Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-11-07
War Situation
Briefly Related

Germany is now striking an
other mighty blow along the whole
line Of battle. Today's offic'a,
French statement mentioned Sc
we're encounters at various points
between Flanders and the Swiss
border. Meanwhile fighting is
proceeding actively by land and
sea In the new war zone created
by Turkeys entrance into the con-
flict, and British warship is said
to have met with disaster in the
attack on the DardaneIIes.
The battle in Belgium has re-
suited in no decisive advantages
for either side. The fiercest en-
counters center about a sharp
bend in the German line, forming
a triangle with the northern base
at Dixmude, the southern at Ypres
and the apex at RouIers. Around
this comparatively small area are
compressed great bodies OF men
engaged in so deadly struggle
that, needless Of the effectiveness
Of artillery fire, the opposing
forces have pushed forward until
they have come into actual phys'-
cal contact. Only sheer weight
of men and metal Is sufficient to
win temporary advance.
Reports from British and French
sources make the claim that the
German attack is weakening and
that the allies now have a reason
able hope Of driving back their
foes to the interior OF Belgium.
German advices, however, OFFER
no basis, for such conclusion.
Apparently the Germans are
bringing in heavy reinforcements
in the determination Of incrcas-
ing instead of diminishing the
fury Of their attack.
Emperor William is said to be
at the scene, personally directing
the attack. Forty heavy German
guns from the krupp works at Es-
sen are on their way to Arras, at
which point the attack is develop
ing with violence, in pursuance OF
the supposed new plan Of the Ger
mans to pierce the French line at
that point.
Along the rest Of the line the
offensive generally remains with
the Germans.
In the east the Russians claim
a decisive victory over the Aus
trians. They have re-captured
the town Of Jaroslau near the long
disputed fortress of Przemysl,
Petrosrad reports, capturing five
thousand Austrian prisoners. The
Austrians are now said to be in
retreat.
Russia is prosecuting vigorous
Iy the war against Turkey. Pet
rograd advices are that Russian
forces have entered Armenia by
two routes, and that several Tur
kish regiments have been cap
tured.
The Turkish fleet continues its
activities in the Black sea, Iav-
ing bombarded the fortified Rus
sian seaport Of Batum. No infor-
nation has been received Of the
fate Of the British warships re-
ported to have been damaged dur
ing the bombardment of the Dar-
daneIIes further than the officaiI
Turkish announcement that a YES
sci was struck by shot from one
of the forts and that an explosion
on board resulted. A British
steamer is said to have been sunk
off Avail, Asia Minor, and two
British vessels are reported to
have been seized by the Turks at
Smyrna. Z
The British and Japanese forces
attacking Using Tau are concen-
trating their efforts, according to
official announcement in Toxic, to-
ward the capture Of outlying Ger
man forts, which must be taken
before the attack on the main
positions is inaugurated. More
than 1000 Japanese have been
killed or wounded.