jects, whether ulterior or not, may be positive or negative.

A positive object is where we seek to assert or acquire something for
ourselves.

A negative object is where we seek to deny the enemy something or prevent
his gaining something.

Where the object is positive, Strategy is offensive.

Where the object is negative, Strategy is defensive.

EXAMPLE.--When Togo attacked Rojesvensky his primary object was
offensive, _i.e._, to capture or destroy the Russian Fleet. His
ulterior object was to maintain the defensive function which had been
assigned to the Japanese Fleet.

NOTES.--This is a good example of true defensive; that is, Togo's
operations, though drastically offensive in action, were all strictly
within the strategical defensive sphere assigned to him.

The Offensive, being positive in its aim is naturally the more effective
form of war (_i.e._, it leads more directly to a final decision), and, as a
rule, should be adopted by the stronger Power.

The Defensive, being negative in its aim, is naturally the stronger form of
war; _i.e._, it requires less force, and, as a rule, is adopted by the
weaker Power.

NOTE.--The general truth of this proposition is not affected by
apparent exceptions where the contrary appears to be true.

_The Offensive must not be confused with the Initiative._ It is
possible to seize the Initiative, under certain conditions, by taking a
defensive position from which the enemy is bound to dislodge us or
abandon the operation.

In most cases where the weaker side successfully assumes the offensive,
it is due to his doing so before the enemy's mobilization or
concentration is complete, whereby the attacking force is able to deal
in succession with locally inferior forces of the enemy.

The advantages of the Offensive are well known.

Its disadvantages are:--

(1) That it grows weaker as it advances, by prolonging its
communications.
(2) That it tends to operations on unfamiliar ground.
(3) That it continually increases the difficulty of retreat.

The advantages of Defence are chiefly:--

(1) Proximity to base.
(2) Familiar ground.
(3) Facility for arranging surprise by counter attack.

NOTE.--In modern Naval warfare these advantages--that is, the
advantages of fighting on your own ground--are specially high as giving
greater facility for the use of mine and torpedo.