New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-13
tBy Cable 70 The Tribune ]

Petrograd, Dec. l2.-On the whole
, Russian front, with the exception OF
Russian counter attacks south Of Cra-
COW, operations for the present are
practically st standstill. In the Ma
zurian Lakes district in the east the
Russians are methodicaliy attacking
under cover. To the south Of Mlaws
the Germans, probably to the extent
Of one army corps, continue their un-
successful attacks between Ciechsnow
and Przssnysz.
Some reports from the front indi-
cate that the Russians have broken
through at two points between these
two towns and have severed communi-
cation between the German columns.
A serious German advance in this
region is unlikely, as the country is
swampy and the large fortress of Novo
Georgiewsk, commanding the junction
Of the rivers Bug and Nsrew and that
of the Narew and Vistula, forms a par
ticularly effective barrier. The chief
object Of the German attack here is
probably to prevent q Russian advance
into the southern Mazurian Lakes re-
gion and also to guard against an at
tack on their own left flank on the left
bank Of the Vistuls.
On the left bank from Lwow TO Pc
trokow, twelve or thirteen German
army corps are massed, but during the
last few days they have displayed but
slight activity and are probably forti-
flying and awaiting the result of the
battle to the south of Cracow.
Poland Scene of Ruin.
Terrible havoc has been wrought by
the recent fighting in North Poland.
Gaunt chimneys among heaps Of ashes,
and charred ruins of beautiful msnors In
deserted villages, where the only sound
is the barking Of dogs, are the gloomy
legacies of the battle in the pleasant
wooded countryside Of Sochsczew. The
Poles are bearing their sufferings
stoically, because they believe firmly
in this war. Many Russian towns are
organizing relief for the homeless
peasantry. II is a significant indica-
ton of the newly awakened Russian
sympathy for the Poles that the Petro-
grad Academy of Sciences, under the
presidency Of Grand Duke Constantine,
has elected the Polish novelist, Sienkie-
wicz, a member of its section Of bellies
lettres. The historical novels Of Sienkie-
wicz have made him Polish national
hero. and the action Of tie academy in
electing him at this critical moment In
Polish history is delicate eompli-
ment.
Fresh engagements with the Aus
trians in the Csrpsthisn passes 70 the
southeast of Cracow suggest that tho
Austrians are trying to effect q diver
sion from Cracow and Przemsysl.
Forewarned, however, is foresrmed,
and the Russians will foil this attempt
without difficulty.
Gar Visits Caucasus.
The Cars visit to Tinis has aroused
lnexampled enthusiasm in the Cau-
,asian capital. The occasion was
zeal national festival. A guard Of spe-
cisl constabies was enrolled to main
ain order and the dark skinned. black
syed coppersmiths, carpet makers and
'ruit sellers proudly wore their badges
md held the street arabs in awe while
he Emperor drove BY.
The Cars speeches in reply 70
we're marked by excep-
,ional warmth. He visited the ancient
Georgian cathedral and the Armenian
heard prayers in the Ma
In the Armenian city hcspi-
ais and received delegations from the