In any conflict between Russia and Japan it was obvious that the first struggle must be for the mastery of the sea, and it is, therefore, interesting to consider primarily the relative naval strength of the two Powers in Far Eastern waters. The navy of Japan has been built, not only on English models, but for the most part in English yards; and since the Chino-Japanese War it has been increased by a number of vessels of the latest and most powerful type. The result is that the most formidable feature of Japan's naval strength is its complete homogeneity. The tabular statement on page 41, gives the names and principal characteristics of what may be called Japan's first fighting line at sea. [Sidenote: "Nisshin" and "Kasaga"] Towards the close of 1903 the Japanese Government, with great enterprise, managed to secure a powerful accession to this fleet by purchasing from Argentina two freshly constructed cruisers of the most modern and efficient type. These two vessels, which have been re-christened the _Nisshin_ and _Kasaga_, were hastily equipped for sea at Genoa, and, commanded for the time being by retired English officers and manned by English crews, started in January for the long voyage to the Far East. Although war had not yet been declared, it was clearly imminent, and the Russian squadron in the Mediterranean received orders to watch the new cruisers closely, with the object, of course, of capturing them in case hostilities broke out before the vessels had reached Japan. The taste of their quality, however, which the _Nisshin_ and _Kasaga_ were able to give to the Russians proved how valuable an addition they were to the Japanese navy, for they easily outdistanced their slow-footed pursuers, and what promised at one time to be an exciting race degenerated practically into a walk over. The new cruisers arrived safely at Yokohama on February 16th, and were at once sent into dock to refit and prepare for active service. These splendid fighting machines must, therefore, be added to the list. JAPAN'S UP-TO-DATE NAVY. BATTLESHIPS. Nominal Gun Weight of Name Displacement I.H.P. Speed Protection Broadside Fire Hatsuse 15,000 15,000 18.0 14--6 4,240 Asahi 15,000 15,000 18.0 14--6 4,240 Shikishima 15,000 15,000 18.0 14--6 4,240 Mikasa 15,200 16,000 18.0 14--6 4,225 Yashima 12,300 13,000 18.0 14--6 4,000 Fuji 12,300 13,000 18.0 14--6 4,000 ARMORED CRUISERS.