The Alaska citizen., 1914-08-17
BIG BATTLE STARTS.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Aug 16.- One of the fercest battles of modern | times is raging between this city and Liege, and if the German army is successful in overcoming the Bel gian troops, it seems that they will be certain to march on this city.
 Although the battle is some dis tance away. the roar of the cannon can be plainly heard here, and those who are familiar with the strength of the opposing armies are comparing the strife to the battle of Waterloo.
 It is quite evident that the plar of the German commanders is to capture this city, and from here ad- vance on Antwerp Tfe battle that started early this morning is far to one side of the route that the German army would follow if the jective point, and as they were marching toward the city at the time the conflict began, it is quite certain that they are ambitious to take this place.
 French troops are arriving from the Notifications on the French Belgian border, and will aid in the fight now near this city.
 Some German prisoners who have been brought here state that the Belgians are putting up so brave a fight that the Germans are recon really expecting to lose 100000 men before the fighting ends. They also state that the great problem now confronting the Germans is to pro vide food for the army. and it is believed that they must hurry the contest as rapidly as possible to a finish.
 DECISIVE FIGHT SOON DUE
 PARIS, France, Aug. 16.-Accold ing to an announcement of the French minister of war, made public today, the greatest battle of the the German and French border line The opposing forces number into the millions, and the battle line, when the fighting begins, will be 2G0 miles in length. Until that deci- sive contest is held he declares, it will be impossible for either side to gain any decided advantage. WAR HOSTAGES RELEASED. ROTTERDAM, Holland, Aug. 16.- It is reported here that the Germans have released all the hostages of war taken at Liege. It is presumed of feeding them, for securing food is getting to be a problem, it is un- derstood, with the Germans.
 Advices received here from Bel gum state also that the remaining forts at Liege are still holding out
 JAPAN WARNS GERMANY.
 TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 16.-In an official ultimatum, issued by the Japan government, Germany has been given until next Sunday 10 withdraw her warships and evacuate Kiau Chau, China. If Germany fails to heed the warning. war will be declared by Japan against Ger many, and an attack will be made on the German Asiatic fleet. Troops will attack also on Kiau Chau.
 HEADED FOR BRUSSELS.
 LONDON, Aug. 16. - According to telegraphic reports received by the British war office, the main part of the German army is ap- preaching Brussels, and it seems evident that it is the intention Of the Germans to capture the Belgium metropolis before advancing on the French border.
 PRAY FOR PEACE.
 ROME, Italy, Aug. 16.-In accord ance with instructions of Pope Plus, 400 Catholic churches offered pray CTS for the return of peace in Flu rope.
 SPEAKS FOR GERMANY. NEW YORK, Aug. 16.-That the criticism of the German army is based on falsehood and is due to the ignorance of the people of other nations, Is the statement made