The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-12
FLOWER OF THE RUSSIAN
ARMY REVIEWED BY CAR
Forty-Thousand Soldiers Pass Be-
fore His Majesty on the
Champs De Mars.
SPECTACULAR CHARGE

ST. PETERSBURG. May 11.-There were
scenes of martial splendor on the Champs
de Mars to-day when Emperor Nicholas
held his annual review of the detachments
of all troops in the military district of
st. Petersburg. which include every regi-
ment Of the imperial guard. The foreign
military attaches scrutinized with more
than ordinary care the defile of crack reg
iments of the empire which is now bat
Ting to maintain its position in the far
East. and the general verdict was that no
better body of soldiers could be seen in
Europe.
The field on which the review was held
presented a stirring picture. Drawn up on
the vast plain were 1000 of the finest
troops in the empire arrayed in brilliant
uniforms. Stretching back from the front
like waves on sea were the foot soldiers,
rank upon rank. Behind them were great
parks of artillery, while back into the ra-
dating streets as far as the eye could see
were the fiuttering pennants of the splen-
did cavalry.
Preceded by the generals in lambskin
caps and followed by an imposing entour-
age, winch included the military attaches
among whom were Capt. Il. L. Mott and
Major Macomb, representing the United
states, the imperial cortege moved through
the summer garden to the plain. The EN-
press and the Empress's mother rode in an
open state carriage with Cossack footmen
ana drawn by six white stations. The EN-
peror was mounted on coal-bIack charger
ana wore the dark-green uniform of a
coionel OF Foot Guards, with the blue sash
OF OF the Order of St Andrew across his
preasts his being by far the most modest
uniform in the imperial procession.
Like a shuttle the cortege passed back
anu anu lorth as the Emperor inspected the
Various S regiments. Good day. my chill
dren.' was his universal greeting.
Good health, your imperial Majesty"
was the unfailing response
Nnen the inspection was completed the
pdnus were massed opposite the imperial
pavilion. The Empress took her place with
her suite and moved some distance to the
right. out in front. alone save for a bugler
and two Circassians of the guard i'm bright
crimson, the Emperor sat his charger like
statue. He looked strong and we'll Then
The defile of splendid battaIions began. the
Dands playing regimental airs throughout
the review.
The review concluded with the charge of
l0VOO cavalry at full speed across the plain.
win front half a mile wide the magnifi-
cent horsemen in strange and multi-col-
ored uniforms and with flags and pennants
streaming, shot forward like one man at
the command of Grand Duke Vladimir
who is. commander-in-chief of all the pIard
regiments. The very earth seemed TO trem-
Ole under the thunder of horses hoofs on
they came at such a mad pace that il
seeneu as II they must carry down all be-
lore them. Instinctively those I'm the boxes
drew back. but scarcely five PAGES beyond
the emperor Grand Duke Vladimir threw
up his sword and the lire stopped dead
many horses being thrown upon their
launches. but not a man or beast went
down. A great burst of applause came
from the spectators
Then, in accordance with custom. the
commanding officers moved UP to hear the
Emperor's criticism, and at the same time
the senior noncommissioned officer of each
detachment Of troops repaired to the i'm
perlal pavilion to pay his respects to the
Empress She rewarded these noncommis-
stoned officers by directing the distribution
or three roubles to each and one rouble to
each man participating in the review
Grand Duke Michael, the heir apparent
to the Russian throne marched with ono Of
the foot guard regiments in which he is
lieutenant.