The Washington times., 1915-02-12

the German government to strict ac-
countab bility."
Great Britain Is told that the occa-
sional use of the flag of n neutral or
an enemy under the stress of immediate
pursuit and to deceive an approaching
enemy. which appears by the reports
to be represented as the precedent and
justification used to support this action.
seems to this Government a very DIFF
ferent thing from an explicit sanction
by a be!ltgerent government for its mer-
chant ships generally to fly the flag of
a neutral power within certain portions
of the high seas which are presumed to
be frequented with hostile warships."
This policy Is described as one which
would afford no protection to British
vessels. while 1t would be a serious and
constant menace to the lives and ves-
sells of American citizens
Both powers are Informed OF the COM
munication to the other.
PARIS. Feb 12-The campaign for
possession Of the Vosges passes and the
main roads into upper Alsace has been
resumed. despite the heavy snow.
The Germans are being bombarded
with long-range heavy artillery brought
UP during the lull Of the last fortnight.
and an offensive Is being initiated that
is expected to resolve itself into a series
of hotly contested battles that will give
the French possession of various STRAIT
egic points necessary to begin the drive
Of the Kaiser's forces northward and
across the Rhine.
On the other extreme Of the long bat
tie line, from the sea TO Nieuport, n
German offensive which has been de-
veloping has suffered severe cneck.
Some of the outer chain Of German
trenches have been demolished by the
French and Belgian heavy artillery and
by bomb ,throwers.
From Nieuport to Ypres. around the
La Bassee positions. and near Scissors,
the artillery exchanges continue without
interruption. In the Argonne region the
fighting for the roads leading south
through Bagatelle and for the heights
of Marie Therese continues. The Ger
mans have made several direct frontal
attacks in force. and have lost more
payne region the Germans continue
their efforts to retake the wooded hills
lying north Of Mesnil- les Hurlus. but
80 far without success.
PETROGRAD. Feb. l2.-The war Of
flee today. in explaining that certain Of
the Russian forces have been with
drawn from their advanced positions in
East Prussia. points out that 1t Will be
necessary for the next few days to
withhold all details Of operations in this
section.
The reason assigned IL that I'VE are
upon the eve of a great operation which
must solve definitely the struggle now
in progress there"
Just what Is planned Is naturally a
closely guarded secret, but the war Of
fice is very confident that. when the
veil of secrecy can be raised. 1t will
be found that IA very important success
has been attained
The Germans ighting in the Carpath-
ians continue their desperate efforts TO
gain a foothold in the various passes.
but so far without SUCCESS. Russian n
artillery commands the heights at every
strategic point. and it Is impossible for
the Germans to gain any ground.
Admission that the fortress Of Prem
ysl Is still holding out Is made in to-
days official statement. which says
that the garrison there is 'exhausting
itself" maintaining an irregular fire
against the Russian blockading forces.