The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1915-01-08
FLOODS PREVENT ANY OPERA.
TIONS ON LARGE SCALE ON
WESTERN AND EASTERN
BATTLE FRONTS.
RUSSIANS CAPTURE
AUSTRIAN POSITIONS
Seizure Near Nook Pass Should Open
Another Entrance for Cars Troops
Through Carpathians Into
Hungary-Turks Cross
Border in Caucasus.

London, Jan. 5.-The extremely
rainy winter, the worst Europe has ex-
perienced in years, causing floods in
the river valleys OF tie continent as
well as those of England, has pre-
vented any operations on a large scale
on the western battle front and has
interfered seriously with those in the
east.
There have been heavy artillery en-
gagements from the sea 20 the Swiss
border and occasional attacks by the
infantry of the opposing armies. which
when not repulsed have added a few
yards to the territory IN the possession
Of the attacking force, but always have
proved costly ventures.
French Gain Near Albert.
The French have gained a little
ground between Albert and Rove, just
north of the point where the line turns
eastward and to the east of Rheims
and southwest of Nerdun, where the
attempts to make the German posi-
lions at St. Mihiel on the Meuse unten-
able, are proceeding slowly. They
have also made some advances in Al
SAGE, but have suffered a repuise to
the northwest of st. Menehould.
In the east the Germans have cap
tured the important Russian position
at Boriimow, but elsewhere they have
been unable to make any Roadway
against the Russians, who, as defenders
Of well fortified positions, are aided
by the wet weather and muddy roads,
which hinder the German movements.
The Austrians claim to have checked
the Russian advance near Gorlice, on
the South Galician railway, west Of
Jaslo, but apparently the battle here
has not yet been concluded.
Russians Take Austrian Position.
The Russians, on the other hand,
have taken the Austrian positions near
Nook Pass, which should open an
other entrance for them through the
Carpathians into Hungary, while the
Austrian retreat in BukoWina is des.
cribed by the Russians as a rout.
The Turks have crossed the Russian
border Ia the Caucasus, and according
TO their own account have defeated
the Russian garrison at Arabian. They
are. however, displaying anxiety fol-
their remaining possessions ia Europe
by feverishly fortifying the whole
coast line. What they fear is not dis.
closed, for 1t is considered hardly POS
sible for the allies to land a sufficient
force to prove a n to them. 1t is
possible that they expect an invasion
from another source.
Balkan States May Fight.
Indications point to the possibility OF
the Balkan States, which are now neu
trail, taking a hand in the war.
The Greek Minister Of Finance has
declared that Greece is making prep
arations to maintain the new terri
tories which she gained in the Balkan
wars from Turkey and Bulgaria. but
that she has more to fear from Bull
garia than Turkey.
1t is not thought that RoumaEia car
look on calmly while the Russians are
advancing toward Pennsylvania, and il
is expected that she will join with
| Russia and try to get the ~much-cOveteG
| Eastern Province OF Austria Hungary
Throughout the British Empire and
In the British churches in foreign coun
tries intercession services were held
| for the success of the allies arms
| Many Of the sermons embodied exhOr
tations to the young men to join the
army. King George attended service!
In the village church at Sandringham