The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-11-20
CzAA'S TROOPS.
DRIVEN BACK On
TIE VISTUlA RIVER
Won Hindenburgs Mastery
Strategy Again Saves Day
for Germany
Petrograd Not
Discouraged
Does Not Regard Reverse a.
lmportant-tleavy Blow at
Russian Center Succeeds in
Discomhting Muscovites

london, Nov. 10.-The sifua-
ton ON the eastern battle front
slas reached the critical stage.
The outcome Of two desperate
battles now proceeding in last
Prussia and northwest Poland
will determine whether the Rus
slams are to overflow German ter
ritory from the baltic 10 the Car
pathlans, or whether the Germans
will hammer the Cars masses
back to the defensive line OF the
Nistuia.
The news tonight indicates that the
Russians are making progress at thu
north and south, in East Prussia and
IN southwest Poland. while the Ger.
mans are advancing in the center, in
northwest Poland. The whole move
ment on the eastern front is raca
between the German offensive at the
center and the Russian offensive In
the north. If tho Russians can drive
westward through East Prussia. sseiz-
ing the network Of railways invalu-
able to the Germans. the German de-
fensive line centere1 at Thorn win
he turned and complete Withdrawals
would have to be made.
If the Germans. on the other hand.
can smash the Russian center. there Is
little doubt that the entire Russian
line will have to retire in the north
and south. as well as the center. Each
side ia fightng with tremendous en-
ergy and Is bringing to bear immense
forces Of fresh troops.
Germans Strike Heavy Blow.
The latest news supports the opinion
that the Germans have delivered
terrific blow between the River Wharf.-The
and the River yistuia, no. only hating
the westward movement Of the Russian
wr.y
fifty miles from the German frontier.
The German success in this region Is
not denied by the Russian government.
In Berlin, General Won Hindenburg, to
whose brilliant tactics the new VIC
tory was due, is once more hailed as
the preserver Of the fatherland ii
appears that General Won Hindenburg
did not consider the Russian advance
in East Prussia, or against Silesia. as
dangerous for the moment. and struck
hard at the Russian center. grasping
the offensive before the Russians could
fathom his plans
Petrograd does not consider the with.
drawal of the Russian advance between
the Warthe and the Vistula as Sc
rious reverse. asserting that only cav
airy was turned back, and that the
main army is ready TO fight the Ger
mars on ground selected by the Rus
ger of petrograd published the follow
Ing review os the situation as Russian
military epiaiou sees 1T:
Explains Russian strategy.
THE lack of definite news indicates
that the Russian armies are MARCHING
to take strategic positions for the
great battle that is developing in Polish
territory. The advantage lies with tho
Russians. who will be able to select
he orr WI n Hyhf he
mans being the attackers.
THE Russian pursuit of the Kais-
er's forces on their retreat was push
ed to within a couple OF marches Of
ne German fortreSses, hut when the
Germans were reinforced by new
corps drawn from the French front.
they turned back the Russian cavalry.
The latter retired upon previously
determined lsne which the Russian In
fantry has now occupied. despite the
difficulties by the heav! storms OF rna
last few days. and p1e destruction Of
bridges and roads by the Germans In
their retreat
Genera. Won Hindenhurg is stead
lily pouring troops into the region be-
tween the Vistuia and Warthe Rivers.
These have greatly strengthened the
Germans advance lines. Though
these we're checked on Monday, aney
have now advanced again. Fighting
goes on continuously. @
The Russian advance guards have
Withdrawn ZIP the Vistula a short iis-
lance. The Germans are also strengths
entrA, the other end OF their line
around Lonch:tva and Or off. A great
battle Is imminent, as the Germans
are throwing tho most Desperate en-
ergy into their efforts To Illustrate the
Russian operations In East Prussia.