The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-03-23
Defenders of Przemysl Would
Not Join i'm SOrtie.
Only a Few Thousand Made
Up ForlOrn Hope.
LAST RATIONS WERE ISSUED
Soldiers Told to Cut Their Way
to Freedom
And Under No Circumstances to
Return to Fortress.

Petrograd. March %. - Events
which preceded the final desperate
sortie of the belea guered garrison in
the Austrian fortress of Przemysl, de-
signed to break through the encircling
ring of Russian troops, are described
in an official communication issued
here. The statement says:
During the last days before the
final sortie, the garrison received in
creased rations. Each soldier was
given biscuits to last five days, warm
new clothing and new boots Off
GERS were instructed to explain to the
troops that if they returned to the for
tress an inglorious fate awaited them
and consequently they must pierce the
Russian front at any cost.
IAN easterly direction was chosen
for the sortie as the line of least re-
sistance as we'll as because it led to
the district where the Russians had
large stores of arms and ammunition.
More than 20, 600 men were ordered TO
participate in the sortie but several
units refused to move despite the urS-
ings of the commanders. Only the
23d Honved division and some parts
of the S5th Landwehr and 4th Hus-
sars took an active part.
IAN official Austrian comrnunica-
ton states that the garrison returned
to Presmysl because it encountered
overwhelming Russian forces. In this
connection it should be noted that the
Russian forces near Przemysl never
repulsed principally by territorial
troops and reserves. The total num-
Der of the captured garrison exceeded
Russian expectation. Following is the
text of an order issued by General
Kusmanek to the garrison of the for
tress March Is, the day before the
Sortie:
Address to Soldiers.
'Soldiers-For half a year we chill
dren of almost all nationalities of the
sanity opposing the enemy. With the
help of God and your bravery we have
successfully defended the fortress
against the enemy. despite attacks,
privatiOns and cold.
"'You already merit the highest
gratitude of your chief
and country and have won the admir-
alton even OF the enemy. In the be-
loved Fatherland. thousands of hearts
beat for you and millions wait with
bated breath for news from you.
Heroes, L announce to you my last
summons. The honor of your country
demands it. / shall lead you to pierce
with your points of steel the iron cir
Gle of the enemy.
- 'On then. March on, even further
unsparing in your efforts until we re-
join the main army, which after a
hard fight now nears u.s. We are on
the eve of a great battle, for the en-
envy will be reluctant to abandon 2
prize he has coveted SO long. Know,
then. true defenders of Przemysl, each
must have but one thought. that is
forward. ever forward. Smash every
thing that bars your path.
- Soldiers, we have shared our last
provisions. The honor of our country
and ourselves forbids that after our
glorious struggle we should fall an
easy prey to the enemy. BE heroic
warriors and we shall open the way
il Is Serious Loss.
Berlin. March 23.-T'lle press of the
German capital unites in payin. triD-
ute to the defenders OF PZreElysl whom
IT is declared, only hunger could SUB
due. At the same time there is no
disposition to make light of the de-
feat. The Loyal Anzeiger says:
I'VE have no intention to minimize
the loss our brave allies have suf-
fered Przemysl was strong and a
great fortress. 1t showed it's strength
in its proud defense. We mourn with
our allies it's loss and the loss of its
commander and garrison, who have
won laurels whose glory captivity
cannot destroy"
The Nossische Zeitung says the
forts fall releases the beleagaering
army, but while it is not known where
it will be employed the Austrians I'M
doubtedly are Informed and will take
the necessary steps. While we thor
Austrian general staff that the fall
of PrzemySi can have no Influence on
the general situation" says the Kreuz
Zeitung, I'VE nevertheless are honest
enough to admit it is a painful blow
dealt our cause on the right wing of
our mutual 1000 kilometer, front"