T HE China seas are still in labour, and still the
fiery birth of Mars Mariaus is delayed. We read of how Rozhdest- vensky's fleet, like another Armada, lies "floating many a mile," stretched from Cape Varela to the head of the Kamranh Peninsula in "an immense arc" ; and of how, while the "torpedo-boats are darting about in all directions," the fortress on the waves awaits the coming of Admiral Neboga- toff's squadron; but as to when and how the new Trafalgar will be fought no man knows. All that can be said with certainty is that such an action must be fought, that on it hangs the fate of Eastern Asia, and that though the Japanese are weaker on paper, they are very likely much stronger in fact than their enemy. Probably the Russians will move towards their objective, Vladivostok, by the channel between Formosa and the mainland—indeed, as we go to press it is reported that they have left Kamranh Bay—and probably, also, the Japanese will attack them in the strait and from behind, as our sailors attacked the Spaniards. They will, that is, harry them by day, and still more by night, by constant torpedo and light-cruiser attacks. Meantime no one knows, or can even form a safe conjecture, where the Japanese fleet is hidden. We see their gigantic prey full of strength and bravery, but the cunning hunter who will hunt down the quarry lies in his ambush, and gives no sign.
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