The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-11-21
DECISIVE BATTLE on.
(;crmnu Victory Mems winter De-
cupation of Russian soil.
By HAMILTON FYFE,
speciai Correspondent Of the London "DoHy
Matt"

Special Correspondent Of the London "DdHy
Matt"
Special Cabie Despd'ch TO TnE SuN.
PErRodRAp. Nov. 2o.--The great battle
In progress in Poland will decide
whether the Germans and Austrians
can settle themselves in a position on
the Russian side of the frontier, prob
ably for the best part of the winter,
or bc forced to divide their forces IN
order to defend the roads to Vienna
and Berlin.
The main attack by the enemy is TO
the west of Warsaw. between that city
and the frontier. The first plan was
to throw the bulk OF their forces
against the Russians between Cen
stochova and Cracow. This was ia
vored by the Austrians for obvious rea-
sons. but at council of war at Bres-
lau the Kaiser who presided. decided
that great effort should be made TO
check the advance of the Russians to-
ward German territory
This gave offence to the Austrians
and is still causing uneasness at
Vienna. 1t was hoped there that the
concentration of troops near the Aus
trian frontier would relieve the anxiety
OF the Austrian public. Now that part
of the line has been left weak in COM
parison with the German left. between
the Nistula and the Wharf.-The.
The movement of the troops has been
ably and swiftly carried out The Ger
mans are profitng enormously by the
number Of railway lines built and main-
tanned at heavy expense for number Of
years with no object except their use
fulness IN war.
The aim Of the Russians is likely tn
he to draw them away as far as possible
into the roadless region, where' the usual
tactics are impossible This succeeded
well in the last battle.
The question may I've asked. why the
Germans will allow themselves to be
caught In the same way again. The eX-
PLANTATION is that their only hope of safety
lies in advancing. Il appears that the
positions which they expected to be able
to occupy along tho Wharf.-The need
strengthening. II they failed to take tho
offensive to cover the work which is be-
ing done here they would be hurled back
on the oder and the Russians would be
on German soil.
This the Kaiser is desperately anxious
to avoid. as is proved by telegram
which he sent to Gen. Won Hindenberg.
telling him that all eyes in the father
land were fixed on him and the pcopl"
were eagerly awaiting news of a decis-
i've victory which would relieve the ter
ror felt In Prussia over the thought OF u
Russian invasion.
Il is recognized that btoh armies on
the western front are suffering from eN-
hauston caused by the interminable strus
gle, with little change in fortune that
n little encouragement to either side from
this front might mean much
The leading military organs in Russia
think that the result OF the bat:l' In Po-
land may affect the duration OF the war
One calls the German effort Williams
last throw" Another compares the activ-
ity of the Russian armies to the position
OF the Allies in France and Belgium and
considers that the deadlock may last for
a long time yet, in which case the fighting
on the western front would lose in in
terest.
"Russia's role becomes all important"
the writer says. The only way to end
the stalemate and gain the victory is to
bring up fresh forces, either British or
French, to deal the finishing touches