New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-13
PETROGRAD MAY
BE OBJECTIVE
Experts Say Germans Are
Likely to Continue East
ern Offensive.
LUKOW NOWOCCUPIED
Berlin Announces Capture Of
Zambrowa by Won Gall.
Wits Assault.

London, Aug. 12.-The terrific
losses suffered by the Germans, es-
pecially in their vain attacks on
Kovno, have brought their offensive
t. halt in the north, at least for
the time being, and assured a clear
road for the retreat of the Russian
rear guards, who held the Narew
line.
Desperate German attacks on the
roads between Cholm and Viodawa
have been repulsed with very heavy
losses by the Russians, according to
an official statement issued tonight
at the headquarters of the General
Staff. Attempts to overwhelm Rus
sian advance guards in the Riga
district also have been repulsed, as
have attacks at several other points
on the battle line.
Meanwhile, the security Of the
Brest-Litovsk line, on which the
Russians are concentrating, is still
in doubt. Won Mackensen'S army
claims successes beyond Cholm,
though apparently still far from
Kovel, its objective. Gains are also
claimed by the Germans in the War;
saw district, but these seem TO be
merely the occupation of positions
abandoned by the retreating Rus
SLAMS.
To the north of Kovno the Ger
man advance, halted for a time
when Won Bueiow's forces were
thrown back from before Riga, has
been resumed and has reached the
Dvina River, between Riga and
Dvinsk. This has started specula-
ton as to whether the Germans will
not make a drive for Pctrograd, 300
miles away.
1t is pointed out, however, that there
is a great stretch of marshy country
between the present battlefelds and the
capital, which it is asserted would make
the adventure a dangerous one. Be-
sides, the Germans would first have to
capture Wilma, Dvinsk and Riga, all Of
which the Russians are defending with
strong forces, which at times are able
to take the offensive.
No Let-Up in East Likely.
1t seems plain in any case that they
purpose no great demonstration in the
west, but intend rather to press to the
utmost their so far brilliantly success
full Russian campaign on the theory
that conditions in France and Belgium
are such that neither the French nor
the British Immediately will attempt a
general offensive.
Wide circulation was given this after
noon to a rumor that the government
had received news of military sue
cesses closely affecting Russia. This
rumor was based on the activity at ris-
ing prices Of Russian securities on the
Stock Exchange. Russian exchange
dropped points to-day, to 1876.
Dispatches from Petrograd are more
favorable in tone. One 70 THE Daily
News" says:
THE banks Of the N.emen form tho
first stumbling block the Germans have
had TO encounter. Many thousand
corpses have been left behind, and the
enemy is still on the south bank OF
the river. Their efforts against tho
Kovno fortress have cost them dearer
than any previous attempt st storming
made during the eastern campaign.
They brought up By rail and motor
traction their heaviest artillery. They
used the experience gained at Antwerp
and elsewhere in the west, and tried
hastily and boldly 20 take by main
force what would have required pro-
longed operations. They used an en-
tire army, they spared neither men nor
shells in order that they might take
Kovno quickly, and they lost a colossal
number in trying to prevent the gar
rison Of the fortress from repairing
the damages done.
losses at koyno Terrific.
This haste Of the Germans at Kovno
is due TO their failure at Riga and on
the Poniewtz-W Wilkomir front. In the
latter area the enemy will probably bs
compelled TO regroup and obtain rein-
forcements.
"Kovno is the chief obstacle to ths
Germans holding both banks Of ths
Niemen; hence their continued des-
perate efforts 10 reduce the Russian
fortress, which will be the base Of the
Russian defensive line when the re-
grouping in the south is finished
Experts regard the Russian front
as favorable. The Zlota Lipa- Dniester
line is very secure. The Narew- Bug
line varies according 70 the Stubborn
ness of the offensive conducted by tha
enemy. The Niemen hont is seeuyss