In any conflict between Russia and Japan it was obvious that the first struggle must be for the mastery of the sea, and it is, therefore, interesting to consider primarily the relative naval strength of the two Powers in Far Eastern waters.

Sinking of the Chih-Yuen in Battle of Yalu

The navy of Japan has been built, not only on English models, but for the most part in English yards; and since the Chino-Japanese War it has been increased by a number of vessels of the latest and most powerful type. The result is that the most formidable feature of Japan's naval strength is its complete homogeneity. The tabular statement gives the names and principal characteristics of what may be called Japan's first fighting line at sea.

Towards the close of 1903 the Japanese Government, with great enterprise, managed to secure a powerful accession to this fleet by purchasing from Argentina two "Nisshin" and "Kasaga" freshly constructed cruisers of the most modern and efficient type. These two vessels, which have been re-christened the Nisshin and Kasaga, were hastily equipped for sea at Genoa, and, commanded for the time being by retired English officers and manned by English crews, started in January for the long voyage to the Far East.

Although war had not yet been declared, it was clearly imminent, and the Russian squadron in the Mediterranean received orders to watch the new cruisers closely, with the object, of course, of capturing them in case hostilities broke out before the vessels had reached Japan.

The taste of their quality, however, which the Nisshin and Kasaga were able to give to the Russians proved how valuable an addition they were to the Japanese navy, for they easily outdistanced their slow-footed pursuers, and what promised at one time to be an exciting race degenerated practically into a walk over. The new cruisers arrived safely at Yokohama on February 16th, and were at once sent into dock to refit and prepare for active service. These splendid fighting machines must, therefore, be added to the list.

JAPAN'S NAVY

BATTLESHIPS

Name

Displacement

I.H.P.

Nominal Speed

Gun Protection

Weight of Broadside

Hatsuse

15,000

15,000

18.0

14-6

4,240

Asahi

15,000

15,000

18.0

14-6

4,240

Shikishima

15,000

15,000

18.0

14-6

4,240

Mikasa

15,200

16,000

18.0

14-6

4,225

Yashima

12,300

13,000

18.0

14-6

4,000

Fuji

12,300

13,000

18.0

14-6

4,000

ARMORED CRUISERS

Tokiwa

9,750

18,000

21.5

6-6

3,568

Asama

9,750

18,000

21.5

6-6

3,568

Yakuma

9,850

16,000

20.0

6-6

3,368

Adzuma

9,436

17,000

21.0

6-6

3,368

Idzumo

9,800

15,000

24.7

6-6

3,568

Iwate

9,800

15,000

24.7

6-6

3,568

PROTECTED CRUISERS

Takasago

4,300

15,500

24.0

4.5-2

800

Kasagi

4,784

15,500

22.5

4.5

800

Chitose

4,784

15,500

22.5

4.5

800

Itsukushima

4,277

5,400

16.7

11-4

1,260

Hashidate

4,277

5,400

16.7

11-4

1,260

Matsushima

4,277

5,400

16.7

11-4

1,260

Yoshino

4,180

15,750

23.0

-

780

Naniwa

3,727

7,120

17.8

-

1,196

Takachiho

3,727

7,120

17.8

-

1,196

Akitsushima

3,150

8,400

19.0

-

780

Niitaka

3,420

9,500

20.0

-

920

Tsushima

3,420

9,500

20.0

-

920

Suma

2,700

8,500

20.0

-

335

Akashi

2,700

8,500

20.0

-

335

The table, it will be observed, does not include a number of coast defence vessels, nor -- more important for offensive purposes -- the torpedo flotilla, which is of great strength and of remarkable efficiency, and includes over a score of 30 New and Efficient knot destroyers of the most modern type.

The first four battleships in the list were completed less than two years before the war, while the armored cruisers were built between 1899 and 1901. The protected cruisers include several of the vessels that defeated the Chinese fleet at the battle of the Yalu.

Japan's Dockyards

For the accommodation of her fleet Japan possesses four well-equipped dockyards, capable not only of repairing damaged vessels of any class, but of constructing new ones; and this is, perhaps, the greatest advantage which the island kingdom has over Russia in the present struggle.