3-086-144 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Chinese Question: Amoor Cossacks on the march through Manchuria to Port Arthur, 1898. 'The Amoor Cossacks, like the rest of the various Cossack communities of the Russian Empire, furnish their own arms and mounts, except the rife or carbine, which the Government supplies. Perched on their high saddles, covered with a sort of leather pillow, containing the rider's kit, with short stirrups, heels close to the horse's side, no spurs, but the nagaika or whip instead, slung round the neck or carried in the hand, and armed with lance, sword, and rifle, these Cossacks look business-like enough. And so they are. Excellent horsemen, standing fatigue and exposure with impunity, man and beast alike, they form an effective part of the army on the move through Manchuria from the Amoor district towards Port Arthur.' From "Illustrated London News", 1898.