Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-03-23
played enabled Japan to conquer a
triumph within twelvemonth.

more what she had done than how she
had done it that caused ast0nishment.
But the impression was only transient.
The conclusion was that Japan, well
supplied with modern arms and ships
and fully prepared, had merely out
elassed her sluggish, antique neighbor,
who was in no position to use her
strength. So the credit was taken
away from the japanese people and
bestowed on the enginery OF war
fare that they had, admittedly, used
with considerable skill, but which
came from the West. The Chinese
never received the honor really due
them Tor the plucky fight they made.
Next came the Boxer outbreak.
Japan, nearest the scene, joined the
western nations to restore order in
China and rescue the besieged lega-
tons. Right nobly did she respond.
She was first on the scene, and the
little brown men led all the way to
Pekin. 1t was they who took Tientsin
when the white troops paused, deci-
mated and exhausted. In this pecu-
liar campaign, where for the first and
only time, the soldiers of Great Brit
ain, Russia, Germany, France, the
United States and Japan marched and
fought side by side, it was the Impair
tial verdict that Japan's contingent
proved the most effective. Not only
did they march and fight well, not only
were they alert and untiring, but their
limited needs were looked out for by
system so perfect as to move the
highest expressions OF admiration.
Nor were charges of excuses and
cruelty laid to the japanese troops,
as to those OF some OF the allies.
II began now to be apparent that
here was force likely to prove trou-
blesome as an enemy. A government
that could ON short notice despatch
such a formidable expedition as this
could no longer be classed as one Of
barbarians. Japan's prestige was en-
HANGED, and people began to speak OF
the island empire as a strong and ris-
ing power, Still there were many who
doubted Japan's ability to stand a
severe stress.
Once more comes the test OF a bloody
struggle, bound 10 determine the mas
terry OF the Orient. Once more Japan
proves her amazing strength by the
utter discontinue OF the strongest foe
that could be sent against her. For no
other power could assemble such
armies as Russia has in that quarter,
or prosecute a war with more determi-
nation. Yet Japan has gone from vic
tory to victory on sea and land, until
her triumph is practically complete
She has done it with a strength and
vigor that have astonished the world
1t has not even seemed to tax her pow
efs. she has suffered, OF course, but
as a military and naval power she is
more formidable today by far than at
the outset.
Her finances, which it was feared
would be unable to stand the strain,
are in good condition, and her securi-
ties command higher rates than ever.
There is no doubt of Japan's ability to
conduct this war for years, if neces-
sary.
Next to the oft-proved valor OF her
soldiers and seamen, the most striking
characteristic OF the japanese in war
is their capacity. Commanders are
able; soldiers obedient. All the de-
partments move in concert and accord.
Not one instance OF incompetency has
appeared. Admirals and generals
work together, without jealousy or
pickering. When there is a victory. il
is not announced in grandiloquent
terms. but simply, modestly, often
with words OF praise for brother OIL
Ger. And even the Russians testify to
the humaneness OF their foe. The
japanese at home do not 90 crazy over
the successive victories, but deport
themselves with seemly moderation,
obeying the admonition OF the govern
ment not to waste their means in ceie-
brations, but to husband their re-
sources for coming needs.
Verify, is there rot much that We
even Americans, the cream OF the
planet-can learn from this wonderful
peoplep