The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-09-04
Evolution in Tactics.

Despite the many aggressive wars made
BY Russia upon weaker nations II has
been a sacred dogma OF Russian military
tactics ever since the Napoleonic invasion
to keep on the defensive In "A possible
great European confiagration. Gon. kuro-
patkin, in his noteworthy book written
after the Russo-J Japanese war. emphati-
cally declared that IL would be suicidal for
Russia to make any but "A defensive war
against the powerful armies OF Germany
and Austria Hungary. SIN, the tactical
evolution of the Russian army In the pre-
ent war showed clearly that the Russian
War Ministry was prepared to attack Ger
maEy and Austria-Hungary. This plan
was agreed on upon tho insistence. and
practically at the command Of the French
General stan.
year ago French newspapers reported
that II was the intention OF Russia, In
case of war, TO abandon the entire terri
tory of Russian Poland and to concentrate
her army back on the kOwno- Grodno-
Brest- Litowsk- Rowno line. This news was
received by the French Government with
a displcasure which looked suspiciouSly
like indignation. In case Of war II was
OF the utmost importance to France that
Russia should attack eastern Prussia.
Prussian Silesia and the entire line OF
the German frontier right at the beginning
OF hostllties. The French General stan
therefore, demanded explanations and
to change Its arrangements. one billion
francs was placed at the disposal OF the
Russian War Ministry for the completion
OF the strategicsl railroad lines on the
| western frontier.
The Russians seemed 10 have forgotten
| that AS late as 1882 Russia had entered
into an agreement with France 20 con-
centrate cavalry numbering l2O 900 at the
German frontier in order to disturb possi-
| BILE strategical movements of the German
| army toward France. In July, 1912, on
| the occasion Of the visit Of VI. poincare
| (then French Premier) In st. retersburE.
| this agreement was not only renewed hut
| Russia entered upon new obligations,
| pledging herself 10 advance also other
| troops than cavalry toward her western
| frontier
Information comes from Russian Poland
that the Inhabitants there received the
German and Austro- Hungarian troops ~
| friends. not as enemies. Residents OF IN"
| little towns gave them a friendly greeting,
the Inhabitants OF the cities received mem
with open arms. and from their distant
castles the nobility hurried forth TO honor
them as hberators.
Lessons From Japanese War.
| After the war with Japan, Russia re-
organized her army In order TO make Il
a greater unity. Five new army corps
were organized in Europe and two IN Asia.
In 1911 tho artillery was equipped VITA
rapid fire guns. The siege and train
artillery are not yet equipped with modern
guns but on the other hand, machine
guns have been purchased in great guam
titles also dirigibles. aeroplanes and auto
mobiles In all branches Of the army Oh"
highly colored uniform has been changed
to one protective color.
The lessons of the war with japan had
not been practically utilized In the I'M
provement OF the army until 1907, aft"'
the suppression of revolutionary disturb
ances. Then many new military rN.
based on modern principles were pub
llshed and much attention was paid To- I'M
proving the condition OF the officers anal
petty officers stan But the spirit OF th'
army remained unchanged.
T.. T. Martynow, the eminent nll'ts'S
writer. who took part In the war agate:
japan at the head OF n regiment gay" a
vivid description of the Russian sold.e
lie said
'"rhe Russian soldier did not know, nor
did he care whence or whittier he was
going He marches without thiuk.n'
without concerning himself Of thlns'
! about him, being blndly obedient TO 'h'
| commands. When commanded by ab''
officers he would do miracles 81 brareiN
I'M, as soon as his officers fall IN l~
| heat OF battle, which in modern warfaI'
, is a normal thing, his attitude chang'
, | altogether one company which pr
yiously fought very hravely changed u
self into A herd OF wild cattle MS so"i
Its officers were missing. This loss 'I
. control was found even among IN" on
, GERS. being the Gauge of many panlcs