The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-06-09

the chosen representatives OF the army OF
Manchuria-were passed in review by the
Mikado. 1t was impossible, he tells US, 10
watch the quiet, businesslike way in which
the troops we're brought on 10 the parade
ground and made TO take up their positions
without being struck by the perfection OF
the organization and the excellence Of the
discipline. From start to finish the pro-
ceedings were marked by a clockwork
regularity which the writer has never seen
surpassed and perhaps not eoualled on any
similar occasion either in England or else
where. Silently, ceaselessly. automatically,
without any sign OF effort. did the pre-
scribed movements continue TO the end OF
the programme, when the Emperor left the
parade ground at the exact minute ordered
We learn to our surprise that no orders
were given and no words OF
heard. Every mar seemed to now his place
and TO take his part without the need for
directions. The effect was as though a
huge inanimate machine had suddenly
come to life and set itself voluntarily in
motion. A deep impression was visibly
created among those foreign visitors whose
presence had been invited and who learned
with their own eyes the strength Of the
tremendous weapon which the Japanese
have forged.
In reply to the question, What is %thefght-
ing quality Of the Japanese officers and men,
Col. Murray distinguishes between the in
f8ntry on the one hand and the artillery
and cavalry on the other. He expresses
the conviction that the Japanese infantry
soldier can carry more and march longer
than the foot soldiery Of any other army.
During his three years service under the
colors the chief part Of his training consists
of marching exercises, his active service
kit and equipment. weighing some sixty
pounds, being always carried on his back.
To his marvellous power Of covering long
distances at a running pace every war
correspondent with the army in Manchuria
bore witness. Our author goes. on TO recall
that In action the fire discipline Of the men
was reported as being under complete
control. no rounds ever being wasted.
AS regards the Japanese artillery Col.
Murray testihes that it has lately gained
prestige and popularity owing to the re-
suits achieved by the admirable handling
and shooting of the batteries in the Man
churian campaign. Owing 70 the superior
training Of the personnel the fire OF the
Japanese cannon nearly always succeeded
in silencing the Russian guns. 1t is not
denied. however. that a weak point OF the
artillery arm is the horsing Of the guns with
small. underlined animals, which lack the
necessary strength and endurance for the
heavy work required of them. Our author
was informed by a journalist who accom-
panied the advance on Mukden that the
Japanese batteries even when going into
action seldom moved faster than at a walk.
and with difficulty could keep pace with
the infantry.
II is likewise acknowledged that the Jap
anese cavalry cannot be classed in the
same category Of superlative excellence
to which the Japanese infantry belongs.
The old Daimyo chiefs always fought on
foot, and so did their Sa mural retainers,
In former days the horse was unknown
in Japan, and in children's books is still
described as a dangerous animal The
Japanese officers learned TO ride with char
acteristic energy and thoroughness, but
they are not natural horsemen, and when
mounted seldom appear at ease. During the
war in Manchuria the cavalry rendered very
little service. Not compromising their
role as the ears and eyes" of the army,
the japanese cavalry hung about the field
OF battle, waiting to come into shock with
the Russian Cossacks; caring neither 10
~reconnoitre. p nor pursue, but
standing inactively aside while the whole
burden OF the fight was left to the infantry.
Col. Murray ound the japanese military
authorities alive to the weakness of their
cavalry arm, and making every effort to
improve the standard Of riding and TO
encourage an equestrian spirit among
officers and men. While, however, the
relative shortcomings OF Japan's artillery
and cavalry are hus frankly acknowledged.
the author Of this book deems it certain
that the next decade will witness develop
ments VI military organization and training
as far reaching as were those made during
the ten years between the Chinese and Rus
sian wars. developments which, when COM
pleted, will enable Japan, with or without
allies, to make good her claim to leadership
among the nations of the Far Fast.