The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-04-29
General Linevitoh Talks.

Gunshu Pass, Manehuria, April 2S.--Gen.
eral Linevitch granted an interview to the
correspondents of the Associated Press at
his headquarters. here, In the course Of
which he expressed himself as highly sat
isfied with the present coGa.hon of the
Russian army, and its readiness to assume
the offensive He manifested emphatic
regret for the retreat from Mukden. The
new commander-in-chief believes that the
peril to the army at that juncture was
overestimated and that the day was far
from being lost when the retreat was or
dered. With his eyes cleaning with an
indomitable energy and emphasizing his
words with a blow upon the camp table
before him. General Linevitch exclaimed:
Would Not Have Retreated.
Il would certainly not have retreated
/ realize that 1t is easy now to pass judg-
ment upon accomplished facts; but never
theless | repeat l would not have retreat
ed. | persuaded Kuropatkin to stand at
Tie Pass, and we halted there for n time
We could have remained, but on account
of certain administrative factors he con-
sidered it inexpedient, and the retirement
| gave the men a days rest. The Japan
ese did not press us and could not do So
as their condition was quite as bad as
ours. As for that unfortunate retirement
itself any observer can convince himself
that its significance. and especially Its
influence upon the army had been indus
triously and greatly exaggerated by the
japanese and the foreign press. The re-
treat was in no sense In the nature OF a
complete rout, proof of which is evident
In the fact that in less than month af-
ter the retreat the two armies which were
thrown into confusion by the Japanese,
had been collected and fully reorganized.
The first army did not require this, hav-
ing retired in ORDER
Position Was Advantageous.
General Linevitch attributes the greater
success of the first army during the re-
treat, TO the relatively more advantageous
position In which 1t was located. lie ad-
mitted that there we're heavy losses in
both men and material during the retire
ment, and especially to the wagon trains,
but he declared that this also was exag-
gerated. Touching the breaking through
of the Japanese at the Hun river on
March 8, General Lineyltch said he did
not nor does he now attach real signifi-
cance to 1t, believing that this force was
not greater than two companies of scouts,
or small bodies of cavalry and he be-
ijeves that the report that Japanese ar
tllery was In action east of the great
Mandarin road on March 10. was based
on a miscacuation.
General Linevitch also discussed the
Grippenberg incident taking the part of
General KuropatlSin. as against his form
ct subordinate, and finished with an ex-
preston of good will toward the press
In the present war
After expression of regret that so
much harm had been done before he was
given command, cloud of sorrow dark
ened the face of the general. and he re-
peated twice, is a sad inheritance"
The correspondent later lunched with
the staff where General Linevitch warn
ed his officers against a too wide ex-
tension of scattering forces. He favored
rather concentration, even Of cavalry