The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-18

likely to have fatal consequences for Ro-
JEsTvENsKY, and something like the
same result might be expected from an
encounter near Naga5aki, although III
the latter case Russian fugitives would
be much nearer Nladivostok The fact
that several torpedo boats and at least
two OF the cruisers habtually Kept at
that naval station are reported to have
emerged and to have been seen in the
Sea Of Japan, indicates that at least one
entrance to yladivostok has not been
effectually mined by the japanese, what
ever may be true Of t.e strait between
Nippon and YeZo.
That Admiral TOGO was originally in
structed to await the enemy either on
Formosa or off Nagasaki is 4 fair infer
ence from his apparent inactivity and
the secrecy with which he has managed
to conceal his whereabouts. The Toxic
Government could not then have con-
templated the arrival Of NIEBoGAToFF,
for nobody foresaw it, and the inter-
lection OF this new element into the situa-
ton must have disturbed their ca!cula-
tons; hence the indignation and anger
with which Frances acquiescence IN
RoJEsTvESsKY' prolonged sojourn In
lndo- Chinese waters Is regarded by the
Japanese. Confident, however. in ToGo's
ability to beat RoJEsTvRNsKY, even when
the latter had been reenforced-o
to the formers great superiority In ar
mored cruisers-the Mikado's naval
advisers seem to have made up their
minds though, doubtless, with some
uneasiness, to adhere to their primary
plan Of campaign. But while, under all
the circumstances, they might deem it
probable that TOGO, with four battle
ships-we assume that he has four,
though it has been reported that he now
has only three might prove more than
a match for the eight battleships under
RoJEsTvENsKY they would hardly con-
slider it safe to allow the latter to be
strengthened by two additional battle
ships OF large size and the latest type. 1t
would be the height Of imprudence for
nation that possesses but single fleet
to risk it in the face Of such preponder-
ance on the part Of its enemy When
NELSON at the Nile attacked French
force larger than his own, he was we'll
aware that England had afoat more than
one feet larger than his own. Should
TOGO on the other hand, experience a
decisive defeat, Japan. in spite Of the
successes achieved by her in Manchuria,
might be brought to the verge Of ruin.
For the arrival, however, in the South
China Sea Of the third Russian squadron.
said to be on the point of leaving Cron-
stadt, many weeks would be required.
We do not for moment believe that the
Toxic Government would leave RoJEsT-
vENsKY unassailed during that interval.
Should the Russian Vice-Admiral per-
sist in lettering in or near the ports of
lndo-China, the Mikado's advisers will
either call upon Great Britain to comply
with the conditions Of the Anglo-Japa-
nese treaty and nterpose upon their side;
or, should they shrink from recurring to
this expedient, DESTROYS as they must
be OF averting the interference OF out
side Powers in the final settlement Of
peace. they may order TOGO to attack
forthwith and beat him
as thoroughly as possible. or the two
they may think the latter
ess objectionable. especially as they
could recur to the former in the last
resort.