The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-09
FILL ROJEsrVENSKT FIGHT'
An ObIerver VII Thinks the Bate May he
Postponed for Reasons OF world Politics.

Postponed for Reasons OF world POLITICS.
To the EDITOR or THE Sun Sir: In all
the discussion regarding the naval conditions
Of the Russo-Japanese War that has taken
place since Admiral Roicstvensky's squadron
emerged from the Straits Of Singapore into
the China Sea. IL has been assumed that Of
necessity there will shortly be 4 decisive bat
tie between the opposing fleets. think a
careful consideration OF the situation will
lead 10 the conclusion that on the Russian
side at least a Fabian policy Ia the one die
tated by circumstances. From the moment
that Admiral Rojestvensky, with all the di-
visions OF his feet united. passes into the
Pacific be will naturally seek a base Of opera
tions for coaling and provisioning before
entering upon action. Whether his objective
in the first instance after leaving the shelter
Of the coast Of French Indo-China be Vladi-
vostok. Petropavlovsk. Korsakova In the
Island Of Sakhalin. or some port on the
mainland, is probably known only 10 himself.
and may not even yet be determined, but left
TO circumstances TO decide.
There are many reasons why the Russian
Admiral should avoid a decisive encounter
for the present. however anxious bis Japanese
opponent may be 20 bring II on. The peculiar
conditions Of politics In Europe make It deslr-
able. The Anglo Franco G eTman furry over
Morocco: the sudden cessation Of the acri-
monious dispute between Italy and Austria:
the disturbances Of the Middle East, and the
prospect Of general election in Great britain
In the very near future with the chance Of the
liberal party coming into power all these
call for a conservative policy on the part Of
Russia in the conduct Of the VAR by land as
A change OF government In ENGLAND alone
would be a dominating factor in the situation.
for on u would hang not only the renewal OF
would be given II II prolOn Red. IL IL an open
secret that for several months past the Japa-
obtain from the British Governurent it, con-
sent 10 the abro cation Of the existing treaty
and its renewal on an offensive as well as de-
fensive basis. That, however. Mr.. Balfours
Cabinet has not seen its way 20 agree TO,
mainly because Of the visible diminution OF
his Government's strength in the constitu-
encieS and the tremendous responsibility
Il would incur were II 10 involve En- gland
aud perhaps the whole continent OF Europe
The conditions as they are work favorably
for Russia. and therefore indicate a waiting
policy in the sphere OF action as the best 20
pursue How far the situation in Europe is
the result OF accident or OF deliberate plan
will be OF interest for future political study;
for the present we are only concerned with
That Japan should be impatient with con-
ditions as they are IL only natural, and she
can hardly be blamed for wishing 70 convert
her defensive alliance with England into an
instrument for oIense, However selt-Bacr-
icinR the spirit Of the Japanese people, and
revenue at the disposal OF their Govern ment
for the prosecution OF the war, there Is a point
bevond which In the nature OF things they
win not be able TO go This Is, Of course, as
well understood in Russia a. elsewhere. and
ought 20 be preeminent motive on the part
OF the Russian Government for not wishing 20
bring matters TO a definite conclusion at
Admiral Rojestvensky will therefore con-
form his actions 70 the eNiEencies OF the gem
eral situation. and they require that patience
and circumsDection, and not the rash impulse
that drives the gambler 20 his last throw, shall
Fovern his future movements, r.
NRW YORK, May 8.