Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-23
CRACOW NOW GOAL
OF RUSSIAN VTCTORS
! In JAR0SLAW SIEGE
Reduced Fortress Controls
Railway Lines to Galician
Stronghold = Przemysl
Bombardment Continues.
PETROGRAD. Sept. 90.

PETROGRAD, sept. %.
with Jaroslaw in their hands as a re-
suit of bombardment lasting only two
days, the Russian armies expect soon to
capture Przemysl. This fortress Is the
last obstacle to a direct march upon
Tarnow and Cracow, Austrias most i'm
portant base in Galicia. It's capture is
not essential to the plan of the Russian
General staff, but If its reduction can be
accomplished large force of men that
would otherwise be held back by It's in
vestment would be freed for field service.
1t was officially announced here today
that Jaroslaw was taken by direct assault
and was not surrendered by the Austri-
ans, The official statement says that the
Russians, after shelling the city for
hours, attacked on all sides in force. The
Austrians were driven from their posi-
lions at the point of the baNonet, but
succeeded in firing most of their reserve
supply depots, destroying them before the
Russians could interfere.
According to report received at the
War Office today from General Ruzsky
the capture of Jaroslaw was made with
out heavy loss to the Russians who be-
sieged IT, but the Austrian garrisons of
than $500 were killed or wounded by the
fire of the Russian siege guns.
5000 PRISONERS
It is reported at headquarters that the
Russians took more than 5000 prisoners,
large quantities of ammunition and sup
plies and 81 guns besides many rapid
firers. Some of the Austrian troops at
tempted to retreat to Przemysl as the
forts were being battered to pieces, but
they were cut off by the CossaCks, who
had crossed the san River at Radons.
The capture of Jaroslaw will be of great
help to the Russian armies, as II controls
the railroad leading from Lemberg to
Cracow This Is now held by General
Ruzskys troops as far west as R2eszow,
30 miles from Jaroslaw. Apparently be-
lieving that Jaroslaw would be able to
hold out the Ausuians failed to tear up
the railroad west Of there and II is in
condition for the transportation Of troops
without any repairs being necessary.
SIEGE OF JAROsLAW.
The correspondent of the Nevoe Vremya
sends a brief but graphic account Of the
fall of Jaroslaw.
The bombardment began Sunday
night and continued for IS hours, he
says BY noon Monday five forts had
been smashed and the guns in several
others had been put out of commits
sion. The aim of the Austrians was
bad and they seemed unable TO locate
our big guns.
On the contrary. our gunners made
every shot tell. All through Mon
day. that night and Tuesday the ter
rife hail of shells rained upon Jaros-
law. Late Tuesday afternoon the Aus
trian fire slackened and the order to
= 1alse the forts by storm was given.
we met with sharp opposition. but
the Austrians were unable to with
stand the Russian bayonets and the
Russian flag soon was hosted.
Some of the forts are only wrecks,
showing the friSItful effect of the
siege guns. Though Przemysl is
stronger than Ja.csidw. it Is hardly
possible that that fortress will be
able to hold out long.
An official statement issued today SAYS
that the Russians are slowly falling back
from East Prussia before overwhelming
German troops, but are hriuGin. wi-n
them their stores and hospitals.
Most OF the vast number OF prisoners
taken By the Russians have been de-
tailed to the construction of canals and
other public works. These works ether
wise would have TO be left undOne dur
ing the war.