Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-10-16
EYES OF BRITAIN
TURN ON OSTEND,
ABOUT TO FALL
Experts, However, Question
Strategic Importance of o.
cupation of Seacoast City.
By the Associated Press.


LONDON, Oct 16.-As was the case
just a week ago with Antwerp, so 1t
was today with Ostend. That is to
say, its occupation by German army
is momentarily expected. Ostend be-
ing directly across the channel from
England, almost opposite the mouth
of the Thames, Britons centered their
gaze there, regardless of whether or
not the taking of the city would mean
much from a military standpoint or
hasten or protract the great war now
in its seventy third day.
The latest news available in LONDON
early today said the Germans were
within ten miles of the city, having
occupied Blankenberghe, small town
on the Belgian cost, about ten miles
northeast of Ostend, and connected
Herewith by steam tramways. Thus
it seemed that the taking of the sea
side resort by the invaders was fore
gone conclusion within twenty-four
hours, If not already effected as this
is written, and the news delayed, as it
was when the forts at Antwerp fell
before the terrible fire of the German
siege guns.
The last of the refugees have come
from Ostend, and steamer service be-
tween lI1dl City anu Iii -iN' p~ccAi
suspended until further notice. Thou
sands already have reached the Brit
ish Isles, adding to the multitude OF
unwillingly expatriated Belgians
which the German invasion of their
country has created. The British
press today is inclined to class the
taking of Ostend with that of Ant
werp. In other words, they concede 1t
would be a moral and spectacular VIC
tory for the Germans, but of no great
strategic significance. whether TINS
be so future events only can show, but
the British contention is that with
the sea binding the German right it
loses a weapon heretofore effectively
used.
1t is pointed out that the chief
successes the Germans have attained
in the past have been derived from
the tactics of development. The
channel barrier now prevents this
and a decisive blow from the Ger
mans. it is argued, can be delivered
only after the allied front has been
penetrated.
The arrival of the Germans near
Ostend. however, straightens out
their line in Belgium, so that 1t
now runs almost due south, connect
inc with their forces in France.
Being jam up to the coast at the
north leaves the Germans without
flank anywhere.
All England is buzzing now with
talk of the spy menace, the papers
editorially and otherwise dwelling on
the presence of Germans at the
hotels and urging closer restrictions.
What is said to be spy dressed in
a Belgium uniform, has been arrested
among the refugees arriving from
Belgium.
A royal proclamation just issued
forbids the transit, except by post,
which is subject to the censor's
scrutiny, of any letter or written
message to any person of any ma
tionality carrying ON business in the
enemy's country. 1t is further ruled
that any person landing or embark
ing in the United Kingdom must de-
clare whether he is carrying any
letter or message. officers are EN-
powered to search the luggage of a
suspect and seize any letter, If they
are doubtful as to its character AMI
submit the same to the military
censor