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INTRODUCTION


NOTHING Is more natural than the circum¬

stance that war should be the outcome of the existing crisis; yet, equally, nothing is less cer-

tain.

If the area of hostilities were not con¬

fined to the Far East, and the Power confronting Japan were any other than Russia, the outbreak of war might be predicted positively. But with Rus¬ sia, consideration of the strategic qualities of her position in Manchuria must exercise a paramount in¬ fluence upon her movements. To those who are not

close students of military history, as well as to those who do not possess an extensive knowledge of the situa¬ tion, the position in which Russia is placed equally affords the keenest interest. Certainly in the annals of military history, excluding the march of Napoleon upon Moscow, there is no war which may be said to have developed a parallel to the task which besets Russia in Manchuria and Korea.

Her position at sea, more¬

over, is no better than that which she holds on land. Upon land, a single line of railway traversing the heart of an enemy's country terminates at Port Arthur. At sea, Vladivostock is cut off by reason of its position, while it is inaccessible on account of its climate. TheseXV

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