The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-28

inch. 81 6-inch, 10 12-pomders, 10 as
to s-pounders; the Chin Yen, PINCH
finch and 4-pounders. avg
Armored Cruisers-Adsuma, Yakunos
Iurate, Idzumo, Tokiwa, Asama, Kasuga
and Nisshin, with gun power OF 1 10s
inch 80 s-inch, 10 4-inch o. l2-pounders
~ 2la-pounders.
Protected Cruisers - Kasagl, Chtose,
Itsukushima, Hashidate Matsushima.
Kaniwa, Takachico, Aktsushima, Idzuml.
Akashi. Suma, Chiyoca, Niitaka Tsushinna
and Ottawa. with gun power OF l2e-
inch. 1O-inch, 4 s-inch, SO 8-inch. % Al
inch 81 12- ounders, 40 8-pounders, IS
3-pounders and 20 l-pounders.
Unprotected Cruisers-Takas, .Yaegamas
Tenrin. Katsuragi Yamato. Musash.
Tsukushi and Amagi, in the order of theiY
size.
Torpedo Roat Destroyers - Sh akuno,
Asash o, Harrsame. Murasame, Akatsuki,
Kasumi, Ikadsuch. 1nazuma Akebono,
Sazanami, Oboro Sh'nonome, Murakumo,
Yugiri, shiranuhi, Kagero, Usugumo.
Asagro and Hayator.
Torpedo Gun Vessels - Chihaya and
Tatsuta.
Gunboats-Akag, Banjo, Oshma, Atago,
Maya and Chiokai
Coast defense vessels and auxiliaries ID
proportion to the fleet.
Naval authorities in Washin gton figured
on the information obtanable in April
that the balance of gun power was greatly
in favor of the Japanese, though the Rus
slams had the greater number of battle-
ships. Tho difference was accounted foT'
in the superior number and armament
Of the Japanese cruisers.
The first two s1uadrons of the Russian
feet started from he baltic Sea in October,
before Port Arthur had fallen, and it was
expected that the ships would arrive in
time to relieve the blockade of that port.
But their progress was slow and marked
by sensational Incidents. At its start
the fleet was in a demorslized condition.
1t had been reported that the Japanese
had torpedo boats. bought in England
in the North Sea. When the Russians ran
into British fishing feet they mistook
the trawlers for the feared laps and opened
fire. One fishing boat was sunk number :
damaged and several of the crews killed
and wounded. Great Britain made prompt
demand for reparation, and for a time the
crisis was acute. Finally the affair was
submitted to an international court Of ;
arbitration. which met in Paris and de-
cided against the Russians. Damages were I
paid.
The fleet stopped at Cherbourg and then
split. Admiral Roiestvensky. with most Of
his ships. went around the Cape and tho
rest went through the Suez Canal. The
two squadrons met again at Madagascar.
where they took on supplies of coal. Cross
ing the Indian Ocean, they passed through
the Straits of Maacca into the South China
Sea and steamed along the coast to Saigon
and then to Kamranh Bay, French Indo-
China.
Here they took on more supplies, and
another international crisin arose. TRn
SuN correspondent, who visited Kamranhl
Bay and saw the assistance the French
authorities were giving to the Russians.
attempted to send a dispatch from Saigon
describing the conditions. The local French
authorities refused to transmit the despatch.
Later it was sent from Hongkong, and
it's publication aroused all Europe because
Of the apparent violation Of neutrality 1t
described France, finally stirred to actioni
ordered the Russian ships from its Eastern
waters. and Rojestvensky, now fully
equipped, sailed north for battle.