To the Editor of the _Japan Mail_.
SIR,—In September last, for the purpose of studying the
practical application of International Law, I joined the fleet,
and embarked in a man-of-war of the Imperial Japanese
Navy. I am now staying in Port Arthur, after witnessing
several battles. Being a subscriber to your paper, I saw in
the issue of the 21st January some singular statements by Mr.
Creelman, to which you refer. It being impossible for an
eye-witness like me to pass over such a matter in silence, I
enclose an explanation of this affair, in the hope that you will
kindly have it translated at your office, and published through
the columns of your valuable paper. What I write is an
accurate and faithful description of the things that actually
happened, and I vouch for their truth in the sight of Heaven.
Convinced that the contents of my letter are of value to the
public at large, I venture to trouble you, especially since my
facts may furnish material to strengthen the position you take
in the matter. Harassed by official business of various kinds,
I cannot find leisure to write at greater length, and must
crave your kind indulgence.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
TAKAHASHI SAKUYE,
_Hogakushi_,
Professor at the Naval University, and Ex-legal Adviser to
the Commander-in-Chief of the Regular Imperial Fleet.