HONOURING THE DEAD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3059, 2 December 1908, Page 4

HONOURING THE DEAD.

Japan's admiration and respect for the valour of her late foes were recently displayed in a dramatic incident which took place on the cruiser Soya. In the ( opening days l of the war, the Russian cruisers Variag and Korietz, lying at anchor in the of Chemulpo, were faced with thfe alternative of going out to meet a Japanese squadron or being sunk at their moorings. The vessels went out, and after undergoing thirty-five minutes of terrific fire, put back to the harbour, where their shattered hulls were blown up by the remnants of their crews. The Variag was raised and repaired, and now sails under the Japanese flag as the Soya. With 'a fine eye for dramatic effect, she was pent on her first cruise after her rehabilitation, to the very place where she had made such a gallant fight for the honour of Russia. Immediately after sha

dropped anchor in the harbour of Chemulpo, reports the "Standard's" Tokio correspondent, the commander mustered his officers and men on deck, and addressing them in tones of emotion, referred to the fight in which the ship had played such a gallant part four years before. He paid an eloquent tribute to the dead Russians, and affirmed that those brave men were doing for their country exactly what the Japanese were doing for theirs. Every Japanese should, he said, feel sincere admiration for the valour of their foee, and in the waters where those valiant men had met their death, all on board the vessel should be touched with sympathy and respect for the spirits of the departed. "The words of the officer made a deep impression on the men, and the profound and respectful silence that ensued was broken only by the tender strains of a Japanese funeral march, played by the ship's band. Upon the conclusion of the requiem, at a signal from the commander, the guard presented arms, and the whole company of ofFcers and men simultaneously saluted in honour of the Russian heroes." The Japanese Government, on its own initiative, has taken steps to commemorate the patriotism and courage of all the Russians who fell in the defence of Port Arthur, by the erection of a giant obelisk. special deputation of Russian military and naval representatives will attend the unveiling ceremony.