'Russia and India in 1903' [‎8r] (15/68)

THE RUSSIAN ARMY OF TO-DAY. 13
remarkable in the history of the world for progress
in civil liberty, one might expect to find that the
disciplinary hold had become less firm. But, if any
thing, the contrary, so far as outward appearances go,
is the fact. The discipline of the Army, and, indeed,
of the Civil Service also, is as perfect as ever. Every
office and grade, from Minister to schoolboy, has its
martial uniform, and never puts it off. Travel from
the Vistula to the Amur, and neither in public street
nor at lonely station, will you see any deviation of the
strict military bearing and salutation of the subordinate
towards the superior. And while this is the case, those
friendly greetings of the superior, from the Tsar down
wards, to the inferior, on coming into and leaving his
presence, are still typical of the friendliness and
“bonhomie” of Russian life.
“Good morning, my children,” says the Emperor or
senior officer.
“ We wish your Majesty ” (or “ Excellency ” accord-
ing to grade) “good health,” reply the men in
melodious chorus.
Then the senior officer, sergeant, or soldier gives
his verbal state of the division, regiment, or barrack-
room. On leaving, if pleased, the inspecting officer
says aloud, “Spasebo” (I thank you) or “ Ochen
harascho ” (quite satisfactory).
The Chief of Police throws his “ Good day ” at the
constable as he passes him, and in such case the latter
knows it is well, and he was in his right place. In a
Government office the hand-shaking every morning,
and, indeed, half a dozen times in the day, is posi
tively exasperating and consumes valuable time.
Infantry .—There are three infantry divisions of the
Guard, two quartered in St. Petersburg and one in
Warsaw. The twelve regiments, with forty-eight
battalions, are known only by their names, and it is
noteworthy that the Emperor has never given himself
higher rank than that of Colonel of the Preobrajensky