POSSIBLE ARMISTICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12930, 28 July 1905, Page 4

POSSIBLE ARMISTICE.

Till', statement reported to have been made in New York by a member of the Japanese mission, to the effect that the arrangement of an armistice would probably be the first work of the plenipotentiaries, receives some endorsement from the inaction of the opposing armies in Manchuria since the opening of negotiations. Six weeks ago the Japanese had undoubtedly perfected their arrangements for another stu-

pendous advance, by which they could presumably have again thrown the Russians back towards Harbin, and .secured possession of Kirin, even if they had failed to cut the railway between Harbin and Vladivostok. On the very eve of this advance, and after, when preliminary movements had obviously been commenced, Oyaina halted, and has since been marking time. On the other hand, Saghalien was occupied immediately the destruction of the Baltic Fleet released Admiral Togo from his defensive position, this occupation being effected without difficulty, and with little loss of life. We may therefore conclude with some confidence that Japan is not disposed to make great sacrifices of her veteran troops in Manchuria to attain results which may be arrived at by diplomacy, and that she is satisfied for (lie moment with having secured advantageous positions from

which to continue the war, should the negotiations fail. For while the individual Japanese soldier may be willing and even eager to die for his country, the shrewd rulers of Japan are thoroughly, well aware that it is the best policy to avoid al' unnecessary decimation of their daring legions. They can force the Russians from Manchuria, but only at the cost of many thousands of lives,

for even though the Russians should fight no longer with their previous obstinacy, modern weapons give : great advantage to those who can wait to-be attacked. The estimated Japanese loss of 200,000 men is an

appalling national calamity, which is not made any lighter because the Russian loss has been nearly double, so that the reported desire of Japan to conclude an honourable peace, and to assist in this by agreeing to an immediate armistice, can be very easily understood.