New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-02-28
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THE NEW MILITARY DICTATOR.

General Lorls Mclikoff, who Is now the
military dictator of Russia, Is the son OF
M Armenian merchant aud began his mill
tary career rs an Off ger in a llussar regiment
in ST. Petersburg. His talents were recog-
niyel by Mourav.eIt, the GOvernOr-GeneTal OF the
Caucasus but until tho opening Of the campaign Of
1877 he had never had an opportunity To handle
large body of troops. to learn the science OF war
in fine omen field. He was selected, however a. the
commander of the principal column which invaded
Armenia from the line of the Caucasus. and in the
end justified the sagacity of the Russian War
Office. The plan of campaign whicli had been
adopted by the headquarters stah was exceedingly
brilliant bur il was based upon the nominal rather
than the available strength of the army. IL the
10 900 men called for by the estimates had been
ready for active operations thr conceniric move
ment of three columns upon krzerur would have
resulted in a speedy and overwhelming triumph
But the nominal strength of the army was scarcely
100 600 men, and neither Ne'ikOfs patience noi
TerQukassofs courage could compensate for the de-
fault in the original estimates. Ardahah was car
ried by storm, Ksrs was invested, Mukhtai vas
forced back to the mountains. aud the appearance
of the Bayazid column on the flank was aDNi"usly
awaited The Turkish commander at the critical
moment took advantage OF shorter lines of conma-
nication and by weakening his centre, mas,ed his
forces against the Russian left wing. Melikoh
attacked the enemy in Iront and after severe
repulse retreated toward Kars. The Lett Wing.
after winning victory at Zlidikhan was forced to
retire and reGstabish ITS communications with
Eriyon. The investment of Kars and Batum was
abandoned aud Nell Gofi7s campaign seemed to nave
ended midway in disaster
Mthouoh il was reported that Melikon had been
removed from command in disgrace, the Grand Duke
Michael was willing To give hun chance TO re-
49,. tfoti He IDOut
the middle of August, two months after The retreat
fron, the mountains, and lost of his advanced
nostions The Russian forces were then cOncen-
trated and heavily reinforced and by brilliant gem
eral,hip Mukhtaps army was cut In two Tho
hattie of Alaia was an overwhelming victory for
the Russians, and the victorious commander lost no
time in following up his success. lie pursued
Mukhtar 70 Kars and again defeated him at Deve-
Boyun. The storming OF kars ON November le was
the most brilliant achievement of the war.
Although night attack upon Erzerum was repuised.
the town was closely invested and by this series OF
successes the Russians were virtually masters OK
Mekoif is handsome soldier, with black curly
hair large dark sparkling eyes, somewhat Dronsei
complexion, and features which, without being
quite regular are comely and refined. lie Is of md.
| die stature. OF slight. nervous structure, ana
| snare in person. His manners polished and ex.
sIpemeiv aable while his conversation is lively and
easy. He has been one OF the most suceess W vi inc
military governors who have been nvei,ed @ WITH su"
nren,e mower In their districts during the last year.
| He is man of great aud varied accomplishments
In addition to ais native language Armenian, he IS
| anI Erench hut Is ignorant of German aud Eng
lish. He was great fayorte with his soldiers. He
visited them III their bivouacs, tasted their soup;
aud inquired after their comfort lie look cspeeiai
| care of the sick. frequently inspecting the aeld
| hospitals and ambuiances. Az the same time nc
| was strict discplinaran, aud required iion All,
aod partcuinrly from the non-commissioncd oneers
Of his army. puuctual performance OF the" duty.
His age IL hlty-scven