JAPAN'S FIGHTING MEN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 249, 20 November 1914, Page 1 (Supplement)

JAPAN'S FIGHTING MEN.

Japan has -u'ti more fighting than any other power during the last twenty years. Since Japan has taken part in two tremendous wars and tome successfully through each. Ju 1&1.M she made war with China. aii-a by LsDo liud, to the amazement ot the world, won a complete victory over her gigantic neighbour; while her success against Russia in tho war ot 11*01- ■') was doubly wonderful and unexpected.

Against the Russians tho lighting of both th<' Japanese army and navy was magnificent. Mukden was the "great land battle, and the siege of Port Arthur the supreme naval test. The Japanese emerged victorious in each case.

TU© original religion uf Japan, "Shinto, ' is full of patriotism, and this is one reason why the Japanese are such difficult foes to meet. To die in battle for his country is such a glorious death to a Japanese that every man is imbued with a kind ot irrepressible fanaticism in time of war which renders him almost; superhuman. Owing to their religion no foiocs in the world are quite so likely "to achieve the impossible" in war as the Japanese are. Once they set out. richer by themselves or in support of an ally, the Japanese will never give in and run. Added to this religion?, force la the fact thai the Japanese have employed the beM brains ol Europe lu teach them thf. straugy and of modem warfare. For thoir army —conscription '» the rule in Jaipan—they have engaged both Geiman and French military experts, wluie British officers have taught them how lo handle ships and right at sea.

Tlie .Tapani**? navy was. ii! fact, or-Ra-iiis**! I'v British seamen. and liu'.v u!■ 1 o tbo tutors \.<ro an<! how apt the pupils, was strikingly shown l>v the skilful seamanship of tho iti the China nar and their audacity and ingenuity in the Russian war. Tlio torpedo \\ nrk of thr .l-apano>e at Port Arthur was loally marvellous Ihp forces i* a- follow*' Army : IVaco .strength, 7.">0.0(uy Navy: Hal i leshipo-. 17; cruisers. 3l"; torpedo boats and dc.-troyois. 10!); hiilitnariues. 13.