It is said that the Baltic Fleet has divided into
three, of which one part will go through the Suez Canal, one part vi5, the Cape, and one part round Cape Horn. The last statement is most improbable, as the arrangements for coaling would break down ; and it may, we think, be taken as certain that only the first two routes are to be tried, the division which goes by the Canal being helped by volunteer steamers from the Black Sea. Indeed, this division is already reported as off Crete. Curiously enough, the Czar seems to believe that the divisions will keep together, for on October 23rd he addressed to Admiral Rozhdestvensky the following tele- gram :—" With all my heart I am with you and with my dear squadron. I am certain that the misunderstanding will soon be smoothed out (s'aplanira). All Russia is watching you. I am full of faith and hope." The division which goes by the Cape may be sorely tried by the weather and by the
difficulties of coaling at sea, difficulties which, if the waves are unfavourable, would tax the most resourceful of captains.
