New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-21
RUSSIANS LAND
TOAD ALLIES
Cars Troops Arrive
at MarSeilleS on
Big Flotilla.
'Br Cab. 70 The rr.bune.'

London. April 20.-Nothing has so
electrified London since the war began
as the dramatic announcement to-day
that Russian troops were landing az
Marseiles. Il was the realization al
last of hopes so frequently dlsap-
pointed in the early days Of the war
which official confirmation no longer
made it possible to doubt.
That the landing is but the begin
ring of events Of great Importance 49,
Of course. the obvious conclusion. No
word has yet been received of the num-
Der OF troops that have thus been
transferred 20 the west front or their
purpose.
II is assumed. however. that the
move is part of the general plan Of
operations agreed upon at the war
council Of the Allies in Paris. OBJ
servers see it as conclusive proof that
it is upon the west front that the Al
lied grand offensive is 70 be launched.
As soon as the German assault az YER
dun has spent itself. they assert. the
Allies vii begin their combined drive,
aimed not merely at clearing the
armies Of the Kaiser out OF France and
Belgium, but hurting them back across
the Rhine into Germany itself.
Transports a Great Flotllla.
How many Russians have been sent
across seas by Emperor Nicholas is not
known, but what is described as "a
great fotila OF transports" arrived IN
the harbor Of Marseilles. and almost
Immediately afterward landed the
forces amid the cheering Of the popu-
lace and the French troops gathered az
the quay 10 greet them and the roars
of salutes.
General Joirre. the French command
or in chief, in welcoming the Russians
in an order Of the day, said they were
Soldiers chosen from the bravest IN
the Russian armies and commanded oy
officers Of the highest renown.'
Coincidental with the arrival OF the
Russians comes the statement from
Paris that the Germans. owing 10 the
strong resistance Of the French az Yer
dun. are withdrawing large forces from
their fronts in Russia, Serbia and
Macedonia and throwing them into TINS
hctly contested theatre.
French Deeply Moved.
The arrival Of the soldiers has made
a profound impression in France, when
is deeply moved By this manifestation
of Russia's good will in the substantial
form OF lighting men.
The Russians are believed 20 have
embarked for France from the port OF
Archangel. on the White Sea, the only
port through which there IS free COM
nunica,ion between Russia and her
allies in the west. IL is considered
probable that the transports carrying
the .roops made a wide sweep out INTO
tho North Atlantic before heading for
the Mediterranean 10 avoid the SUD
marine danger zone IN the vicinity OF
the British Isles.
In this connection is is 70 be noted
that Russia had closed the port OF
Archangel to all except government
traffic. This may indicate that other
troop movements from HTchHHeet q"
the western front are either under way
or in contemplation.
Joifre Welcome to Troops.
Several times during the war there
have been reports that Russia was
sending troops 20 the Franco Belgian
front. travellers even declaring that de-
,achments had been seen en- route
through Scotland and England. No
such troops have ever appeared on the
western battle line. however
General Jofre welcomed the Rus-
SLAMS in an order Of the day. saying
their arrival was another striking
proof Of the devotion " Russia 10 the
common cause.
The text Of the order issued by Cen
eral Joffre is as follows:
"Our faithful ally. Russia, whose
(outlnu. d on page :. column