The Mankato free press., 1914-10-16
gual has declared war against Ger
many" The message, which lacks
official confirmation, was published in
Madrid without qeserve. "'l"-'

London, Oct. 14.-French forces
have been sent to cut off, If possible,
the simultaneous western advance the
Germans are making in West Bel
gium. According to French official
statements they have taken the often
sive against the invaders.
On the border of France a whole
German army corps has occupied
Lille and cavalry Has been seen as far
west as Hazbf69Ef. &hIe6'1s7 on the
railway leadinisgitfS5 nisgitfS5 both. both Tf2s5lals Tf2s5lals and
Dunkirk.
This movements of the GsFmans to-
ward the coast, nhesiasB being a dis
tlnct menace to the alliesl left wing,
If successful viii arouse great en-.
thusiasm in Germany Is iaIi,indieation
that the promised attack against Eng
land by airship and otherwise Is about
to be carried outsF 10 bsggE--''
Already bombs have been dropped
on ostend from aeroplanes, which,
once the Germans reaefffthe coast,
will be. within easy striking distance
OF the British coast ports and even
London.
Striking at Allies Left.
This new movement promises to
bring the battle of the Aisne, which
has been in progress for a. month, to
q speedy conclusion. The Germans,
although they have brought heavy re-
inforcements from Germany and now
can use at least part of the troops
which participated in the siege Of Ant
werp. are known to- have withdrawn
many troops from their front along
the Aisne to reinforce thefright wing.
where they have been striking hard
at the allies Left ID :. t.. .'
These attacks apparently have met
with little success. for the French
claim to have made marked progress
between Albert and Arras-. At the
same time the 1withdrawal from the
center of the German TROOPS engaged
has enabled the, allies to make ad-
vances in the Berry-au-Bac district, to
the northwest OF Rheims, and also to-
ward Sousain, west of the Argonne
and, north of Malancourt, between the
Argonne and the Meuse. r5 81
The transfer of the headquarters of
the Belgian government to Havre is
the third move of the Belgian capital
since the Germans silenced the forts
of Liege.
King Albert in Command.
King Albert remains at the head of
the army, but the minister of war,
members OF the cabinet, with other
government officials and the iiplo-
matte corps, left ostend by steamer
for the French port, where they viii
carry on the affairs of state and where
hospitality has been offered Them by
the French government
The American and Spanish minis.
ters, both of whom still are at Brus-
sells. are the only diplomatic represen-
tatives accredited to Belgium remain
ing in that country.
The Belgian government first moved
from Brussels to Antwerp; then to
ostend. and across the line to Havre.
This final change followed quickly
upon the German westward advance
which was begun Immediately after
the fall of Antwerp. Success in TAX
ing the chief port of Belgium opened
the way for new plan pf campaign
which embraces the occupation of the
whole of Belgium. including the coast
towns and IL possible some of the
northern French ports.
In accordance with this plan the
German invaders have begun to sweep
across northern Belgium.
They occupied Ghent without oppo-
sition and are now said to be well ad-
vanced toward Bruges on their way
to 0stend. They probably win meet
with strong opposition before they
reach Bruges, as hesBelgians army
now is being reorganized and has been
reinforced.