Grand Forks daily herald and the evening times. (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1914-1914, 1914-08-28

London, Aug. 2S.-The French en-
bassy denies that Lille has been taken
by the Germans. Serious fighting was
in progress in the vicinity of Lille
yesterday morning, as we'll as Velen-
ciennes and Roubiax also reported to
have been captured, but the Germans.
according to embassy officials, were
forced to retire.
A dispatch from Ostend-which
yesterday was occupied by British ma
rines-reported the capture Of these
three cities, all Of which are well
within the French border. Military
men were disinclined to credit the re-
port despite-a Daily Express dispatch
from Ostend. which quoted Berlin
officer as saying that it was decided
last Monday not to defend Lille.
On Tuesday, according to this ac-
count, the mayor Of the city issued
proclamation announcing the evac-
uation of the French troops and the
transformation Of the town into an
undefended place.
Commemorative at Arras.
Late advices yesterday indicate that
British and French forces are being
concentrated in great numbers at Ar
ras, 12 miles south Of Lille. This is
regarded as superior strategic point
from which to operate against the
100000 Germans, who are said to be
advancing across the Belgian frontier.
From now on. It is declared. France
intends to throw every available man
in her army into the battle line on the
northern frontier.
According to the French embassy,
the Franco-British forces are holding
a strong position along the line from
Cambrai to Lecateau.
Canlbrai is about eight miles south
nf ho
and French force is being concentrat-
ed. Lecateau Is six miles west Of
Cambria.
1t is pointed out there that it would
be a confession Of great weakness for
the French to abandon Lille without
fight. 1t is ten miles from the Bel
gian frontier and most important from
a military point Of view. 1t has a
fortress of the first-class and the cir
Gle of its forts is 80 miles. 1t has been
held by French reservists. Its popu-
lation is 100000.
Valenciennes is also ten miles from
the frontier and 80 miles southeast of
Lille. Roubaix is five miles from the
frontier and five miles northeast of
Lille. Valenciennes Is also an impor-
tant military point. with an arsenal
and extensive barracks.
An Antwerp dispatch also declares
that the Namur forts are still holding
out.
There is no confirmation of the re-
port that Montmedy, on the Luxem-
berg frontier has been taken by the
Germans.
News that St. Die has been retaken
by the French Is regarded as of i'm
portance in showing that the advance
in Alsace is again effectively under
way.
A Conflict of Millions.
London. Aug. 2s.-The conflict of
millions appears at last to be in pro
gress. Even such news as the sinking
of the German steamer Kaiser Will
helm der Crosse pales beside the
titanic battle evidenced by the tribute
Of Gen. Joffre, the French comman-
der-in-chief. to the British arms and
the realization that the allies are
fighting to block the road to Paris,
with the Germans hardly further away
than New York is from Philadelphia.
Meanwhile. the Russian host is
drawing nearer to Berlin. Not even
during the first great struggle between
Europe and Asia on the far Man
churian plains was the enormous bat
tie fought in such impenetrable ST.
lence as far as concerns the outer
world.
Only the vaguest generalities are
given u Tile peOpiS OF ITedt Britain
and France by their respective gov
ernments. Probably the German peo-
pie know little more of what their
armies are accomplishing.
British Public Not Informed.
All the information the British pub
lie obtained was the report from the
French. announced by Premier AS
quith in the house of commons, that
the army was engaged on Wednesday
against a superior force and fought
splendidly, and that he considers its
position and prospects in the impend-
ing battle satisfactory.
After midnight the Official news
bureau oave further information that
the French operations. extending over
a distance of $50 miles. necessitated
changes in the position OF the British
troops, which are occupying strong
limo. supported by the French on both
tanks, to meet the German advance.
The impending battle will un-
,doubtedly be an attempt by the Ger
mans, with the huEhest army ever EN-
pdoyed, for q swift attack to sledKe
hammer its way throuzh the a1lies.