The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-04-21

While no official announcement has yet
been made there is reason to believe that
the above statement is correct.
1t is not expected that successor 70
Ficeroy AeXieff will be appointed, as the
Importance of the post of Viceroy has dis
appeared, owing to. thn result o. the war.
The immediate cause of the Vlceroy S
application is reported to be the appoint
ments Of Vice-Admral Skrydloff, one of
Admiral Alexieff's strongest enemies and
sharpest critics, as successor to the late
Vice-Admiral Makaroff in command Of the
Russian navy in the Far East.
Vice-Admiral Skrydloff had an interview
with the Emperor today and discussed
with His Majesty the question of his
tSkrydloff relations with AleXieff.
The relieving from command of Viccroy
Alexieff would not surprise intelligent OBJ
servers of the Far Eastern situation who
are familiar with the gradual change IN
the Emperor's attitude toward the Vice
roy and NJ. BezobYazoff, who represented
the militant, or advanced element which
was anxious that Russia should remain
IN ManchuIia. 1t was to these two men
that the Ang,o-Japanese entente first lost
its terrors. They believed that Great Brit
ain would not go to war and that Japan
could not do so.
On August II last, after Japan had sub
mitted an inquiry as TO whether Russia
was disposed to reopen the negotiations
respecting Manchuria and Korea, vice
royalty in the Far East a special secre-
tary OF state and an advisory committee
were created, Alexcff being appointed
q GIspPpt9rE NJ
State.
Seventeen days after these appoint
mcnts were made NJ White, who had
been opposed to the poncy oil Alexieff
and Bezobrazoff was relieved OF ms
portfolio as Minister of Finance
1t was through lis new oificia! advis-
ors that the Emperor conducted ncgotlar
tons with Japan and it Is claimed mat
they misjudged the temper ana purpose
OF the Japanese aud left the emperor
in ignorance of the preparations iof war
which Japan was making and the rising
war spirit of that empire.
The enemies of Alexieff have persistent
ly asserted that as the man on Ihc spot
he should have kept the emperor III
formed concerning these vital po.hlS'
On the eve OF the war Alexien appar-
emily still had the confidence Oh me oHaf;
but the lack of preparedness OIL the Poft
Arthur feet, as shown in the cases Oh INC
battlcshirs Rctvizan and CzareVitch caiIed
the attention of the Emperor 70 the slacN-
ness OF the naval force in inc a i1''''
hleXiefs position was sun turner
weakened by the appointment ~ "'ha-
ron and Kuropatkin as indepch'e". 0oni'
members OF the navy and army - LUG
Far East This left .Alexieh wiz ''0i'"oi
army nor navy under his eontf9l 49,.
The caus. of ne cnml'y ottm'el
Alcxcin and skrydloff il is iinpos'i,ie 70
learn tonight. II is believed 10 ~ W W
than mere difference in TIE poi, po.Is - ~, no
pursued in the Ear East ohi r,.'a,',,'
not hestatod in talking TO Do !, i4 fa ~
charge AleNicff with responsirlI.,9 ~ ~, nv
disasters 10 the Pacific squadron ,, py ms u1
division of the feet. When ,, ase,, ana
four armorcd cruisers at vlad,los' ot Che s"u
station the varug and Kof,e ;1e Mini nv
mulgo. II i stated that sia lot III :,
lskyy,llo. in his interview 'o ,oss NOT care
Majesty understand that he ,,' ~ ocef mil
| to assume command Of tue nVe' un'ii