THE BEST OF THE RUSSIAN GENERALS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 448, 17 November 1877, Page 3

THE BEST OF THE RUSSIAN GENERALS.

It appears that so far the war has de--▼eioped but few shining lijj'-ts on the battle field. Genera? by bis impetuous and brilliant dash across th» B.ilkans and into Kou>;>eH&, won temporary fame and admi aicn, hut he subsequently betrayed a want of foresight, which detracts from his efficiency as a leader of laige armies. The younger General, Skobeloff, alone appears possessed of the qualities which cisike a good general under all circumstances. Hi» briliant career in Central Asia stands, considering his youth (he is only thirtylwo y( sirs of age), almost without equal. In 1863 lie received his first epaulettes, and in 1872 he was made Major-General and received the Golden Sabre for bravery, and the Cross of St. George of the fourth class. In 1876, as Military Governor of Ferghan, he received another Golden Sabre, and the Cross of St. Yiadimir of the third class. For crossing the Danube he was decorated with the Cross, of St. Anishans of the first class. While lie carries out orders wiih almost reckless daring, he has also proved that he can use his own judgment and save men from useless slaughter. When, after the first battle at Pievna. he was ordered to retake Lovaiz wiiich had bean abandoned by a small detachment of cavalry, he made a n'connoissiince, and then reported that it was inadvisable to make the attempt. IJnder altered circumstances he made ua attack, and succeeded. When again ha was forced to give up the works he had taken before Plevna, he preserved hia pre>ence of mind and declined to throw the blame upon anybody tor refusing him the reinforcements so much needed. As an inst-inca of mode of treating his men the following incident may be related which occurred during the battle, resulting in the capture of Lovafz. The advanced column was about to go into action, when the men began to shout " Charge, charge," and to rush forwar.i headlong. The General at once halted them, and formed them in dr<-«s3 parade.. Then he gave the commands " carry arms," and " present arms." In that atti-.. tude he kept them for a few minutes, while the Turkish shells began to explode among them. He asked them if they did not look ridiculous at present under Era of the enemy. They acknowledged they did. ".Now, my men," continued tie General, "I'll keep you in this position ad day unless you promise to charge onlr at the word of command, and obev orders generally." The soldiers promised to do better, were led to the charge, and behaved sdmirably.