The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-09-27
NICHOLAS
TO TAKE
COMMAND

St Petersburg, Sept. 27.-Although an
official announcement to the effect is not
expected Immediately as II will require
some little time 10 get Russia's second
army in the field. the designation OF
Grand Duke Nicholas Nicholaievitch. the
inspector general Of cavalry. as COM
mander-in-chief is regarded as practical
ly settled.
Some OF Gen Kuropatkin's friends still
cling to the hope that he may yet be ap-
pointed, especially II he now achieves a
notable success against Field Marshal
Oyama But the idea Is not shared In the
best informed circles.
BEYOND JEALOUsIEs.
The situation at the front with two and
perhaps ultimately three big armies Is
considered to demand above all else, the
supreme commander be OF such personal
authority as 10 be beyond Jealousies and
the possibility OF intrigue on the part or
subordinates and such a man the en-
peror now realizes can only be supplied
by member or the imperial family.
Grand Duke Nicholas is regarded as
being extremely well fitted for this great
responsibility. lie has youth and an iron
constitution, and above all resolution and
untirinR energy. With these qualifications
whatever he lacks In military experience
and ability as a strategist can be supplied
by placing AZ his disposal the most able
military advisors OF the Russian army
The suggestion that kuropatkin might
become chief OF STAFF and thus In fact,
II not in name. be the real commander OF
the German armies although nominally
only Emperor Williams chief Of stan
Is generally rejected. Grand Duke Nicho-
las will not rely upon single advisor,
but on STAFF comprising the ablest
strategists OF the general stan. who In
reality will constitute a board of direc-
ton OF military operations Moreover,
the officers who are besr acquainted with
Grand Duke Nicholas believe he may de-
velop military genius OF a high order.
Viceroy Alexeff is regarded as almost
certain to return here. The report that
he may become chancellor OF the empire,
however, is exploded.
He is more likely to retain his title and
come To St Petersburg nominaly In the
capacity Of advisoor 81 the emperor and
will thus efface himself as a factor Of
the military situation In the Far East
VANGUARD DRIVEN BACK.
The general staff has received the fol-
lowing dispatch from Gen. Sakharoff,
dated yesterday:
"The enemy's vanguard. consisting OF
one battalion and two squadrons OF
cavalry has assumed the offensive. prob
ably for "A reconnaissance. I'm the district
between the Mandarin road and the
heights OF the village Of Toumytsa. His
advance was stopped by our troops. The
enemy retreated along the whole line, pur-
sued by our cavalry.
''The enemy has not yet advanced north
OF Davina on the left bank OF the Lao
river. but an increased force has been OBJ
served in the neighborhood OF Sanchan.
japanese cavalry have appeared In the
valley OF the Lao river.
JAPS LOSSES AT PORT ARTHUR.
London, Sept. PA telegram TO local
news agency from ST. Petersburg says a
dispatch has been received by the official
news agency there from Harbin. saying
that the Japanese lost 1900 men killed
during the night attack on Port Arthur,
September Is.
The Russian warship. II is added rem
dered valuable assistance in repulsing the
| Japanese.