remained for thss Russian fleet
% find out where he was The Jap
Ianesc Admiral, as well as we can
make out, lured the Russians on into
| the, Korean Straits. When they had
reached the vicinity Of the Tsu Is.
lands, the Nelson Of japan struck.
He seems TO have rad his heavy ships
| il front, and his swift cruisers In
their rear. Everything indicates that
his victory has been decisive and oyer
whelming
/ No matter II few OF the Russian
ships do escape, Rojestvensky's feet
has been to all intents and purposes
Iannihilated, and Japan maintains the
undisputed mastery of the sea. The
j Japanese victory seems to have been
purchased at small cost. Admiral
n Togo reports that all of his large yes
sells escaped injury Those VINO have
followed the tactics pursued by the
Russians VIII agree that the destruct
!, ion Of the Russian navy Is distinc
gain for civilization and humanity
, Russian naval officers do not seem L
have the most elemental ideas Of hon
or and proper conduct. They hay,
.. iised their warships TO sink merchant
men. They have fired at the merchan
/. snips of Germany, Holland and Nor
way They have fought japanese
! transports, sunk them and left the
! occupants to drown. They have re
named In neutral ports, coaled VII
nailed and refitted their ships. The
have acted like pirates, and neve
: as skilled and honorable seamen. Til
: Russian navy has been destroyed b
: men who scrupulously observe tn
: rules OF the game, men who are ten
: perate, intelligent. brave and efficicn
y hit has been d victory Of trained ii
Z telligence 0ver drunken buster an
= sodden ignorance. II has been vi,
g tory eainedsby valiant men in jus
3 and honorable cause.
\ There can sbs little doubt that thI
N victory IS the forerunner or peace