Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1904. The War.

Manawatu Herald, 26 May 1904, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1904. The War.

Fortune, which in contravention to the old proverb, had favoured the cause of the small battalions, has, with characteristic fickleness, veered round to the side of Russia; and the Japanese are lamenting the loss of two of their finest warships—the Hatsuse and the Yosbino, The former was one of the largest vessels in the Japanese navy. She was of 15,200 tons displacement, 18*5 knots speed, and her complement numbered 741 officers and men. While manoeuvring in company with the squadron outside Port Arthur she had the misfortune to strike a Russian mine, which damaged her rudder considerably. Scarcely had this taken place when she struck another mine, which proved fatal, the ship sinking within half an hour About 300 of the crew were drowned. The Hatsuse was built at Elswick, and represented Japan at Queen Victoria’s funeral in 1901. The other vessel, the Yoshino, did not, like the Hatsuse, fall a victim to Russian strategy. She was cruising, along with the Kasuga, off the Shantung Peninsula, in one of the dense fogs for which the Yellow Sea is notorious. The Kasuga, losing her bearings, ran into and sank the Yoshino. The latter ship, though built some years ago, was a fine specimen of naval architecture. Her tonnage was 4,150. She was a very fast vessel, steaming 22 to 23 knots per hour. Her crew numbered about 850 hands all told; and of these, some ninety only were saved by the boats of her consort. The |ow of tnyo such fine orfrfti will 90

doubt be felt severely by the Japanese, but it is not expected to affect their naval position. It is perhaps disquieting to Japanese supporters to learn that Russian dockyards and arsenals are busy preparing for the departure of the Baltic squadron to the scene of action, but reliable authorities do not attach much importance to this. For one thing there will be the difficulty of coaling the ships on the voyage, foreign ports being closed to them for that purpose. Even if a fleet of colliers accompanied the warships, it is not thought likely that they would be able to carry sufficient coal for the distance of 12,000 miles or so that intervenes between Kronstadt and Korea. Besides, in the event of foreign complications during the absence of the fleet, the Baltic coast would be entirely at the mercy of a belligerent power. It is therefore highly improbable that the Russian Baltic fleet will come into contact with the Japanese. With regard to operations on land it is hard to obtain a clear grasp of the situation, the reports being so conflicting. Up to a few days ago it appeared that the advance of the Japs was irresistible, and that before very long they would arrive at Harbin, the head-quarters of the Russian forces : but, according to the latest reports, the Russians have succeeded at one or two points in staying the onward sweep of the Yellow men. It is not likely, however, that they can do so for long, as the Russian front is so widely extended, that it is capable of being pierced at several places. Under these circumstances the Russians will no doubt fall back on Harbin, and concentrate their whole strength there. News from Port Arthur is not startling. The place is still invested by land and sea. The garrison is a strong one, and with plenty of plies and ammunition, should be capable of a desperate resistance. Two days ago Admiral Togo reported that fifteen Russian destroyers appeared outside Port Arthur during the foundering of the Hatsuse. A little before that it was cabled that the entrance to the harbour had been successfully blocked ; but according to Admiral Togo this is not so. None of the larger Russian vessels have made any appearance outside Port Arthur, and it is consequently probable that the entrance is closed to larger craft, This supposition is strengthened by the fact that Admiral Skrydloff, the Russian naval commander in the Far East, has hoisted his flag on board the Rossia, one of the vessels of the Vladivostock squadron. Nothing fresh is to hand from Vladivostock. The Japanese fleet is still hovering in the vicinity, while the Russians remain silent inside the port. The place is not besieged at all on the land side; but a further Japanese advance into Manchuria will imperil the safety of the defenders by cutting off their retreat. Nevertheless the town is well fortified, and will, it is thought, make a hard struggle before surrendering. The usual question is being asked, “When will the war end?” It is difficult to say exactly how long it will last. As was the case in South Africa, most prophecies will no doubt prove incorrect. Competent critics, however, do not anticipate a prolonged struggle, but think that if the Japs are able to capture Harbin, Port Arthur and Vladivostock will be forced to surrender, and the Tsar will be obliged to make the best terms he can with his implacable little enemy. Whatever time the war will end, we hope these portents will be verified, for our sympathies are with the Japanese, and our interests necessarily run hand in hand with theirs. The essence of Great Britain’s policy in the Far East is the preservation of China’s integrity. Russia threatens it: Japan defends it We must as a natural sequence support Japan; (1) Because her claims are Just and reasonable ; (2) Because our interests can only be served by the success of her arms.