The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-01-24
REPORT KIELCE TAKEN.
Russian Forces In Southern Poland
on Offensive.

LONDON. Jan. 23.--The situation in east
eru Europe appears to be undergoing one
OF those Kaleidoscope changes which,
when the vastness Of the field and the
enormous numbers of troops engaged are
considered. produce amazement in the
minds of military critics.
The reports OF correspondents. sup
ported for the time being by the communi-
cations OF the Russian General Staff. re-
veal new offensive movements by the Rus
sian armies In every field OF operations
except western Gaiicia. Up to two weeks
ago Russian armies were 1t n standstill
AID Warsaw seemed definitely ~ peril
German military writers and publlcists
were eNultant. Those who had carefully
followed the tactics OF the Grand Duke
Nicholas, however. reminded themselves
that the Russian commander in chief had
never failed to perform brilliant stroke
when such a stroke was imperative. They
awaited eagerly the next move on the part
OF the great Slav strategist.
That move was made as expected, and
has 50 developed that the whole plan or
German operations In Poland has BEEN
II appears materially altered. Operut-
ing with such secrecy that Pctrograd was
, unaware of what was going on until the
stroke was partly contaminated, the
Grand Duke concentrated in the region
OF Mlawa "A very large force, probably
six army cprps and TWO or three divisions
Of cavalry, and began a march toward
Thorn, the Ease for all German opera
lions IN northwest Poland and southern
East Prussia. Rolling back German adj
vance frunrds along the lower Nistula,
the Russians advanced 10 within twenty
Ave miles OF the PTussian frontier before
serious resistance was encountered.
Dispatches received tonight say that
the resistance has stifrened and devel-
oped and that Russian cavalry has
been checked by German infantry and
I Fa.lN NJ ~
Kikel. which Is twenty-three miles south
cas-, Of Thorn. Each side vas hurrying
It's main forces to the sklrmsh line to-
day and a heavy battle Ii raging. Pet
roFrad and London military critics be-
| lieyc that the Russians are In sufficient
| force to repulse counter attacks and con-
! tlnuc their steady march TO Thorn.
4 despatch to the Daily Netcs says that
! the de- vclopment OF the Russian advance In
| this region Is amazing, since military
| experts do not understand how the cars
| forces have been able to extend their lines
50 close to the German frontier without
having met serious opposition previously.
/ The menace to German territory from this
| northern force Is declared 10 be the great
| est that has been manifested since tho
battles in Poland began.
The strategical result OF the northern
| advance, In connection with the important
| advance In Bukowina 70 the border OF
| Transylvania, has halted German opera
| lions west Of Warsaw more effectively
| than Russian troops in that region were
! able TO do As matters stand Marshal Won
| Hndenburg has been required to detach
| considerable forces from the BZura and
the Ravka and To send them westward
! "a strengthen lines OF communication
/ likely TO be attacked by the Russians in
| the north. lie has found IL oXpedent to
! surrender lines OF trenches along these
rivers which were taken after many
the Grand Duke in northwest Poland has
resulted. therefore, in relieving the strain
| near Warsaw, while Offering a very timely
opportunity for a fresh Invasion Of Ger
man territory.
1t Is reported from petrograd tonight
that 'he movement In the north brought
abou, conference at Breslau OF the
German and Austrian General STATS
At the conference II was decided, accord
ing to the report 10 abandon the Of
fensive in central Poland for the sake
OF driving the Russians from Bukowina
and eastern Galicia The new plan was
brought about Petrograd hears by the
failure OF the Austrians to cope with the
Russians, Germany waa compelled to
oder large forces to Pennsylvania and
Galic.H.
II is reported in Petrograd that all
railroad lines IN Hunrory which Lord
from Siles'a 10 Bukowina and the Ru-
manian frontier have been closed "a or
binary traffic and that the r. Ids have been
Congested for more than two weeks by
troop trains loaded with Germnn soldiers.
The belief that Kumana IL waiting TO
intervene only untll Russia occupies part
OF Transvlvania IL said TO have been a
spur 20 German activity.
In southwest Poland the Russians are
reported TO be on the offensive once more
and to have retaken Kielce The news
IL not confirmed officially. but Is printed
bv Russian newspapers. which hear that
Gen Ruszky, in a rapid advance from
Radon, drove the Germans from Kelcs
aud Is preparing FOR a heavy demonstrs-
ton against the Germans on the pilitSa.