New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-06-03
CAUSES OF THE DEFEAT.
Many Conditions Against Russian
SUGGESTIVE Jemchug Sank.

Toxic. June 1.-The cardinal causes of Rojest-
vensky's defeat have been the subject of general
discussion here. One Japanese expert gives the
following analysis:
Tristan imperfect reconnaissance and incom-
plete and misleading intelligence.
Second-An imperfect battle formation, which
indicated that Rojestvensky did not expect to
meet Togo off Tsu Island.
Third-The weather, the direction Of the wind
and the sunlight were unfavorable to the Rus
SLAMS, Togo having the sun behind him and
firing with the wind, while the Russians had the
sunlight in their eyes and fired against the wind.
Fourth-The Russians wasted their ammuni-
ton and eventually short 1t is believed
that the surrender of Nebogatoff was necessary
because his ammunition had been expended.
Fifth-The marked inferiority of the Russian
gunnery.
Some experts criticize Rojestvensky for essay
ing the Tsushima Channel. Others uphold him.
saying that his only chance lay in going through
that channel The impression prevails that Ro-
jestvensky was totally unaware of the presence
of Togo's entire fleet off Tsushima.
Many believe that It was necessary for Togo
to take station at pivotal point from which
Il would be possible to intercept the Russians
entering either Tsushima. Tsugaru or Soya
channels. Calculations placed this pivotal point
on the west coast. near the western entrance of
Tsugaru Channel Togo's location was known
to many Japanese. but the secret was success
fully guarded--another example of the willing
ness and ability of the Japanese to preserve mil
itary secrets. Leaving aside the questions of
preparedness and superior conditions the supe-
riority of the japanese personnel fresh from fif-
teen months successful campaigning under all
possible conditions, must be taken into consider
alton.
Many acr.be the victory entirely to the SUI
perior craftsmanship Of the Japanese. Togo.
realizing that it would probably be necessary to
hiS
ing in firing in rough weather with a heavy
wind blowing and the ships rolling. When the
hostile fleets met the superiority Of the Japanese
Immediately became evident The sinking of
battleshps and armored cruisers by shells testi-
ies to the deadly accuracy of the japanese guns
and destroys the theory that It is impossible to
sink such ships by shell fire.
Togos message to the Emperor, saying that
the victory was the result Of the Emperors SUI
perhuman influence strikes the keynote of the
navy's attitude. The officers openly say that the
marvellous result obtained was impossible by
mere human achievement alone.
Interest is turning to operations on land
Togos victory tremendously alters the military
situation and removes all limits of offensive
operations against Russias maritime provinces
IL is now possible effectively to close Vladivo-
stok, seize Saghalien, the mouth of the Amoor
River, Kamtchatka and any point between the
Tumen River and the Arctic Circle that the
japanese may desire. A foreign military OBJ
server, discussing the situation said:
Togo's victory may drive Russia away from
the Pacific coast of Asia Japan now has free
hand in Russias maritime provinces and her
offensive powers are unlimited. Nothing bars
the way EXCEPT the Russian force at Vadivo-
stoh, whose speedy isolation is possible The
Amoor River is open to Japan, and Russlas de-
fensive capability is now entirely limited TO the
/ Chinese Siberian Railway
Admiral Togo, telegraphing yesterday says:
The ships sent northward to search for Rus
sian ships returned yesterday The cruisers
| Iwate and Yakumo and. other vessels sent
| southward 10 find Russian ships returned
to-day They thoroughly searched the Shanghai