New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-22
KUROPATKINS COMMAND.
Four Grand Dukes To Go With
Him-.4IeT1ef's Loss of Poscer.


s, Petersburg. Feb. 21.-The appointment II
General Kuropatkn. who was yesterday relieved
from his functions ss Minister OF War, 20 the
chief command Of the Russian army in the Far
East was gazetted this morning
With the possible exception OF General Drsgo-
rn,rofr formerly governor general OF KiefI. and
later n member OF the Council Of State, General
Kuropatkin is the most popular man in the
Tsussian army AS blum. old soldier. who has
fought his way up from the bottom 20 he
Minister o. War he Is the ideal OF the enlisted
men No one IN the Cars army has seen more
nghtinE and no one can tell a story better.
There is never p dun moment IN his company,
and the laughter over the ludicrous incidents
81 his campaigns which he tells changes 20
sears when he tells Of the self-sacrifce Of the
men whom he led with Skobelen over the
marched wastes % Geoktepe IN the Trans
Caspian territory. or over the icy slopes of
Plevna-
No one meeting the short. Erizzled warrior IN
his charming home on the sunny side Of the
Afeika would guess the extent Of his power or
she burden OF responsibility weighing on his
shoulders. To End a deserving suhaltern and
40 give him chance for promotion in war has
slwavs been his care As Minister Of War he
was considered a Just chief who gave rewards
and administered punishment without fear or
favor. 1t is small wonder. therefore that the
Russian army sdores him.
POPULAR APPROVAL OF CHOICE.
The appointment OF General Kuropatkin 10
command in the field has been received with
enthusiasm and his leadership inspires conf
dence that there viii be no mistake and that
Russian arms VIII be carried to success on
land.
General Kuropatkin viii be accompanied 70
she front by the Grand Dukes Boris. Alexis,
Nicholas and Michael Nikolaievich. The En-
ptror and the Empress gave luncheon to-day
10 General Kuropatkin and the grand dukes at
n she Alexandria Palace, Tsarskoe-Selo, and babe
NJ them farewell
The exact mission of Grand Duke Alexis is
Unknown hut a is undoubtedly an important
one. as he has been In supreme command Of
the Russian navy president or the Board OF
Admiralty taking an active part I'm the nego-
fiations preceding hostilities He presided at
the special council which prepared Russia's
undeiivered reply 10 Japan. Alexis paid me-
inornbly pleasant visit 20 the United States
when a young man. His career as hieh ad-
miral is wen known and brilliant, and he has
always surrounded himself with a notable STAFF.
ALIENS IN POOR HEALTH.
Tho Grand Duke Alexis Is now in very had
not b. resisted. II his health permits he may
exercise general direction OF the naval move
snents In the Far East
Grand Duke Boris Is a lieutenant q Eussars,
Hnd is considered daredevil Of tho soldier sort
lie is likely distinguish himself n battle. and
probably VIII be on the STAFF Of Grand Duke
Nicholas After Boris returned from the United
States ne bought the palace formerly occupied
b. Ambassador Mccormick.
The Grand Duke Nicholas Is forty-sever years
Cd and is considered the foremost cavalry eN-
pert in the Russian Army. lie is tai ana felr
with 4 pleasant face As the occupant Of the
responsible post OF inspector general Of cavalry
he viii DO able 10 advise General Kuropatkin.
who IS an infantry specialist. Nicholas If one Of
the few grand dukes who married cornmoner,
and though his marriage has not been recorded.
81 is a happy one. His wife was the widow OF a
wealthy merchant named Bourenin.
With General kuropatkius appointment as
commander in chief OF the army ana the pres
enCe of Grand Duke Alexis IN the Far Last the
opinion is strengthened that. while Admiral
Alexien may remain as Niceroy. the active
direction Of operations VIII pass out Of his hands.
THE TICKsBURG INCIDENT.
The action OF the commander Of the United
States g1nboat Nicksburg in declining 20 Join
the commanders Of other foreign warships IN a
protest against the attack OF the Japanese feet
81 Chemulpo promises &c cause much discussion
here.
The ''r0ovoe vremya's" London correspondent
saws that the protest OF tne tsrltlsn captain
against the Japanese attack on the ground that
Il was a breach OF neutrality proved Intellectual
because the American commander would not
assent
Newspapers mere are laying great stress on
she personal note - ~. Ku-lno. the japanese
Minister 1T 81. Petersburg. 20 Count LamsdOrn
the Russian Foreign Minister. or the occasion
Of the notification q the severance Of diplo-
matte relations. in which NJ. Kurino expressed
the hope that the rupture would be Of brief
duration. They point 10 this incident as proof
that Russia hsd no reason 10 believe that Japan
intended 10 follow Up tho rupture with actual
hostilities.
Official news received here confirms the repor;
that none a the crew OF the Korietz were lost.
An immense congregation including many dis
finEuished persons. attended the requiem mass
to-day Tor young Count Nirod, the only officer
killed aboard the Nariag. The count was a
great favorite f. St Petersburg society and was
an enrh Usiastic sportsman.