Evening star., 1915-02-15
HOPE, ON RUSSIAN SOIL,
TO CHECK TEUTON FOES
Petrograd Claims Object Sought in
Taking the Offensive Has
Now Been Achieved.
AIDED ALLIES IN THE WEST
Germans Forced to Withdraw Troops
From France and Their Defeat
on the River Marine
Resulted.

PETROGRAD, via London,
February IS, 2:3o p.m.-The
forced retirement of the Russian
army from East Prussia is ex-
pected to result in a reversion by
the Russians to their original
plan of conducting a defensive
campaign on their own territory.
1t is pointed out here that this
should result in an advantage to
the Russians, in that Germany
will be deprived of the transporta-
ton facilities which she was able
to use with great effectiveness
during the fighting within her
own borders.
Say Object Is Achieved.
When an offensive campaign was un-
dertaken and the Russians invaded
East Prussia and Galicia early in the
war the Germans were forced to with
draw large number of troops from
the west. This was considered here
to have contributed largely to the
German reverse in the battle of the
Marine. Russian officers say that the
object OF their offensive campaign has
been achieved. and that the DISPOSE
tion now is to fall back to their orig
inal plan of defensive operations on
Russian soil along a line from the
Niemen river in the north through
Ostrolenka -Raigrod and on to Graevo
Expect to Hold Germans.
With this program in operation. Rus
sian observers say. 1T probably will be
possible to retard the German advance
and at the same time defensive oper-
ations will be e. sier because the Rus
slams will be harassed no longer by
the lightning changes along the Ger
man front.
In the southwest the Russians are
holding the Carpathian passes of Wis
kow and Nadworna against the German
assaults. and. according to reports
reaching here. are daily capturing
German and Austrian prisoners and
guns.
Another battle. in which bayonet at
tacks were made by, the Russians, is
reported from Smolnika. During the
night the Russians surrounded an Aus
trian position and took prisoners. ten
officers and 4o9 men. Battles have oc-
CURED also at kurimka, near Dukla,
and at Baligrod.
Think Lemberg Is Safe.
Russian staff officers assert that not
withstanding the reoccupation of the
crown land of Bukowina by Austro-
German armies it does not constitute
a menace to the Russian flank or to
the Russian position about the town
OF Lemberg.
This is due to the fact. the Russians
maintain, that to the north and south
are mountain ranges which render that
section of the country isolated. and be-
cause the Russian positions in the
Beskid range on the south preclude the
possibility Of successful attack.
Russian newspaper comments on ru-
mors recently in circulation that the
Russians contemplated the evacuation
of Lemberg and the publication of a
statement that Russian authorities had
placarded the city with announcements
to that effect have brought forth de-
malls from the Russian general stan.
The northern and northwestern slopes
of the entire Carpathian range are
claimed to be controlled by Russian
forces. thus giving them a Key to the
situation in eastern Galicia.
At Mesolaborch the Russians are re-
ported to have begun an offensive
movement.
Sorties From Przemysl.
Military authorities admit the possi-
hi,tty of an Austro-German attack on
the Russian positions around Przemysl,
which Austrian fortress has shown
new signs of activity. In the last few
days the garrison has MADE a number
of sorties apparently aimed at break
ing the Russian ring to the south, and
a junction with the Aus
trian main force approaching fsom the
direction of Lupkow and Lutoviska.
Tins far the sorties, according to Rus
sian sources. have been unsuccessful
and disastrous. Renewed attempts at
.eriaI reconnaissance also have been
made by the besieged forces. In the
mountain passes. where much fighting
at close range Is taking place, the
Germans have produced new fighting
na chimes in the shape of bomb throwers
and fire spouters.
Tshe former contrivance consists of a
small apparatus capable of being car
r;ed by two men. 1t throws 30-pound
bomb for a distance Of 200 or 300 yards
INTO the lines of their opponents. 1t
' w.ed when artillery is not available
The other contrivance consists of a
tuhe through which a stream of burn
ing oil is forced for distance of
aiSbty Yards, and which covers with
a.me everything it touches. This an
naratus is reported to be employed
against bayonet charges. favorite mode
Of Russian fighting.
Austrian prisoners relate that the
Awstrian forces lack horses. On the
ieft bank OF the Vistula river There 10
evidence that the Germans Sre re-
rroupinE their forces. and they svi.