The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-10-30

Prfshtina are retreating north N the
direction of Novipazar with the pur
groups of their army in the interior
where it is said a state or siege IS
rapidly approaching since the Serbs are
on the verge of being completely
cut off.
BuIgarians Are Benefited.
The capture of Zajecar was of dis
tinct benefit to the Bulgarians, as it
was of Importance to the Serb1anS,
both as a frontier fortress ana as d
railway junction Zajecar was defend-
ported by about 10000 men OF the
third reserve. The Bulgarian forces
numbered about two brigades:
The most thorough preparations TOT
bians, whose resistance was deter
mined Every mountain crest sur
rounding the fortress was nteraily
covered with barbed-wire entangle-
these positions the Serbians poured a
terrific fire into the Bulgarian INES
Three outlying positions We're taken
more than a week ago, but the inner
northern works held out until Mon
day However, the Bulgar1ans sue
ceeded in taking heavy artillery to the
top of the mountain whence they were
able to direct their fire at the SERBIAN
defenses.
infantry After Big Guns.
The Serbians were subjected to a
preliminary bombardment on Monday
and early yesterday. This was Hollow
ed by a Bulgarian infantry attack of
the most desperate character. The
Bulgarians were often obliged to
climb on all tours up steep slopes to
the Serbian positions. Now and then
attacking parties were shot down or
thrown back, but they returned to the
assault and shortly before noon car
ried all the Serbian defenses.
The Bulgarian artillery did most
effective work. Its fire was said by
Serbian prisoners to have been the
worst they had experienced. The
shrapnel exploded unerringly at
height of fifty feet above the Serbian
positions. This, together with the
infantry, compelled the remaining
Serbians to surrender.
Most of the prisoners wear citizen
clothing with military oVercoatS and
caps. Others are wearing the thin
summer uniforms with three or four
shirts Few of them have good
shoes.
There was no lack, however, of the
best French and British war materials
The Serbians are still hoping that
reinforcements will reach them. All
accounts agree as to the Valor OF the
Bulgarians, Extraordinary eXertlons
were required to scale the dizzy
heights at Zajecar. The Bulgarian
infantrymen removed their shoes to
obtain a better footing on the slippery
rocks Like untamable beings, they
rushed up the slopes. Gaps in their
line were filled up instantly from fol-
lowing reserves. Reaching the sum-
NIT, the infantry did such effective
work with the bayonet that the Ser
bians, who were still inclined to fight
held I'D their hands quickly. 1t is as
serted that the BulgarianS' losses
were slight in view of the magnitude
of the action.
Montenegrins Give Battle.
Paris. Oct. 30.-The Montenegro
legation today received the following
Officials dispatch:
"a great battle between Montene-
grin and Austrian troops began south
of Vishegrad (Bosnia) on october 20.
The result is not yet known
"The Montenegrins attacked the
Austrians energetically at Cora, in
flicting large losses and making a GER
tain number of prisoners. There is
violent artillery fighting along the
Drina and at Grahovo."
Allies Joined With Serbs.
Paris Oct. 30.-The British troops
which were landed at Saloniki are said
by the Havas correspondent there to
have received orders from London to
depart for the Serbian front. The cor
respondent adds that junction with
Serbian troops already has been
effected.