The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-09-12
GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS PROBABLY
VICTIM OF POLITICS IN DUMA

army in order to turn the tide against
the German invaders. who look
forward with dread to the prospect Of
a winter campaign in Russia Grand
Duke Nicholas possessed those abili-
ties and that experience. He has given
ample proof thereof.
Had he been permitted TO remain at
las to the Vlce-royalty Of the Caucasus
slams might have hoped to convert the
invasion OF the Germans into a rout
during the coming winter compared
to which the disastrous retreat of the
grand army OF Napoleon from Moscow
1903 years ago would pale into insig-
nificance. As things are now no one
can tell what will happen. and whether
the Germans will not succeed in reach
ing the great grain port of Odessa, on
the Black Sea. in the south, and Petro-
grad In the north.
The transfer of Grand Duke Nicho-
las t othe V~iceroyalty OF the Caucasus
seems sc pregnant with possibilities of
misfortune to Russian arms that M
cannot help thinking that German
agencies have contributed largely to
bring 1t about. The satisfaction at
Berlin. as shown by the wireless des-
patches from thence concerning his
downfall. strengthens this presump-
ton.
No Russian commander is rated so
highly by that great General STAFF at
Berlin which is described as the brain
OF the German army. In fact, the
Grand Dukes removal has been well
coined throughout the German army
in the light OF n victory. He always
kept them guessing as to his next
move. and in the retirement of his
forces from Galicia and from Ger
many. without any loss to speak OF
in the way of war material or Of men,
while inficting the maximum Of losses
upon the Germans following in his
wake. he has frequently reminded peo-
pie of that celebrated dictum OF the
great Field Marshal Moltke 10 the ef-
feet that to conduct a successful re-
treat was even a greater feat for a
commander than to win a great VIC
tory.
German agents are still very busy
in Russia, in spite OF all the efforts 10
rid the country of them. There, as in
England and in France. they are
carrying out to the uttermost the
recommendations of Gen. Bernhard,
in his now celebrated book, to hamper
the Government Of the enemy's coun-
try by all means in their power. es-
pecially by originating quarrels be-
tween persons in authority, and by
stirring up dissensions mons the
commanders. the members Of the ad-
ministration, the legislators and al
, court.
In Russia II has been easier TO do
this than either in England or in
France, for the reason that Russia is
simply honeycombed with Germans
They have been settling in Russia for
the past 200 years. indeed ever since
the reign Of Peter the Great. His
policy Of inviting Germans to emf
CRATE to Russia, in order to develop
the agricultural and Industrial re-
sources OF the empire. was followed
by his SUCCESSORS on the throne, no.
tably by Peter Ill, the friend and ad-
mirer of Frederick the Great; by Alex
ander l., by Nicholas l.. who married q
sister OF the late Emperor William,
and by Alexander IT,. who was devoted
TO his uncle, the old Kaiser.
These German immigrants were &C.
corded all sorts OF privileges calcu-
lated to render them unpopular, such
as immunities from taxation and ex-
emption from compulsory military SER
vice. Thanks to their superiority OF
education and to their habits Of or
| lAritna.a apI thr,ff thay nrnunAraI IN
an amazing degre. at the expense OF
their Russian fellow citizens, and
gradually came to " the best lands
and to enjoy a virtual monopoly OF
the leading industries. all the while re-
naming Germans instead OF becoming
absorbed into the Russian nation.
They also succeeded In possessing
themselves OF most Of the Government
offices and Of the dignities at court
where until the advent Of Alexander
III. Teuton influences were so pre-
dominant that when blunt spoken and
intensely Russian old Gen. Yerma.
loft was asked in the year of 1877 by
Alexander II. what reward he could
give to him for a victory which he
had just won he replied. with the
words full OF meaning, II would ask
your Imperial Majesty to promote me
TO be a German"
1t is these Germans at the court o.
Petrograd, these Germans in the vari'
Gus branches Of the administration
and these Germans In the political III,
OF Russia. who have all along beer
instrumental in creating not unior
but dissension for the benefit OF Ger
many. II is they who, as controlling
the bureaucracy, obstructed and ham
pered for so many years all the Gar
projects of liberal reform.
II Is they who hampered the success
OF Russia's policies abroad. until within
the last ten years they have beef
driven out of the Cars diplomatic ser
vice, In which until hen they hat
predominated. 1t is they who hav,
been to blame for most OF the quar-
rels at court and for the differences
between the members OF the ~reignine
family, and 1t Is they who In the guist
OF socialist sgitators have endeavoret
to render the Russian peasants. WHIT
constitute 95 per cent. Of the popula
ton, discontinued with their lot, an
who have sought, but In vain, I,
poison their minds against the Gear.
Perhaps the best indication Of tn,
aversion In which they are held b.
the Russian people Is to be found II
the name given to them since 10,
years, namely "Nemetz.' which Il
the Muscovite equivalent for "duml
fool" that Is to say. a blockhead,
man who cannot speak the language