Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-30
CAUSES, RESULT, COST
BRIEF HISTORY OF STRUGGLE
JUST SETTLED.


tween Russia and Japan are;
First-Russia's policy of playing fast and
loose with her promises as to the evacua-
ton of Manchuria, whereby China's sover-
eighty over that land was practically ails
nulled, and the equal commercial rights
therein of the rest of the world seriously
threatened. Second-Russia's refusal to
recognize Japan's paramount interests TX
Korea, and her own diplomatic" moves In
that peninsula looking toward treaty rights
under which she might gain control OF the
port of Fusan. the more northern harbors
Of vladivostok and Port Arthur having
proved less serviceable than had been an
ticipated. Third-Japan's seven-year-old
grudge against Russia for ousting her from
Port Arthur at the close OF her contest with
China, and (also) Russia's fatal ignorance
of Japan's preparedness and her oyercon-
fidence In her own strength.
The results are:
First-Japan has reacquired control of
Korea, establishing a protectorate and APP
pointing an American, Rurham White
Stevens. as adviser to the emperor. Second
Japan has regained possession OF Port ar
thur and the Liao-Tung peninsula and or so
much of Manchuria as will warrant Its re-
turn to China, with open DOORS to the
trade of the world Neutrality-suspicious.
law has gained a clearer knowledge than
has before been had of what constitutes
"contraband of war; and to what lengths
naval officer may properly go In the right
of search" Both of these advances have
plomacy Of the late Secretary Of State John
Hay. Fourth-Russia certainly will not get
on the Pacific coast the Ice free port LOT
which she has SO long been looking.
Detailed facts and figures of most inn
portant actions are given as follows:
Port Arthur and Chemulpo attacks (Febru-
airy and 9)-Togo and Uriu commanding
the Japanese and Alexiefr> the Russians
u, ~, ole nd
abled; the japanese, two torpedo boats
sunk. The victories gave Japan the COM
mand of far eastern waters.
Yalu river CMay D.-The japanese, under
KCroki defeated the Russians under Zassa-
Itch, thus opening the way to the invasion
Of Manchuria. Seyenty-one thousand nVe
hundred men were engaged, the casualties
being j, 1876 Russians to 1,039 Japanese.
Nan-Shan Hill and Kin-Chow (May 26).-
This victory of the Japanese, under Oku,
cut Port Arthur off from the north one
hundred and forty thousand men were en-
gagged, the casualties amounting to 1t4
Russians and $500 Japanese
Wafang-K ao June IA and 15).-Stakel-
berg's attempt to reinforce the Port Arthur
garrison was defeated by Oku, the former
losing 4,G35 men and the latter 1.120. One
hur dred and twenty thousand were en-
gagged.
Kuropatkin VS.. Oyama.
I.iao-Yang.@August &c to September ~
The first general conflict between the two
entire armies, Kuropatkin and Oyama COM
handing in person OF the 10000 men en-
gagged the Russian casualties are given at
q O56 and the Japanese at II $50. The VIC
tory lay with Japan. Kuropatktn's retreat
to Moukden was mastery.
Sha River.-(October IL to 21.) A second
contest between the same commanders and
forces as at Liao-Yang resulted in another
virtual draw, although the Russians were
compelled to continue their retreat. Total
"a S,Ia tiles % 73T-67 2fS Russians and 15S79
Japanese.
203-M Meter Hill1November 3O) The
bloodiest Of the conflicts waged about Port
Arthur, the Japanese victory leading d.
rectly to the later surrender Of the town.
The Russians lost in killed and wounded
about 5000 men. the Japanese fully five
times as many.
Port Arthur-Isolated on May IA. 1904:
surrendered January 2, 1908; siege Of 232
days. The garrison (43. $50 men, with IT'S
guns) was commanded by Stoessel; the at
by Nogi. From August 10 thirty-one dis
tinct attacks were made and three sorties
the fighting was practically continuous.
The total casualties have been given as:
surrendered 24.369 men, 564 guns $3.50
shells, 127 tons OF powder. 35,252 rifles,
2,266,SOO cartridges and 1920 horses. The
victory had cost Japan about $1OO, 900 600,
the value of the destroyed fleet was not
less than half again as much. Considered
as a demonstration of the pitch to which
human forutude and valor may be carried.
the siege OF Port Arthur reflects the high
est credit on both the defenders and the as
sa1tants, and Is destined to rank in history
among the most memorable feats of arms
Hun River (Sandepas ).-(January Ok 70
30 Gripenberg's brave but fruitless at
tempt to turn the wing Of Oyama's army
cost him 1900 men, with a loss to his en-.
envy M,, Of 1000; 10000 were engaged
MISUNDERSTANDING "a to March 12)
The greatest Of the land actions of the war
Oyama and Kuropatkin again facing each
other with forces Of from 100000 to 500 600
engaged along front extending from sixty
to one hundred miles Japan's Casualties
amounted to Al, 222; those Of Russia TO
nearly 10000. Forty thousand Russian pr1s-
oners were taken. Oyamas spoils included
oo guns, 10000 shells, 10000 rifles Is ZOO 900
rifle cartridges, 1900 horses $50 OOO husbe1s
OF grain ana fodder and 1,O00.OOO bread ra-
tons In the numbers engaged, in extent
OF the Held, In the duration of the struggle
ana In the magnitude of the losses, Mouk-
ueh SO Tar overshadows all previous battles
or which we have definite information, from
Marathon to Sedan, as to stand in a class
by Itself. 1t gives Oyama rank as a strate-
gist or the first order. 1t confirms the i'm
preston that kuropatkin, with his habit OF
preparing Tor retreat before going into bat
tie, Is not great commander Above ALI
II proves the superiority Of the Japanese
soldier
Great Naval Fight.
The Sea Of Japan.-(May 27 to 81 The
humiliation of the combined fleets under
Rojestvensky (thirty-six vessels of all
classes, mounting 372 guns) by the Japanese
fleet under Togo thirty-two vessels of all
classes, with an unknown number of tor
pedo boats, the whole mounting $50 guns).
at cost to Russia of $73 800, 600 and the
gain to Japan OF absolute command Of the
situation In the far east. Six battleships.
five cruisers, one coast defense vessel, two
special service boats and three destroyers
of the Russian fleet were sunk and two
battleships, two coast defense vessels and
one destroyer were captured, along with
5000 prisoners, including Admirals Roiest-
yensky and Nebogatof; $3.50 Russians were
Killed or drowned including Admiral VoeI-
kersam. Japan accomplished this at a cost
to herself of three torpedo boats sunk lib
men killed and 444 wounded.
Cost Of the War.
The war has cost in men, money and ships:
Men.
Russia had In Manchura in February 1904 60 600
She has since sent out to the front ...,, TSO 600
Japan Is said to have modified nearly -. TOO 600
Total forces engaged since the outbreak
Vi the WIZ thDout1. i ,54O, 600