than ours, many being quite fitted to take the place of officers, and their corps of officers exhibited the most determined bravery, foresight, and knowledge, and wielded great authority. Even those in the highest ranks lived simple and strict lives at the front. But the principal thing which gave success to the Japanese was their high moral tone. It made victory seem worth any sacrifice, and led directly to that determination to win which characterized all ranks from Commander-in-Chief to private soldier. In many cases their forces found themselves in so desperate a plight that either to hold their ground or to advance required the most extraordinary effort of will. The officers possessed the strength to ask for this almost impossible effort; did not hesitate to shoot men who tried to retire; the private soldier, in response, made the effort, and thereby often robbed us of victory. One thing is certain: that if the whole army had not been saturated with patriotism, if it had not felt the friendly support of the nation behind it, if it had not realized the supreme importance of the struggle, the endeavours of its leaders would have been in vain. The order to advance might have been given, but the soldiers, unsupported by the feeling that the country was with them, would not have had the strength to perform feats of heroism almost superhuman. FOOTNOTES: [66] [? Straits of La Pérouse.—ED.] [67] [A Japanese steamship line.—ED.] [68] In addition to these there were 2,716 departmental officers—_i.e._, medical, veterinary, and supply, etc. [69] By January 1, 1901, in the reserve and territorial army there were 2,737 officers, and it was necessary to add in war-time, without the reserve troops, 2,619 officers; thus the establishment of officers of the standing army and territorial forces could be fully completed, and 138 officers were left for reserve units. This was insufficient—_i.e._, there were about 1,000 officers short. [70] 145,000 in the reserve, and 120,000 in the territorial army. [71] Some of the regulars were undersized recruits. [72] [An obstacle formed of rows of conical pits, with a sharpened stake in the centre, and usually a wire entanglement across the top.—ED.] [73] [A Russian brigade usually consists of eight battalions. Those of the E. S. Rifle Divisions had six.—ED.] [74] [“A Staff Officer’s Scrap-Book,” vol. i., p. 11.—ED.] [75] [A species of millet, which grows very high.—ED.] CHAPTER VIII REASONS FOR OUR REVERSES