Against this fighting array the Japanese are able to place vessels of equal size and displacement; in the actual weight of metal the Japanese are at a disadvantage, but in the thickness of the armoured protection there is little to choose. Against this comparative equality of the opposing fleets there must be borne in mind the great advantage which Japan derives from her ability to use her own fortified ports as naval bases. Indeed, this is of such importance that the knowledge of this fact might induce her to risk her whole strength in a single engagement. Again, in the mercantile marine, which has increased enormously of recent years, Japan will find all she may require for the purposes of transport and auxiliaries to the war fleet. The principal vessels in the Japanese navy are here indicated: BATTLESHIPS +--------------+-------------+--------+-------+------------+-----------+ | | | | | | Weight of | | Name |Displacement | I.H.P. |Nominal| Gun | Broadside | | | | | Speed | Protection | Fire | +--------------+-------------+--------+-------+------------+-----------+ | | Tons | | Knots | In. | Lbs. | |Hatsuse } | | | | | | |Asahi } | 15,000 | 15,000 | 18.0 | 14.6 | 4240 | |Shikishima } | | | | | | |Mikasa | 15,200 | 16,000 | 18.0 | 14.6 | 4225 | |Yashima } | | | | | | |Fuji } | 12,300 | 13,000 | 18.0 | 14.6 | 4000 | +--------------+-------------+--------+-------+------------+-----------+ ARMOURED CRUISERS +--------------+-------------+--------+-------+------------+-----------+ | | | | | | Weight of | | Name |Displacement | I.H.P. |Nominal| Gun | Broadside | | | | | Speed | Protection | Fire | +--------------+-------------+--------+-------+------------+-----------+ | | Tons | | Knots | In. | Lbs. | |Tokiwa } | | | | | | |Asama } | 9750 | 18,000 | 21.5 | 6.6 | 3568 | |Yaqumo | 9850 | 16,000 | 20.0 | 6.6 | 3368 | |Azuma | 9436 | 17,000 | 21.0 | 6.6 | 3368 | |Idzuma } | | | | | | |Iwate } | 9800 | 15,000 | 24.7 | 6.6 | 3568 | +--------------+-------------+--------+-------+------------+-----------+ In addition to these, early in January 1904 the two cruisers purchased in Italy from the Argentine Government will be ready for sea. PROTECTED CRUISERS