Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-23
CRACOW NOW GOAL
OF RUSSIAN VICTORS
IN JAROSLAW SIEGE
Reduced Fortress Controls
Railway Lines to Galician
Stronghold - Przemysl
Bombardment Continues.
PETRoGRAD. Sept. 90.

PETROtiRAD, sept. %.
with Jaroslaw in their hands as a re-
suit of a 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 Austria's most i'm
portant base in Galca. Its capture is
not essential to the plan Of the Russian
General staff but If its reduction can be
accomplished a 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 shellng the city for
hours. attacked on all sides in force. The
Austrians were driven from their posi-
tions at the point Of the bayonet, but
succeeded in firing most of their reserve
supply depots, destroying them before the
Russians could interfere.
According to a report received at the
War Office today from General Ruzsky
the capturc Of Jaroslaw was made with
out heavy loss to the Russians VINO oe-
Rieged it, but the Austrian Earrtsons ot
the 90 forts there suffered terribly. More
than $500 were killed or wounded by the
fire of the Russian siege guns.
5000 PRISONERS
1t is reported at headquarters that the
Russians took more than 25o00 prisoners
large quantities Of ammunition and sup
plies and 81 guns. besides many rapid
frers Some Of the Austrian troops at
tenpted to retreat to Przemysl as the
forts were being battered to pieces, but
they we're cut off by the Cossacks, who
had crossed the san River at Radons.
The capture of Taroslaw will be of great
helm to the Russian armies as 1t controls
the railroad leading from Lemberg to
Cracow This is now held by General
Ruzskys troops as far west as kHesZoW,
80 miles from Jaroslaw. Apparently be-
lievinC that Jaroslaw would be able to
hold out. the Austrians failed to tear up
the railroad west OF there and 1t is in
condition for the transportation of troops
without any repairs being necessary
SIEGE OF JARosLAw.
The correspondent of the Nevoe Nremya
sends a brief but graphic account of the
fall of Jaroslaw.
The bombardment began Sunday
nirht and continued for Is hours. he
saws. BY noon Monday five forts had
been smashed and the guns in several
others had been put out OF commls-
sion The aim of the Austrians was
bad and they seemed unable to locate
our big guns.
On the contrary, our Eunners made
every shot tell. All through Mon
day. that night and Tuesday the ter
rifle hail of shells rained upon Jaros-
law. Late Tuesday afternoon the AUS
trian fire slackened and the order to
take the forts by storm was given
We met with sharp opposition, hut
the Austrians were unable 70 with
stand the Russian hNyonets and the
Russian flag soon was hosted.
Some Of the forts are only wrecks
showing the trisGtful effect Of the
siege guns. Though Przemysl is
stronger III N Ja-csit", it = hardly
possible that that fortress VIII be
able To hold out long,
An official statement ssucI today says
that the Russians are slowly falling back
from East Prussia before overwhelming
German troops, but are bringing wi:h
them their stores and hospitals.
Most of the vast number of prisoners
taken by the Russians have b-en de
tailed 10 the construction of canals ant
other public works These works cther
wise would have To be left undona dur,
ing the war.