NA AUTHOR'S PREFACE. Moved by the immensity of the death struggle precipitated by Jap and Russ in the far East, its importance to Americans in common with the whole world, and the intensity of interest with which the war was received, I have undertaken to record a detailed, connected history of this epoch making period. Recognizing the futility of attempting to make clear to the reader the unique complications of the situation without first familiarizing him with what has led up to the strife, particular attention has been devoted to the story of the past. Thus I have delved deep into the misty story of long ago and have borrowed without stint of the wisdom of learned men of all ages who have left to us the priceless heritage, information concerning the development of their forgotten days. To these innumerable and unnamed contributors to the treasury of human knowledge grateful acknowledgement is rendered. Without their labors it would be impossible to present an accurate, concise and comprehensive statement of the political, economic, traditional and diplomatic factors that brought Russian and Jap face to face in deadly combat on the frozen fields and arctic seas of Korea and Manchuria. It shall be the aim in this work to not only acquaint the reader with the stirring events of this, the greatest of modern wars, and to transport him with the marching legions that made history in the Hermit Kingdom, but to lead him among these contending people in their more peaceful moments and acquaint him with their racial characteristics, their customs, manners, religion, antecedents, their mode of life past M312036 AUTHOR'S PREFACE. and present and their conception of the destiny that has driven them to arms. It was no ordinary quarrel that brought on this frightful carnival of suffering, bloodshed, death and destruction. The sword was not drawn on the spur of the moment under stress of emotion and uncontrollable anger. Manifest destiny leads Russian ambition eastward. The same potent power turns Japan's eyes westward. Somewhere these energetic representatives of opposing systems were bound to meet. The col lision came when the first shot was fired at Port Arthur. As is the case when two speeding express trains seek to pass on the same track, the impact has proven something awful to contemplate This record of what actually took place is intended to be an accurate, truthful presentation of the developments of the war, free from bias or prejudice. If it serves to break down prejudice, to increase love of peace, and to illuminate discussion of this grave crisis with the light of calm, sound reason, to set in motion a wave of thought that shall be productive of a broader and more philosophical view in the office, workshop, or at the family fireside, the labor of preparing this work shall not have been vain. MARSHALL EVERETT. PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. With the ghastly traces of a monstrous war still fresh upon the land and sea, and the shock of battle yet echoing throughout the world from the theater of strife where Jap and Russ met to determine which should advance and which retreat, this history of the long predicted struggle for mastery of the East has been prepared. Viewed day by day as the dread tragedy unfolded itself, its ever changing prime features have been indelibly traced in word-picture by one familiar not only with the subject, but with the unusual and unexpected. The civilized world was staggered with the tremendous possibilities with which the situation was fraught. Intense perplexity prevails as to the "Russian peril" and the "yellow peril." Are civilization and progress to receive a setback from which there will be no escape for centuries? Is the peace of the world threatened and are the powers of Europe, and perhaps our own country, on the verge of a great struggle? In view of the remarkable situation this publication is particularly timely, affording opportunity to the busiest to become familiar with this greatest of modern problems without sacrifice of time. At the outbreak of the war great navies and armies of gigantic proportions were marshalled throughout all Europe. Even little Denmark was not free from the contagious war fever. England showed an alertness tha portended aggressive activity. The thought, whither are we drifting, was uppermost in the minds of the people of the whole civilized world. In the preparation of this work diplomat, military expert, globe trotter and statesman have all played a part, so that the reader will enjoy PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. a recital of fact and impression direct from the fountain head-the man who has seen, heard and felt the breaking storm. That this will prove a compact handbook on the far East and its bewildering complications is confidently anticipated. Never before has a topic so strange and little understood been thrust upon us so suddenly and so laden with fascination. Two civilizations diametrically opposed in character and purpose have been brought face to face in deadly conflict for self-preservation-two religious, economic and political systems having nothing in common save a deep seated spirit of rivalry have entered the lists to settle by recourse to arms the question of survival. While the story of mankind is almost an unbroken record of warfare, it is only at remote intervals that a struggle ensues which leaves its imprint upon the world, changes the course of civilization and makes its influence long felt by nations and peoples having no part in the physical strife. Such an epoch-making conflict was the war between the Slav and the Jap. Wrapped up in it were questions at issue which affected not only the teeming millions of the Orient, but the world at large, particularly the United States with an empire lying close to the theater of war. It is with a full appreciation of these grave conditions that this work is issued. THE PUBLISHERS. CHAPTER I. Was It Treachery? The Historic Festival Night. Grim End of Festivities. War, the Hell-Born. The Skeleton at the Feast. News Flashed to the The Big Guns Boom. The Circus, Japan's Ally. Scene Disclosed by the Blood-Red Moon. Japs Again Attack. Cool in Face of Death. Plucky Russian Disaster at Chemulpo. Heroism of the Russians. Brave Men Cheered. Blown Up with Dead on Board-How Russians Were Trapped. Russian Transport Accidentally Destroyed-Blunders! More Blunders!........66 |