Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-04-20
ALExIEPF RELIEVED.

that Viceroy Alexieff has applied by
telegraph to the Emperor to be relieved
of his position of viceroy in the far
East. The request will be Immediately
granted. The Car is reported to have
recently said that Alexieff had brought
nothing but ill-luck since the war began.
The Immediate ca1se of the Viceroy's
application is reported to be the ap-
pointnent of Vice Admiral Skrydlof,
one of Alexieff7s strongest enemies and
sharpest critics, as successor to the late
Vice Admiral Makarof in command Of
the Russian navy in the far East.
Vice Admiral Skydloff had an inter
view with the Emperor yesterday and
discussed with His Majesty the question
Of his (Skrydlofr 8 relations with Alex
ieA.
The relieving from command OF Vice
roy Alexief will not surprise intelligent
observers of the far Eastern situation
who are familiar with the gradual change
in the Emperor's attitude toward the
Viceroy and NJ. Bezobrazof, who repre-
sented the militant, or advanced, ele-
ment, which was anxious that Russia
should remain in Manchuria.
1t was to these two men that the Anglo
,Japanese entente first lost its terrors.
They believed that Great Britain would
uot 90 to war, and that japan could not
do so. To the indignation of Japan they
succeeded 10 turning the policy of the
empire from carrying out the treaty for
the entire evacuation of Manchuria pend
ing further demands on China.
On August II last, after Japan had
submitted an inquiry as to whether Rus
sia was disposed to reopen the negotia-
tions respecting Manchuria and Korea,
a vice royalty in the far East, special
secretary of state and an advisory COM
mittee were created, Alexief being ap-
pointed yiceroy and Bezobrazo6 secretary
of state.
Seventeen days after these appoint
ments were made NJ. White, who had
been opposed to the policy of Alexieff
and Bezobrazof, was relieved Of his port
folio as minister Of finance.
1t was through his new official advisers
that the Emperor conducted negotiations
with Japan, and it is claimed that they
mi,udged the temper and purpose OF the
japanese and left the Emperor in igno-
rance of the preparations for war, which
Japan was making and the rising war
spirit Of that empire.
The enemies OF Alexieff have persist
emily asserted that as the man on the
spot he should have kept the Emperor
informed concerning these vital points.
On the eve of the war Alexief appar-
emily still had the confidence OF the
Car, but the lack Of preparedness Of the
Port Arthur feet, as shown in the cases
of the battleships Retvizan and Care
witch, called the attention of the EN-
peror to the slackness of the naval ad-
ministration in the far East.
The anti-Alexief party in st. Peters
burg held that Vice Admiral Stark, who
was the Viceroy's representative, was
responsible under him for the first re-
verse at Port Arthur.
Viceroy Alexief recommended the ap-
pointment of either Vice Admiral Den
bassoff or Vice Admiral Makarof to
command the feet in succession to Vice
Admiral Stark. The Emperor selected
Makarof, and at the same time issued
a special ukase making him absolutely
independent.
When a successor to the late Makaron
had to be selected without consulting
Alexieff's wishes, and without consider
iny vice Admiral Doubassof, whom ht
had originally recommended, the En-.
peror telegraphed Vice Admiral Skry'
loff to proceed to Port Arthur via St
Petersburg and assume command OF the
feet 1t is said that not even this fac
was officially communicated to Alexieff,
and be was allowed to learn of it through
the press dispatches. Alexieff considered
the matter for three days, at the end o
which he is said to have reached de
cision to apply for leave.
Vice Admiral Skrydloff reached st
Petersburg Yesterday on his way to th
far East. where he will take command
of the Russian feet at Port Arthur. ID
was accorded an enthusiastic reception
by the people, who thronged the streets
From the bareheaded throng a peasan
stepped out and presented Skrydloff wit
; a copy of a picture entitled "The Hol
Virgin Of Joy to the Afflicted" F" which
reputed to have miraculous power. Th
peasant also presented the Admiral wit
consecrated bread, telling Skrydlof thi
he saluted him in the name of the mas
;. es of the Russian people, all OF who's
hopes depended on him as the hero
the Russo Turkish war. 'Frhe peop
are convinced" added the spokesman
"that Admiral Skrydlof will justify Il
hopes of the Emperor and the fatherlan'
and. like the Virgin, whose picture hi
: : lust been given him, will bring JOY, al
d that soon, to a people now afflicted.
= The Admiral, who was visible atiecte
i took the picture, declaring that be a
cepted it as happy presage, and ad
ing that he would not part with u
, picture throughout the campaign al
= that he would put all his faith in &c
A representative of the middle class
presented the Admiral with picture
e, s. Theodosius, the miracle-worker
Czerniakoff. Admiral Skrydoltf marri
: Jewess. and the number OF promine
uabrews among the crowd at |