The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-09-08
GERMAN FORCES
FIGHTING WITH
BACKS TO PARIS
Allies Harass Their Rear
With Cavalry, Artillery
and Infantry.
BATTLE IN PROGRESS
ALONG LINE OF 12O MILES
Steady Advance of Kaiser's Army
Turned Into Rear-Guard
Action.
ABOUT 5000 900 ON BOTH SIDES
BATTLE IN PROGRESS
ALONG LINE OF 12O MILES
ABOUT a,ooo,ooo ON BOTH SIDES
English and French in Strongest Po-
sition They Have Occupied
Since War Began.

Especial Cable to The Times Dispa tch
PARIS. September THE Germans
advancing upon Paris have been forced
To face about, and arc now fighting
with their backs To Paris. while the
allies harrass their rear with cavalry
and artillery. supported by infantry.
The ominous and steady onslaught of
the Kaiser's forces. which nave been
hurled forward BY leaps and bounds
toward the fortifications OF Paris. has
been turned into 4 rcar-guard action,
with the Germans in retreat.
This does not mean that the entire
forces on the battle front number
lSo0. 900. according to close estimates.
and they are distributed along bat
tie line which extends from Nanteuil-
le -Haudourn. twenty-five miles north
east Of Paris. through Meaux TO
Sezanne in southeasterly direction,
and then a little north OF easterly TO
Nordun through vitry-ie- Fra ancois a
front OF l2o miles.
II is more probable that the advance
body of the invaders which had sue
ceedcd in penetrating to Coulommiers
ana La F.rte- -Gaucher on Saturday.
has been cut on from the main body
by the allies south OF the Marne
River to the immediate east Of Paris
and are now retiring In an easterly di-
rection. probably with the object or
emecting II Juncture with the Bavarian
army under Prince Rupprechi. which
Is attacking Nancy under the personal
direction OF tho Kaiser.
The general action which was
started the alles left when the
pursuit of the r.treating Germans was
taken up. WAS vigorous from the be-
ginning and soon the full force Of the
united armies of the allies was thrown
into the conflict. These number l4oo,-
600 men. making the number of those
engaged OF both sides about 100000
GERMANS FORCED TO TURN
AND ENGAGE THE FRENCH
From time 10 time, as the Germans
continued to retire. they were forced
10 turn and engage the French. who
We're hard upon them in their rear
french shells were falling continually
IN the German rcer. and 1t was evident
that the field artillery OF the pursuers
was being forced well TO the front of
the line OF attack.
As the action along the left Of M,
allies line was carried eastward tba
engagement became general all along
the line
This development marks the definite
abandonment Of the kaiser's turning
movement against the lett Hank OF the
allies. al which they have been ham
merins FOR TWO weeks
Evidently the failure or this man
oeuVre vas anticipated. for the allies
after their retreat on Paris had turned
east 10 join the French centre. when
movement they accom- plished practical
~ without being disturbed BY the
enemy.
The allies occupy the strongest posi-
ton they have taken up since the war
started. Should the great battle now
In prograss result In defeat for the
Germans, the latter would be routed
towards Luxembourg; should they have
the advantage they would continue TO
the southwest in their advance toward
Paris. where they would be confronted
by strong. fresh troops assigned 10 the
defense Of the capital. while the other
troops threaten their fianks
oPTIMIsM IS KEYNOTE
EVERYWHERE IN PARIS
Optimism is the keynote everywhere
IN Paris tonight Reports that the
English have landed another army at
Ostend, believed TO be the fifth army
which has been sent across the Chan
mel. gave rise 10 the hope here that
this British force, in conjunction with
the Russian brigades that have been
landed in the north at point which
IL Is not permitted TO disclose. will be
able to strike the German army in the
rear and thus bend the invaders line
toward the allies front, efectually
trapping the enemy.
Reports from Bordeaux are that the
task OF perfecting IN adequate organ
ization of the government at the tenn
porary capital. is proceeding satisrac-
torily. Vanloads OF government docu-
ments have been sent to Bordeaux. and
the transfer Is about complete
General Gallien, the military COVER
nor OF Paris. has assured all that there
is no need for alarm. The work of
throwing up additional defenses is pro-
ceeding, nevertheless.