CZAR WITH HIS ARMIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1915, Page 12 (Supplement)

CZAR WITH HIS ARMIES.

BUSINESSLIKE MONARCH. London, Oct. 17. The Petrograd correspondent of the Times says that the Czar's departure for headquarters on the Eastern front is officially announced The Czarevitch is accompanying his father, the Czar thus being able to fulfil his dearest wish, which was to have his son at the front with him. He has disposed of the more urgent matters of home policy, and is now able to devote himself entirely to the absorbing duties that fall on the chief commander A personage at headquarters reveals the way in which the monarch discharges his exalted functions. He is an extremely early riser, and devotes his morning to military affairs, including a conference with Ceneral Alexiefl'. He displays a remarkable grasp of the situation, and does not keep military officers who wish to interview him waiting, but sees everyone himself, inking, fiction where necessary without t. moment's delay. He meets all the foreign generals attached to the staff at luncheon, and after a very frugal meal motors ov goes off by boat to his duties. He recently alighted from his car at a wayside village, and asked a peasant, who did not know him, to take him for a row. Tlie Czar directed the man to land at a particular spot, but the boatman replied that, that was forbidden. Then the Czar smilingly revealed himself to the man, who was overcome. In the afternoon the Little Father reviews the regiments that are going to the front, converses with the soldiers, and then has his dinner, at which there is no suspicion of Court etiquette. The organisation of the armies is perfect, adds the correspondent, and the Empire regards General Alexiefl' as being the right man in the right place. The little Czarevitch, who is the Grand Duke Alexis Nicolaieviteh, is only 11 years old. But he is hereditary colonel "of about a score of regiments, and is in command of all the Cossacks.