The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-18

While the main Russian army has been busy repelling what Grand Duke Nicholas, in his official report, de- scribes as a series of violent attacks by Field Marshal Won Hindenburg to break his way through to Warsaw. other Russian forces have stormed and taken Kirlibaba pass on the bor- ders of Pennsylvania, and have made further progress in their advance along the right bank of the Vistula toward the German frontier.
 The Germans in force have delivered seven successive attacks, which devel- oped desperate bayonet fighting on the Russian lines on the left bank of the Vis- tula and have succeeded in taking one of the Russian advance trenches.
 Further south there has been similar attacks, in each case preceded by heavy artillery cngasements. Tiie Russians have succeeded in silencing the heavy Austrian guns which from the banks of the Duna- jec have been bombarding the town of Tarnow
 Political Effect
 The capture of Kirlibaba pass through which roads lead into the heart of Tran sylvania, is likely to have a political as well as military effect. If possible, will hasten the action of Roumania and compel the Germanic allies to send troops to defend eastern Hungary. With retire. ment of Count Won Berchtold as Austro- Hungarian foreign minister who is said to have favored another exepdition against Servia, and because of the greater infiu- ence of the Hungarians in the councils of the empire, by reason of appointment of Baron Stephan Burian as the head of the foreign department the troops which were destined for the Servian operation are likely to be diverted to meet the new Russian threat against Hungary.
 In the west there has been brisk fight ing at many points. The French claim further progress along the coast of Flan- ders but not to the extent indicated by un- official reports. Attacks and counter attacks have prevailed in the region of Arras, and in the Aisne valley, south of
 
 making any important gains.
 Progress Continues
 The French progress east of Rheims and in the vosges. however, continues despite a heavy snowstorm, according to official claims In the Argonne the Germans claim to have improved their position. An official German statement estimates the allies losses since they commenced their offensive four weeks ago at 150.000. including 20.00 killed and more than 17,000 prisoners.
 An interesting account from German sources of the battle north of Soissons says the French defeat was the result of a surprise attack. While the French ex- pected an attack on their left the Ger and drove the French completely out of position north of the Aisne, which it had taken them month to capture.
 French Report
 Paris, January 17.-G:4S D. m.)-An off, ficial statement given out this afternoon
 We have continued to progress in the region of Nieuport and Lombaertzy, along a depression about 200 yards in length. Our artillery forced the Germans to evacuate their trenches in the Great Dune, de- stroyed Rodan. which lies north of the latter. and bombarded the enemy's works in this part of the battle front and south of St. Georges.
 In the regions of Ypres. La Bassee and Lens there have been artillery engage ments. At Blangy the action has been vigor- ous. The Germans seized the foundry of Blangy. which we soon retook by an ener- getic counter attack. We have main- tained our position there
 Our artillery continues to demolish the enemys trenches near La Boisselle. ''In the section of Soissons there is nothing to report. Between vailly and Craonne the enemy delivered without success an attack near the sugar refinery of Tryon and another against our trenches at Beaulme, both| of which were repulsed. In the region of Perthes and Beausejour our progress con- tnues in spite of violent storm, In the Argonne. on the heights of the Mouse, there is nothing new. In the woods of Le Pretre. near Pont-a-Mouss0n, Ger man attack was repuised. Tn the vosges we have gained ground west of Orbey Snow fell in abundance all day"
 German Statement Berlin. January 17.-(By wireless via London 3:45 p. m,)-This official statement was Issued here this afternoon:
 Only artillery duels have taken place In Flanders Near Blangy, east of Ar