The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-10
Nearly 2000 Prisoners Taken in Fierce Engagement in the West, Says Official French Report
REPORTED AUSTRIA
 N.<~ } WILLING FOR
 SFEP ARATE PEACE
; 4ssian Troops Control the Carpathian Passes and Prepare for Descent Into Plains of Hungary

LOnuOn. Aprtt g.-tio:9S D. m. D--ttus- sian successes in the Carpathinns. where the Muscovftes are now said to passes and are preparing for a descent on the plains of Hungary. have revived unofficial talk of separate peace for Austria Hungary, and seemingly in- creasing anxiety on inc part of the in terventionists in Italy for their coun- try to take up arms on the side of the allies and obtain territory which they have failed to get In the negotiations through Germany with Austria.
 Russian newspapers seem convinced that Hungary. if not the whole of the dual monarchy. is ready to seek peace and it is said that Emperor Francis Joseph has requested Pope Benedict to intervene in their behalf
 Except in Italy, the neutral country most directly interested In this question, little credence is given this report, al- though the opinion is expressed in mili- tary circles here that if Russia breaks down the joint resistanee of the Austro- German troops in the Carpathans, as she apparently has that Of the Austro- Hun garian armies, Hungary at least will be ready to bring the war to an end as far as she is concerned.
 Some Way to Go
 However, the Russians have some way to go yet before they reach the plains of Hungary. and the Austro-German forces are placing every obstacle in their way. The whole southern slopes of the mountains have been strongly fortified and troops are being poured into the region It is said there are now 24 Aus trian and six German army corps facing the Russians, and that more are on the way The Russians are bringing up re- serves and. according to the Austrian report of tonight they are attacking without any regard for the loss of life.
 British military critics express the greatest admiration for the Russian hand ling of the Carpathian campaign. The ad- vance between Polanka and Bartfeld, they say. squeezed the Austrians out of the Dukla pass. that from Duka squeezed them from MeZolaborez, and from west to east this process has continued until all the passes are in the hands of Russian troops. The critics contend that the Aus tro-Germans must return from East Ga licia and Bu<owina or they will find them selves cut off
 French Victorious
 Just as fierce a battle, but on & small CT scale. is going on in the west between the Mouse and the Moselle. There the French are persisting in their offensive against the Germans, and according to the Paris reports continue to make pro- gress. Berlin, however, announces that all the French attacks have been repulsed with heavy losses.
 The French are bombarding St Mihiel and are attacking the two sides of the German wedge here with infantry and ar tillery in an endeavor to reach the roads which lead from St. Mihiel to Metz. If the progress already made is as great the French claim these roads should be al- most within range of French guns.
 The Germans have attacked the British lines in Northern rFance, but have been repulsed. Berlin reports the capture from the Belgians of Drie Gra- chen on the Yser, which has changed hands several times within few days Elsewhere. so far as the public has been informed. there has been no lm' portant fighting.
 Nothing official has been forthcom- ing regarding a reported naval en- eagement off the Norwegian coast, and news from the Dardanelles grows less as the time shortens for the an ticipated new attack there.
 Submarines appear to have become less active. Incoming steamers report having seen some of these craft but no vessels are reported sunk.
 An authoritative denial has been re- ceived from The Hague of a report that relations between Holland and Germany had reached the breaking point
 French Report
 Paris. April 9.-d1:15 D. m)-The French official war office statement tonight said
 After new and brilliant attack. the