The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-10-10

London Oct 10-Antwerp the last and strongest cita
del of Belgium has fallen before the rain of hugh shells which
the Germans began throwing city midnight of last
Wednesday. The civilian population Of the city has in
large part fed the seat of the Belgian has been
moved to Osend and the Germans in occupation
Because of the chaotic conditions during the last ten
days in the beleaguered CITY, and the interruption Of tee
graphic communication there has been much delay in the
transmission Of from Antwerp to England Neverthe
less England has been expecting and dscounng the fall of
the Belgian position and the newspapers speculang
on what strategic use the Germans will make OF now it is
in their hands.
The battle line in France is now so ong-formng as it
does rough curve Of $50 miles from Lorraine to the Bel
gan ronte-that the battle the Asne and the operations
before Antwerp had become closely knit to be- from
military point Of view, inseparable.
The hope of the allies to deliver crushing blow against
the German army in France before the occupation of Ant
werp by the enemy impossible The German right
wing under General Kluck still apparently intact and
the official communication given out in Paris records
change in the situation.
campaign with Antwerp in their hands, declared that the Ger
man is to northern France with the OBJ
ect of taking possession Of the channel ports and thus bring
ing the warfare England
It is said that German newspapers predicting the
OF this northern Belgium position base for operations
against England
Of thing there no doubt-Antwerp suffered ter
rb from the bombadment and the losses the civilian
population have been heavy
The city crowded only with normal population
of 100000 but with many other thousands who sought refuge
there account Of the German invasion of Belgium
All stories coincide in relating the terrible physical suf
ferng and mental torture of these unfortunate struggling to
leave the danger zone.
Of pontoon bridge the River Scheld While the
bulk of the refugees urdening Holland thousands
later will to England where other thousands already
being cared for
detach the considerable force used during siege and transfer
these to their right wing the French Belgian from
tier, which has been sorely pressed
The moral effect of the fall of Antwerp is not minmzed
in England Antwerp called by Napoleon "a pistol
pointing the heart of England The seaport has long
been one of the greatest of Europe resembling in sense
Liverpool and the River Mersey It is estimated there
fewer than 100000 Germans in Belgium today
OFFICIAL FRENCH REPORT
Paris Oct. 10-The following announcement issued
here this afternoon: 1.-THE fighting continues under salts
factory conditions Our entire battle front has been main
tanned in spite of violent attacks of the enemy at several
points
on left wing in the region included between La
Base Armeneres and Casse the fighting between the op
posing forces of cavalry has been confused because of the
nature Of the territory.
To the north oise troops have attained real
vantages at several places in their zone of action.
In the region of st. Mhiel have made material prog
gress." -~u
contrast to the rapdity with which the Germans have
conducted their campaign against Antwerp the tide of battle
is flowing slowly in certain parts of France The
men in Woevre district according statements of wounded
soldiers who have been brought back from this territory
tinue to take the form of a slow steady siege.
The German trenches in Woevre in two lines one be-
hind the other The outerost is furnished with quick mr.
ing guns with the ouposs constantly guard In the
lines These trenches large and comparatively comfort
able At intervals they broaden out into suberanean rest
in which the troops may sleep in comparative security
The first line may be reached from the second through
derground passages.
The daily routine of the German forces in these trenches
is carefully observed