The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-22
RUSSINS HOPES RISE
WITH NEW COMMANDER
Kuropatkin, Beloved of the Army,
Goes to the Front with the Well
Wishes of the Empire.
FOUR DUKES WITH HIM

ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 2.--The ap-
pointment of General Kuropatkin. who was
yesterday relieved of his functions as min
lister of war, to the chief command of the
Russian army in the far East, was gazetted
this morning.
With the possible exception of General
Dragomiroff formerly governor general of
Kieff, and later member of the council of
state, General Kuropatkin is the most pop
ular man in the Russian army. AS bluff
old soldier who has fought his way up from
the bottom to be minister of war, he is
the ideal of the enlisted men. Not one in
the Cars army has seen more fighting,
and no one can tell story better There
is never a dull moment in his company, for
ne intermingles the humorous incidents of
his campaigns with tales of the self-sacri-
flee of the men whom he led with Skobelef
over the parched wastes of Cock Tepe or
over the icy slopes of Plevna.
No one meeting the short, grizzled war
rior in his charming home on the sunny
side of the Hoka would guess the extent
of his power or the burden of responsibility
weighing on his shoulders. AS minister of
war he was considered a just chief who
gave rewards and administered punishments
without fear or favor. 1t is small won
der, therefore, that the Russian army
adores him.
to direct command in the field has been re-
ceived with enthusiasm, and his leadership
inspires complete confidence that there will
be no mistake. and that Russian arms will
be carried to success on land.
Att.
to the front by the Grand Dukes Boris.
Alexis, Nicholas and Michael Nikolaievich.
The Emperor and the Empress gave
luncheon to-day to General Kuropatkin and
the grand dukes at the Alexandra Palace.
Trasske Selo and babe them farewell.
The exact mission of Grand Duke Alexis
is unknown, but it is undoubtedly an i'm
portant one, as he has been in supreme
command of the Russian navy as president
of the Board Of Admiralty, taking an active
part in the negotiations preceding hostiI-
tiles. He presided at the special council.
which prepared Russia's undelivered replv
to Japan.
Alexis paid a memorably pleasant visit n
the United States when young man. His
career as high admiral is well known and
brilliant, and he has always surrounded
himself with a notable staff. The grand
capitals During the busy months of win
ter he is often seen here walking on the
Grand Orskaja to and from the stately
palace and in front of the new admiralty
dock yard. His favorite resort is the
Yacht Club. He spends his summers in
Paris.
Grand Duke Boris is a lieutenant of hus-
sars and is dare devil of a soldier He is
likely to distinguish himself in battle and
probably will be on the staff of Grand
Duke Nicholas. After Boris returned from
the United States he bought the palace
formerly occupied by Ambassador Nc
Cormick
The Grand Duke Nicholas is fortv-seven
years old and is considered the foremost
cavalry expert in the Russian army He
Is tall and fair, with a pleasant face. As
the occupant of the responsible post of in
spector general OF cavalry he will be able
to advise General Kuropatkin, who is an
infantry specialist
Nicholas is one OF the few grand dukes
who married a commOner, and though his
marriage has not been recorded il is none
the less a happy one. His wife was the
widow Of a wealthy merchant named
BOurenin.
With General Kuropatkin's appointment
as commander-in-chief of the army. and
the presence of the Grand Duke Alexis I'm
the far East, the opinion is strengthened
that while Admiral Alexieff may remain
as viceroy. the active direction OF opera
tions will pass out OF his hands.