The Washington times., 1914-08-06
@1POSITIONS or WARRING EUROPEAN ARMIES AND NAVIES

oil Sllnel SlQe OF DtSldllS,
ing the main body of Germans, delivered vigorous
Ter attack upon those who had slipped by under
of the heavy fighting. The result slaughter. Every
German who passed the forts of Lege was killed
Eight hundred wounded Germans are being transfer
ted to Liege city of IA 900 population where they will
be cared for at hospitals The total number of casualties
is not known but they estimated to be well into the
Thousands. The Belgans lost hundreds of men by death
br wounds
1t is said that 5000 soldiers in the German army
which was beaten though it is not known they all
in action.
The disaster to the German arms followed victory
(which they had gained at Vse village still closer to tie
frnner There Wednesday, the Kaisers forces swoop
ed Unexpectedly down from the edge of Holland follow
ing the valley of the River Meuse.
The Begians halted them and sharp combat ensued
(which lasted for several hours Then the defenders had to
retreat.
AS they went they blew up the bridge over the Mese
f. step the German advance But German sappers covered
by heavy artillery fire. constructed another bridge and
the troops crossed They set fire to Wise, which al
most completely destroyed killed whatever citizens at.
tempted Defense and then pressed forward with conf
GenCe toward Lege.
General Won Emmich, in command of Emperor VIII
Iam's army, issued procamatio to the Belgian people
"An open road through your country for the advance
IF my forcesw he demanded prudence will show to
e your duty to accede to this in order to avoid the horrors
tt war"
This demand only heightened the resolve of the Bel
eans defend their land and reenfoceens were rushed
10 Lege Immediately This city we'll fortified and it
sponded to the German attack with its big guns well
with its infantry and cavalry
In the foreguard of the invaders came 500 German
Soldiers in $50 automobiles making what was perhaps the
first motor cavalry" sortie of history.
But the Belgian artillery and infantry met this spec
tacular rush in stonewal" fashion and slowed up and
Stopped the motor forces disabling of the machines
Others captured later.
The cavalry fighting was particularly fierce One
squadron of mounted Begians sailed forth from Liege
and took the offensive and by their speed and dash de-
feated and drove into rou six full Squadrons of German
cavalrymen.
LOSSES ARE STAGGERING.
Germanys attempt to seize the Belgian railways and
military roads met with staggering casualties.
The German advance was slow. The Belgian defend
moved slowly along both banks of the Meuse and along
the railway and the military road. At number of points
in the retreat toward Lege where the first real Belgian
sard was to be made, the Belgian army halted.
When the Germans gave battle the BelganS moved
great swaths in their columns with the machine guns
While this was proceeding two regiments of Germans with
an armored train had been trapped by Belgans and prac
tcaly annhiated with mines under the cuverts in the
vicinity of Spa.
The Belgian army gave way until Duhain, seven
mile north of Lege reached Here real stand was
made. The Belgian field artillery and machine guns were
nlaSsed and the Germans advanced the entire front was
sheled.
For the first time, the aeropanes became sasfSc
tory instrument of Three Belgian aviators with Of
fcerS in their machines reconnoered the German posm
AEROPLANES PROVE PROFICIENT.
The exact location of the German columns was sig
he
the cannon fire dazed the invaders Explosive shells fell in
their midst killing and wounding hundreds.
The aviaors paid particular attention to the German
staff officers with the result that the casualties among
them were very great The Germans sent up their airm
but they were driven off by the BeIgians