South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-08-24
BY FRANCIS MURRAY.

ST. PETERSBURG. Aug 24.-With
a front that extends for a distance of
115 miles from Tilsit to Ortelsburg.
the Russian army is sweeping through
East Prussia despite desperate resist
ance on the part of the Germans, who
are opposing the advance. according
to an announcement issued by the
general staff today.
Gen Ronnonkampf. who is in COM
mand of the invading troops. supposed
to number 525, 600 men. reported to
Grand Duke Alexander as follows:
I'VE control greater part of East
Prussia through the capture of Inster-
burg, Gumbinnen, Darkehmen, Harg-
grobewa. Ortesburg and Johannis-
burg. The railroads are in our pos
session We are advancing on Koen-
igsburg and Allenstein.''
The duke sent this reply:
81 congratulate you on the valiant
spirit OF your army. The emperor
rejoices with you and me-"
Thousands Taken Prisoners.
The general staff says that the
twentieth corps, which bore the brunt
OF the Russian advance was practical
ly cut to pieces before it fell back.
1t is stated that the Russians cap
tured several thousand prisoners.
The advance on KoenigSburg, which
is strongly fortified, will be made
through the valley of the Pregal river.
The Russians claim that the entire
lake region in the southwestern part
of East Prussia has been swept clear
of German troops.
The first great battle in East Prus-
sia was won by the Russians after six
days Of desperate fighting along a
battle front of nearly thirty miles on
both sides OF the main railway run
ming from Esydtkuhnen westward.
The fighting began on Monday last
week. The Russians attempted the
German first division which had de-
livered several unsuccessful assaults
on Eydtkuhnen. The forces on both
sides gradually increased. The Ger
mans had three army corps engaged.
One corps had been hurriedly called
back from Lyck.
Attack Russian Right
There was fierce lighting at Gum
bennin on Thursday when the Ger
mans attempted to turn the Russian
right Although the attack at this
point was conducted with the utmost
vigor the attempt was frustrated by
the bravery and stubbOrnneSs Of the
Russian troops on this wing.
The Russians took the opportunity
of the concentration OF the Germans
TO the northward TO make a direct and
vigorous assault by their center.
Ou TlQdl the INuSSldll lcll v Ills
pressed onward. Toward evening the
Russians drove the Germans out Of
their positions. The Germans then
asked for an armistice 10 carry away
their wounded. This was refused.
on Saturday the battle was decided.
The Germans hastily retreated and
were pursued by the Russians The
losses OF the Germans were very
heavy. The Russians captured the
towns of Aris and Goldap.
TilSit is Cut on.
Reports that the Russians have also
occupied Insterburg seem 10 be Off
cial This means that Tilsit is cut Off
from communication with other parts
Of Prussia.
In the fighting from Monday TO Fri
day night, eight German regiments Of
the field army and six Landwehr regi-
ments with a total of 10000 men and
200 guns. took part. Later in the
lighting the reenforcements brought
the number OF Germans engaged up
10 over 100000 men.
The German forces available in East
Prussia besides the independent cav
airy divisions are five corps OF the
field army numbering 10000 men,
$40 field guns. iS0 hOWitzers ard
considerable mum ber of siege guns.
The general stam also announced an
other victory over the Austrians by
the Russian troops that invaded Ca
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