THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue X, 5 March 1904, Page 53

THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

First Stags of ths War.

.VIEWS OF AN EXPERT.

A leading naval authority has furnished the Melbourne “Argus" with his views on the Russo-Japanese developments, and on the immediate probabilities of the issue.

“If the Japanese,” he states, “have put any large body of troops into Seoul, it means that the enveloping of the Russian fleet has commenced, as it is a basic principle of naval warfare that no force can be risked afloat until freedom of the sea is assured. The troops were probably landed at Chemulpo, which is connected by rail with Seoul, and the transports would be escorted by a few cruisers and torpedo destroyers, but. their safety would depend upon the main battleship squadron holding in check the Russian fleet.

“The first phase of this great campaign will be tne battle for sea supremacy. On that will hinge the first important movements and the successes >f the struggle. The victory of the Japanese by sea will decide a clear road for the Japanese army of invasion, the selection of a point of attack, and the compulsion on the Russians of defensive movements. Russian tactics must then conform to those of their opponent. The Japanese, close to their base, can wear down the defence by feints at various points, compelling the guarding of so many as to thin out the defensive strength. Facts at present point to a decided preponderance of Japanese sea power, else no troops would be risked afloat even for the comparatively short voyage to Korea. Climatic conditions will be severe. At this time of the year gales and blizzards are frequent, and great cold prevails. At the torpedo attack on Wei-hai-wei several men wre frozen to death.”