Imperial Valley press., 1914-11-16
(By Granville Fortescue)
(Formerly Military Aide to President
Roosevelt.)

knocks at the door of Posen the blow
will echo clear to Belgium, and Po-
sen is hardly three full marches dis
tant. So rapid has been the Russian
advance that the Germans have not
had time to demolish their elaborate
system of telephone communication
established behind their former posi-
tions.
The telephone line between Kolo and
Konin, on the Warthe river, formerly
Used by the Germans, now carries the
commands of the Russian staff, but
there is longer line than this and
the message it carries is frantic call
for assistance.
This call flies straight west through
Posen and Berlin to Brussels.
Today Germany and Russia have
come to grips in another titanic bat
tie. So swift has been the German
retirement that trap was suspected
and while continuing the pursuit with
vigor the Russians are neglecting no
precaution to prevent sudden counter
attacks.
AS the campaign unfolds more and
more, so does the science of Russian
strategy show itself, but it is all on
such gigantic scale that we have
no standard by which to measure the
masses of men engaged in the
marches in this theatre of the war;
The campaign in East Prussia,
which continued under cloud of mys-
terry for some time, now reveals it's
object. The Insterberg, Allensteins d.
Thorn railroad becomes the bone OF
contention.
If the Germans can be driven off
this line within reasonable time the
task of Russia will be enormously
simpiified Obviously further ad-
vances into German territory from
this side mean fighting of the most
serious character.
1t is hoped that the advance against
Thorn will relieve the pressure on
the User. German reserves destined
for Nieuport may now have to be
hurried to the newly-threatened area.
Once more Przemysl is holding the
center of the stage.
1t is now no secret that waiting
game has been played in the attack
on that fortress.
The operations in the direction of
the River San made it necessary to
raise the siege for time. Now the
city is again completely surrounded.
The chorus of cannon which daily
pour death and destruction into the
harrow compass of Przemysl's walls
may cease within week.
l have been in all countries at war
except Austria, Servia and Turkey,
but nowhere except in Russia have !
heard the old-fashioned war atmo-
sphere. Here the bands play, crowds
cheer and the soldier is the hero.
There is still romance in fighting.
The Russian am sure is better
soldier because he knows the hearts
of the people beat time with his
marching.
Our wisest commanders commented
en- the stimulating effect of the bands.
Something stirs in soldiers soul
when he hears martial notes and that
something makes Ivan and Son Ivan
more effective fighting men.
All the women in Russia are work
ing for the troops. In the trenches
we have been having housewarming
week. Striking posters suddenly ap-
peared showing sentinels marching in
the snow. Then followed an appeal
for warmth for the soldier-woolens,
gloves, vests, blankets, socks and muf-
flers.
In lieu of these, money is asked of
all. The shops of the Nevski Pros
rekt have been turned into receiving
depots for this winter clothing. Out
side the shops motors stand with men
in them haranguing the crowds.
All the resources of the Russian Ian
guage are brought into play to bring
home to the listening throng the sac
rifice being made by men at the front.
With these orators and military spell
binders Nevski Prospekt might be TAX
en- for Broadway the week before
city election, so assiduous are these
spelloinders.
Count De Buisseret, the Belgian
minister here, tells of contributions re-
ceived for the Belgian fund.
One woman of nobility sends two
magnificent jewels, gifts formerly re-
ceived from the German empress, so
the sum realized from their sale might