Even the superiority of the enemy cannot absolve from the performance of this requirement.

On the contrary, it must stimulate to the utmost military efforts and the most strenuous political action in order to secure favourable conditions for the eventuality of a decisive campaign.

Mere numbers count for less than ever in modern fighting, although they always constitute a very important factor of the total strength.

But, within certain limits, which are laid down by the law of numbers, the true elements of superiority under the present system of gigantic armies are seen to be spiritual and moral strength, and larger masses will be beaten by a small, well-led and self-devoting army.

The Russo-Japanese War has proved this once more.
Granted that the development of military strength is the first duty of every State, since all else depends upon the possibility to assert _power_, it does not follow that the State must spend the total of its personal and financial resources solely on military strength in the narrower sense of army and navy.