Norwich bulletin., 1915-10-21

London, Oct 20, 10 p. m.-Battles south of Riga, where the Germans have made some progress in the new thrust at the Baltic province port, and in Volhynia and Galicia. where the Russians have gained rather important i victories, are now competing in inter- | est with the operations in the Balkans.
 Germans Renew Attack on Riga.
 The Germans have concentrated very large forces, with a great amt<nt of artillery. south of Riga, and as a re- suit stubborn battle has been in progress for several days. Field Mar shal Won Hindenburg, who is in com mand in this region. reported two days ago that his forces had reached the River Dvina but, as on previous oc- casions, this broad and fast running waterway appears to have held him up for the time being.
 Russians Consider Situation Serious.
 The situation, however, is consid- cred by the Russians to be more seri- ous than it had been for a long time, and there is again talk of the eVacua- tion of Riga by the military. who have been in sole occupation of the city since the civilian population left month ago..
 Teutons on Defensive in GaIicia.
 At the other end of the eastern front the position is just the reverse. Gen. 
 to be the most aggressive of the Rus sian commanders, has been striking harG at the Austro- German forces on the middle Styr and all along the fringe of Galicia that is still in Rus sian hands. At several places he has driven his opponents back, and there is report tonight that the Austrians have evacuated CZernowitz. a report which finds some confirmation in an Odessa despatch declaring that the Russians have abandoned their con templated evacuation of the northern districts of Bessarabia.
 Serbians Holding Strong.
 The progress of events in Serbia is surrounded by considerable mystery. The Austro Germans and Bulgarians are advancing all along the various fronts. but not with the speed >antici- pated. The Austro- Germans appar- ently have spread their armies over a wider front. as Berlin tonight reports that they are advancing on Shabats, which is a long distance west of Bel grade; while for the Bulgarians it is claimed that they have captured Sul- tan Tepe. southwest of Egri Palanka, and that in advancing toward Kuma- novo they took 1000 prisoners. Both of these places are east of USkup.
 There is still some doubt as to whether they have cut the railway near Vr@nya, the Serbian government deny ing the report that they have done so while other accounts say that the Bull gariams reached the city but were driven back.
 The general opinion is that the Ger mans in the first place aim at the Ser bian grain country, of which Rozare- vac, already reached by them, is the center, while the Bulgarians are mak- ing straight across the country fol Macedonia. where they will find part of the population friendly to them.
 The Anglo-French forces have beer in action near the Greco Bulgarian frontier. but seemingly the battle was not important. as no official reports have been issued concerning it.
 German Offensive at Rheims.
 The Germans, according to the Brit. ish and French statements, attempted offensive movements near Hulluch. ana Rheims yesterday. but again suffered severe reverses. On the other hand the Germans claim success near Pru' nay, in the Champagne district.
 Mining operations have occupied th' attention of the Anglo French troop and the Turks in Gallipoli. while iron Mesopotamia it is unofflcially reported that the British are within a few mile of Bagdad.
 Considerable importance is attachet to the arrival at Odessa of a militar. mission en route from Rumania t. Paris. Its object is not known, but is thought here that such mission would hardly be undertaken unles Rumania contemplated action on tn side of the allies.
 The Germans are now employini their Zeppelins against the British an Russian submarines in the Baltic where German ships have been suffer ing heavily during the past fortnight