Durango semi-weekly herald., 1905-05-18

believe in its essential inferiority, II
resolutely met. Historically, the ef-
tects of its antecessor, the scarcely
less terrible ireship, were almost al
ways wrought through panic; not by
itself. but by the fear it inspired.
1 should certainly expect the Jap
anese admiral to withhold his armor-
ed vessels OF every kind, till he has
fully tested the possibilities of his
compel him to bring the armored
force into play against the undimin-
ished Russian feet, comparison be
comes difficult, even ii pursued with
minute and tedious detail, for, like
most fleets in an age OF rapid pro-
gress, botn opponents are some
what scratch lot. To say four against
seven Is misleading il mention is
omitted that two of the four are SUI
perior to any two of the seven, and
two of the seven inferior to the
worst of the four. In armored cru
isers also, the Russian two are by no
means equal to the weakest two OF
tne Japanese eight, To the layman.
unless specially interested, there is no
occasion to pursue inquiry into de-
upon which professional opinions will
not agree, but warning may be Civ
en against the misleading rough esti-
mate, based upon Il count of all the
guns of the same weight on both
sides, irrespective of the details of
the SHIPS carrying them. That is a
not infrequent kind of computation.
in former days as now, and has some
times been used in a contemplate
manner and spirit; but II is radically
inaccurate.
Should Togo have to fight thus. two
principal methods of action are open
to him. He may try by rapid move
ments TO "outmaneuver the Russian
thereby either effecting a prelimin-
AIRY reduction of force, or creating an
opportunity ITO close" at advantage;
or he may, under such dispositions as
may seem to him most desirable,
close az once. throwing everything on
the hazard Of the die. The last is tne
easier course for the admiral. as 1t is
the most imposing; but for the same
reason that 1t is easier it is not suit.
ed to the circumstances OF Japan. II
is easier because, the battle once
joined, there is left to the admiral
little further responsibility till the
outcome is settled; but it abandons
all to the chances of a melee. If the
Japanese feet possesses adequate
maneuvering power. its superiority in
numbers and the inferiority of most
of its units 10 several of the single
vessels OF the enemy. appear to me
to require that it exhaust all the posi-.
bilities extended to II by inferiority
of speed. and the facility for comhi.
nation due to numbers, before expos.
ing to final trial the cornerstone upon
which rests the near future OF the
country. This means prolonged strain
and anxiety; but from the devotion
Japanese officers have shown, we may
he sure it will be endured to the end,
should Admiral Togo think that the
welfare OF the country so demands
From Wednesdays Daily.
Ollie Klinger OF the Standard is one
of the Silverton baseball rooters.
Frank Weston came down from
Needleton this morning to see the
races.
r. ID. Lanford and wife came down
from Needleton this morning to at
tend the races.
w. o. Redding. mayor Of Montrose
is visitor at the races, having ar
rived last night.
Mrs. w. d. Todd was suddenly
summoned to Denver to see her sis
ter, Mrs. Earl, who is reported to be
seriously Ill.
on course Jack Slattery is down for
the ball game. A ball game with
Slattery missing IL like the play Of
Hamlet with Hamlet left out.