400 ft. in length or more, and a very skilful army of working mechanics and workmen in general. Port Arthur must be regarded for practical purposes the naval base of Russia in the Far East in the event of a cold-weather campaign.
Vladivostock is too far removed from the range of probable utility. At this port, however, Russia has constructed one large dry dock, one floating dock 301 ft. long, and a second dry dock has been laid down. Against these two solitary and isolated centres, Japan possesses naval bases, arsenals and docks at the following points on her coast.
Yokosuka . . Arsenal, slip and dry dock.
Kure . . Arsenal, slip, dry dock, armour-plate works.
Sassebo . . Arsenal.
Maitsura . . New dockyard.
Nagasaki . Three docks.
Takeshiki . . Coaling-station, naval base
Ominato . . Base for small craft.
Kobe . . . Torpedo repairing yard.
Matsmai . . Refitting station.
The squadrons which Japan and Russia will be able to employ in this war are very formidable, and during the past few months each Power has made strenuous efforts to increase the strength of its fleet.
In January 1903 the aggregate tonnage of the Russian Pacific Squadron stood at some 87,000 tons, the fleet including the battleships Peresviet, Petropavlovsk, Poltava, Sevastopol, and the cruisers Rossia, Gromoboi, and Rurik, with other smaller vessels.
In March the tonnage went up to 93,000 tons, thanks to the arrival of the cruiser Askold from the Baltic.
In May the cruisers Diana, Pallada, Novik, and the battleship Retvizan joined.
