The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-08
CONDITION OFF RUssINs ARMY.
Two Million Men, Armed With
Modern Rifles, Ready for Action.


London Pail Mall Gazette
AS the military forces of Russia on a war
IoCtlng contain upward of 5000 600 COM
batants, it would appear that something more
than coercion that does not of itself mean
war would be required to enable any nation
OF Western Europe to settle the Eastern
question without first consulting the czar
This vast army is raised throughout~the Rus
sian empire, liability to service being almost
universal. AS rule, service with the colors
lasts for five years. and, in the event of
mobilization of the forces the field troops
would be brought up to war strength by call
ing In reserYtsts who had served five years in
the ranks: The field troops and field re-
serve troops together numbering 100000 Of
men. would be formed into field armies, which
would each comprise a number of army
corps, rife brigades, and reserve divisions.
The remainder Of the forces consist Of
fortress and depot troops and imperial militia.
The three-Hne rife, pattern 1885," has
been introduced in place of the single load.
ing Berdan rife. The new rifle carries Ave
rounds. in the magazine, is ofssfnall ealiber,
C3 inch), and has smokeless. ammunition.
On service the ba yonet scabbards are left at
home, and the quadrangular ,bayonet is car
ried fixed. The barrel of the rifle is uneased
which helps to lessen the weight-and, in
fact, the rifle, with bayonet fixed, weighs
only nine and one-half pounds, or about one
pound less than tAe Lee-Metferd rife and
bayonet used in the British service. The
regulations recognize four kinds Of infantry
fire, viz: volley fire, which may be used at
all ranges, lndl1lUudl IRE, WHICH Is employed
up to eco to 600 PAGES; individual concentrated
fire (the fire of all the men of section or
squad at common object, up to 1920 PAGES;
a mass fire, at greater distance than 1900
PAGES.
When within 200 or 800 PAGES of the enemy
fire attainS it's maximum intensity by the
employment of magazine fire. After a
cessful bayonet charge the shooting line
must continue it's advance to the far side of
the captured position and press the enemy
by rapid fire. A frontal attack must be
supported by one on the flank. When acting
the defensive, infantry must put forth
every effort to shake the enemy by fire, and
then attack him with the bayonet.
Throughout the Russian cavalry the men
are armed with a curved sword, thirty-four
and one-half inches long, and rifle and bay
a lance In artillery the Russians par
tcularly strong, and their armament and
projecties are of the latest and most ap-
proved patterns. The active army and field
reserve troops alone contain upward of 500
batteries, manning over 1900 guns General
staff officers form a closed corps and are
recruited from those who pass the general
staff academy. The duties of the general
staff, broadly speaking, include the move
ments and operations of the army, intelli-
gence of the enemy, and reconnaissance of
the theater Of war.
1t is laid down that marches, when at
a distance from the enemy, it is of the first
Importance to study the comfort and con-
yenience of the troops by separating arms,
and sending on billeting parties and bakers
to provide for the wants of the troops be-
and a march that may lead to
counter, the troops advance, closed up as
much as possible in columns, and aim main
ly at swiftness and secrecy.