Gilpin observer., 1900-10-25
GREATS
RUSSIA'S
SOLDIERY

The peculiar conditions in the east
and the prominence OF Russia in deal
ing with them make interesting a
study of that empires military system.
In attempting description of the char
acteristics of the Russian army one
naturally begins with the Gear, who
is. at once the head and object of the
whole organization. 1t is in Russia
alone, of all civilized countries, that
at this day we find the idea of per-
sonal allegiance existing in it's prim-
tive purity, undisturbed by the ten
dencies of modern representative gov
ernment. This personal allegiance is
the cornerstone of the whole fabric
of society in Russia, and it has been
strengthened rather than weakened by
the changes which have taken place
in the development of the country
since the days of Peter the Great In
other nations the soldier fights for his
country. for the idea that is so clearly
crystallzed in the German motto, Fun
Gott und Vaterland." but the Russian
soldier fights for God and the Car.
To his mind the Car is specially ap-
pointed by God as the viceroy to gov
ern that large portion of the earth
called Russia. and devotion to the
Car includes all that we understand
In the word patriotism.
The peasant class-or moozhiks-
which supplies the great body of Rus
sian soldiers, leads hard life. In an
atmosphere of ignorance and supersti-
ton, amid dull. somber surroundings,
a cheerless climate and monotonuus
evillage life, their characters, DISPOSE
tions and habits are determined. The
Russian soldiers disposition is gentl.
and good-natured, even his brawls be-
ing of the maudlin and foolish, rather
than fighting kind. Since his sur
roundings from earliest childhood tend
only to destroy his individuality, he
is incapable of acting for himself and
utterly dependent upon his officers,
for whom, naturally enough, he has
great respect. He never meets or ad-
dresses an officer without standing at
Attention" with his hand at his cap
through the whole conversation, ara
until the officer has passed. Rs does
not even answer a question with dl-
rect Yes, SIR" or NO. SIR" but with
0uilC Sos VI 4NOl eAdClly 81.
Yet despite this humility in outward
forms, it cannot be said that the SOL
dier degenerates into being servile.
Side by side with the unbending dis
cipline there exists a feeling of good
fellowship between officers and men.
The men are jovial and good-natured
among themselves and have their own
glee songs and dances, at which the
officers are daily spectators.
In battle the Russian soldier is
strongest in all the staying qualities
and weakest in all the vivacious ones.
He goes in enthusiastically and with
lively energy, it may be, but not quite
vivaciously; there is more of a grim
solemnity in his manner as he marches
forward singing Justify the national
hymn and thoughtless of his fate. He
is at first dull and slow in initiative
and self-reliance: and it is only after
he has passed through several battles
that he learns the knack of looking
out for himself-of taking advantage
Of every shelter. of quickly protecting
himself by intrenching, and all the
other little tricks of war, which may
save n mans life without impairing
his efficiency or detracting from his
courage. He instinctively looks for