was during the Russo-Japanese War that Kato won for himself an enduring place in the affections of his countrymen. His career has been a long succession of triumphs, but he never found himself on the same heroic place as that on which he acted his part in the tremendous drama of-' May 27, 1905, when the Japanese fleet under Admiral Togo annihilated the Russians in the battle of the Sea of Japan. Kato, then a Rear-Admiral, was Admiral Togo's chief of staff. On him fell the duty of giving the tactical orders for accomplishing the purposes of his chief. Admiral Togo suddenly decided to alter the course of the Japanese fleet so as to run parallel with the Russians. The big decision made, Admiral Togo stood firm amd unshaken, not the slightest movement of any muscle of his face showing any trace of nervousness. His chief of staff stood with his arms crossed, his thin face paler than usual, a look of grave anxiety giving his lean visage an even tauter look than ordinary. It was a dangerous manceuvre, according to the ordinary rules of naval tactics, and almost sure to end in disaster. When the Russian staff saw what the Japanese were doing, they are said to have been jubilant and hailed victory as already won. Gradually and surely the manceuvre was effected, the Japanese commanders holding to their purpose in spite of the Russian fire, which played heavily on the Japanese vessels for many minutes before the order to open fire was given by Admiral Kato. The main-mast of the Mikasa, the flagship of Admiral Kato, was blown away bearing the Admiral's flag with it. Kato did not flinch, but bided his time patiently until his fleet was ready. When the right moment came, the Japanese opened fire, with what-decisive results the world knows. Kato always planned and acted according to plan. He did not know what panic or hesitation was,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.