Of General Kuropatkin as Commander-in-Chief the Japanese staff never entertained a very high opinion. They were inclined to the opinion of Skobeleff under whom Kuropatkin laid the foundation of his reputation. “You are an ambitious man and will have a fine career, but do not forget my advice. Never accept an independent post in which you will have to direct affairs.” The truth is that after the battle of the Yalu, the Japanese refused to accept the European opinion that General Kuropatkin was a great strategist and skilful in manœuvre. “He lost his opportunity after the Yalu,” said General Fujii, than whom there is no more competent critic. “Kuropatkin may be a great organiser, but in the field he is not to be feared.” Neither did the Japanese understand the chorus of praise over Kuropatkin’s “masterly retreats.” They have not reached the decadent stage which accepts even successful retreat as a proof of military capacity. The Japanese estimate of the Russian General may be given in one sentence from the lips of a distinguished soldier: “He never attempts any great movement, but is always content with nibbling and retiring.” While not under-rating the courage of the Russian soldier, the Japanese looked upon him as an ignorant and stupid peasant, who is easily depressed by failure. “They are an imperfectly educated, strongly religious and _naïve_ sort of people. If there is a great hero to lead and set them an example they are not men to fear death, as was seen at Plevna, where they piled up corpses for earthworks and dashed into the enemy’s trenches. Yet if they meet any little reverse they are at once terrified and panic-stricken, and run away in confusion. It is therefore necessary to frighten them in the beginning.” I am quoting from the confidential study of the Russian army, to which I would add the practical comment of an officer who fought from the Yalu to the Sha-ho: “We always win in the last ten minutes, because the Russians will not stay long enough.” Their infantry often charge with the bayonet, but they have little skill in its use, and none at all in individual encounter.” And what of the Cossack, about whom tradition has woven a dazzling and invincible fame? The Japanese dismiss him with mild contempt, which events have justified. “The Cossack in the war of 1877 made no heroic movement. His reputation is built entirely on his own reports, which are always exaggerated. He invariably retires when met by a stronger force. If our infantry is a little careful we need have no fear of the Cossack.”