cannot quite accept your view as to the density and
fatuity of the Russians because they refuse the Japanese terms at the present juncture (Spectator, August 19th). France only relinquished territory and paid an indemnity when she was beaten to her knees ; when one-third of France was in possession of the invaders ; when Paris was on the point of surrendering, and outside Paris there was no force to face the victorious Germans. Can you for an instant maintain that Russia is in an equal plight ? Lord Salisbury once recom- mended us when in a panic to consult large maps. We might do so now with advantage. What deadly blow has Japan inflicted on Russia? She has not touched the fringe of her enormous Empire, and how many thousand weary miles must the Japanese forces march before they could dictate in Moscow the terms they now seek to enforce? Japan has had great and startling victories. Can they be said to be decisive? Already nearly six months have elapsed since the battle of Mnkden, and the victors have advanced but a few miles. Are they still staggering under their victory ? Have the vanquished, behind whom are such vast resources and such numerous legions, done nothing in this long breathing space? We learn from Lord Brooke's book how close the Japanese
were to defeat at Liao-yang. Russia has been at many periods in her history nearer to destruction than at present, and she has emerged victorious. Charles XII. defeated Peter the Great, only to be himself routed at Pultowa. Napoleon's Empire was consumed in the fires of Moscow
Per damns., per caecles, ab ipso
Ducit opes animumque ferro."
—Tam, Sir, &c., J. W. ITARRAHAN.
Silverhill, Enniskillen.
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