Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-09-08
Car in Command of Army
Is Regarded as an Answer
to Recent Talk of Peace


LONDON, September Emperor
Nicholas is now in supreme command
of the Russian military and naval forces
in the fighting zones. and Grand Duke
Nicholas who as commander-in-chief
of the. Russian army was one of the
most conspicuous figures of the Euro
pean war. has been transferred to the
Caucasus.
London is specializing as to what sec
ton of the long eastern front viii be
selected by the emperor for his head
quarters At the present moment Cour-
land appears to be the critical sector of
the line. Gen. Ruzsky is in command
there. and Field Marshal Won linden
burg apparently is not making any
great progress against him.
The central sector has been held by
Grand Duke Nicholas, and efforts of
the Germans to drive a wedge through
the swamps are proceeding very slowly.
The Galician wing, in command of Gen.
1vanoff, is making a stubborn stand
against the Austrans and Germans,
who are engaged in a tremendous eff
fort to drive the last Russian from
Austrian soil.
Speculation as to Command.
What military general or whether the
general staff now will assume the ac-
tive leadership of Russia's hard-press-
ed forces is not announced in the en-
peror's order relieving the grand duke
of his important post.
Thursday last Gen. AleNeXiev was ap-
pointed chief of the grand dukes staff.
Some military commentators hazard
the guess that upon his shoulders VIII
devolve the chief responsibility.
The removal of Grand Duke. Mich
otaS came as great surprise to Eng
M yhara ffyY-r he faNr olySr
he had received constant praise for
extricating his armies from the Teu-
toric grip.
Now that winter is approaching and
the Austro-German forces are moving
more slowly. it was believed that
with shortage of ammunition and
other difficulties he had accomplished
all that was humanity possible in the
circumstances His transfer, therefore,
was from a clear sky and marks the
most important change of command in
any army during the great war.
In times of peace Emperor Nicholas
is invested by law with the honorary
command of the army and navy, and
the announcement that he had as
sumed this post in person did not at
first bring with it any intimation of
impending important changes
To Inspire Russian Troops.
1t was then thought of as notew orthy
IoT us moral SlSnlHCaNCS
and the impression which it would
make on the Russian troops that their
sovereign was in close touch with them
and had determined to carry the war to
a successful conclusion. London news
papers took this view until receipt of
the news from Petrograd that the
grand duke had been removed.
1t is the general impression her. that
Emperor Nicholas will not determine
personally upon the strategic formula
to be followed, but will intrust the des-
TIMES of his armies to the chief of the
general staff.
AS the religious head of the Russian
nation the emperor's move. it is point
ed out. should prove to be a great
moral stimulus to his troops. 1t is also
regarded here as disposing effectually
of rumors that Russia contemplates
conclusion OF separate peace.
Seek to Seize Railroads.
Weather conditions, which in past
wars have proved an efficient ally of
the Russians. are again intervening on
their side. A dispatch published in
Copenhagen newspaper says the rivers
have been swollen by autumn foods to
such an extent that they promise to
form an impossible barrier to a fur
Their advance of the invaders.
This dispatch represents the imne-
campaign to the seizure Of the entire
railroad system from Riga to Lem
berg. thus .nsurInG control Of lines OF
communication for a further penetra-
ton OF White Russia.
The correspondent az Petrogad of
tine Exchange Telegraph Company
eays.
The decision Of Emperor Nicholas to
take chief command is regarded as the
best possible reply to recent talk OF
peace proposals. and as showing clearly
Russia's determination to bring vie
tory to herself and her allies"
Announced by Grand Duke.
PARIS. September S. 235 pm.-The
text of the order of the day issued by
Grand Duke Nicholas transferring COM
mand of the Russian armies to the
emperor is forwarded by the Petrogad
correspondent OF the Havas News
Agency as follows:
Valiant army and feet: Today your
august supreme chief his majesty
the emperor. places himself a, your
head. I bow before your heroisn of
more than year, and express to you
my cordial, warm and sincere appre-
citation.
Il believe steadfastly that because
the emperor himself to whom you haze
taken your oath, conducts YOU. you
will display achievements hitherto I'M
known. ] believe that God from this
day will accord to His elect His all
powerful aid, and will bring to him
victory.
6signed)
GEN. AID-DE-CAMP. NICHOLAS"
IN Taking Army Command
H,or DIT CoIIo,,o J;a: