The Washington herald., 1914-08-28

Lake Mauer has been evacuated by the
Germans, following Russian victories
The Russians have suffered no Interrupt
ton in that difficult country.
The capture by the Russians OF 100
guns from the enemy is confirmed"
sharp Fighting at Lille.
Sharp lighting has occurred at the
gates of Lille between German cavalry
and French troops. but 1t is reported
here this afternoon that the Germans
were beaten of toward Seolin, losing a
number OF prisoners.
This detachment OF Germans ap-
preached Lille from Mouscron. advanc-
ing on Lille between Roubaix and Tur-
Going.
Preparations for a siege Of Paris are
being rushed. Gen. Gallieni, an expert
in defensive operations, has taken COM
mAnd OF the troops that garrison the
forts about the capital He succeeded
Gen. Michel as military governor OF
Paris. The latter will go 10 the front.
These steps were stated officially to be
only necessary precautions in conjurc-
ton with the military operations" but
this announcement was not sufficient 10
calm the fears that had been aroused by
the sudden formation OF a new cabinet.
II l. expected that within twenty-fOur
hours passenger train service practically
will be suspended by a flood OF freight
traffic bringing TO the capital supplies TO
stock the government storehouses. The
freight trains already are being made up
at towns in the centers OF the agricultural
districts.
Fenr ROut of Allies.
The announcement by the war Office
that "in a general way our offensive be-
tween Nancy and the Vosges Is making
Roadway" was offset by the admission
that the French right wing was compelled
to fall back slightly in the region OF St
Die" and that lin the north the Franco
British lines have moved back a short
distance"
As the British form part Of the left
wing OF the allied troops. it IS feared here
that the great German army has turned
both TANKS aAd. advancing in a circle,
will drive the French back upon the
capital.
The French losses have been very heavy
in the fighting that already has taken
place. This is evidenced by the govern
ment decree permitting the promotion OF
officers irrespective OF seniority.
Paris Is hard pressed to care for the
who fed before the German al
vance and have come to this city. reach
ing here in a pitiful condition. Some OF
them have had no food for two days:
most OF them are half clothed. and all Of
them are weary, haggard and panic
stricken.
New Cabinet Holds Session.
The new cabinet formed by Rene vivi-
ami will be known as the Ministry OF
National Defense. 1t held a brief session
this morning. Though Viviani as premier
retains the presidency Of the council, he
has taken no portfolio In the new cabinet
and It is expected that Theophile Del
casse. the new foreign minister and atch-
foe Of Germany, will be the actual head
Of the ministry.
Hitherto the Socialists have refused to
allow their leaders to enter the cabinet,
but the present ministry includes two,
Marcel Sembat and Jules Guesde. The
former is minister OF public works, but
the latter holds no portfolio.
In explanation Of their acceptance Of
by the premier they issued
the following joint statement:
We consented to act because We
thought that in so grave a crisis the So
cialists ought to take their part in min
istering to the national defense"
Cabinet of Strong Men.
The downfall OF the first Viviani cabi-
net after being in existence only two
and one-half months caused little sur
prise in Paris. II has been regarded
weak, and the handling Of the war by
Viviani as foreign minister and NJ.
Messimy as war minister came in for
continual criticism. The reverses suf-
fered by the troops in Belgium and the
detection of the Fifteenth Corps brought
the issue to a crisis.
With Delcasse at the helm as foreign
and Alexander Millerand min
ster OF war all vaclllation is expected
TO cease. The entrance OF Delcasso into
the national activities at this time Is a
3ramatic feature. He has always disliked
Emperor William, of Germany. and this
dislike was famed to hatred when the
Kaiser forced him to retire from the
French cabinet in 1906, when France and
Germany were on the brink Of war over
The Morocco crisis
It was due to DeIcasse's efforts while |
foreign minister that the Franco-Russian
alliance. later leading to the Triple |
Entente. was perfected