Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-15

Serbs Wi11ing-Greeks Not.
While the Serbians point out what
they consider the unfairness of the
Bulgarian demand, they show an in
clination to make some concessions to
obtain the support of their former ally.
Greece is more firm in her refusal,
but 1t Is believed here there may be a
change in her policy when former Pre-
mier Venizelos returns to power, al
though he has strong pro-German
party opposed to him and, according to
a telegram from Berlin tonight, King
Constantine will offer him the premier
ship only upon the understanding that
strict neutrality shall be maintained.
This was the point upon which the
king and NJ. Venizelos disagreed when
new cabinet was appointed and par
Lament was dissolved
Inasmuch as NJ. Venizelos was sup
ported by the people at a general cleo
tion 1T was thought the king might
fall into line. but the dispatch from
Berlin indicates he has not changed his
however. Greece is bound by treaty OBJ
legations to support Serbia as her ally.
Russian Situation Improves.
With an apparent improvement Of
the Russian situation on the eastern
front there are renewed expressions Of
confidence in the allied countries The
Russians claim they are continuing to
drive the Germans back from Riga and
west of Dvinsk and still are keeping
them away from the fortress of Kovno
Although the Austro-Germans con-
tinue their victorious advance in south
q n ncf he hc,ay
cial reports of any mention Of the cap
ture of guns or munitions indicates
that the towns and positions which are
being occupied by the invaders all are
evacuated before their arrival
Field Marshal Won Mackensen has re-
sumed his advance between Vieprz
and the Bug. after having been delayed
for several days by Russian counter at
tacks, which finally overcame his cav
airy. once before driven back twenty
again when approaching that town.
New German Line in Russia.
The new positions occupied by the
Germans and Austrians were outlined
with approximate accuracy on good
authority today in Petrograd, for the
first time since the fall of Warsaw. The
line, starting from the vicinity Of Os-
sowetz, near the Prussian border op-
posita the Mazurian lake region,
curves to the south and east, running
through Sokolow. Siedlce, Lukow, Os-
trow and Vladova.
The concentration Of Austro-German
forces in the direction of the fortress
of Brest-Litovsk, is proceeding along
three roads leading to that point
from Malkin. from Lukow and from
Vladova. according to Petrograd. The
invaders are still between forty and
fifty miles from Brest-Litovsk. and are
meeting with strong opposition at
every step of their advance.
According to Russian military OBJ
servers, 1t Is expected that in the near
future the original plan of retirement
from the Vistula line will be accom-
plished, and that Brest-Litovsk, al
though not yet in the sphere of activ-
ity, will assume its function as one
end of the Russian line. In Petrograd
the opinion is expressed with conf
dence that the advance Of the Austrians
and Germans will be checked on this
line.
Details Of Riga Naval Battle.
Belated details Of the recent naval
action at the entrance to the Gulf of
Riga show that the Germans, with
nine ships Of the limo and twelve
cruisers, drew up In battle formation.
A feet Of traw1ers, preceding the war
ships, cleared away mines.
The Russian defenders estimated that
the Germans opened fre with one-hfth
of their strength. The trawlere were |
forced to withdraw before completing