Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-10-17

LONDON, October 16-Roumania has
Joined Greece in declining to enlarge
the confagration in the Near East by
declaring officially that the Roumanian
government intends to preserve strict
neutrality.
This step followed close on intima-
tions from unofficial German sources
that II was time that Bucharest gave
more definite indications of Rou-
manias stand. in view of the latest
developments in the Balkans From
n German source also comes report
that British and French ministers are
leaving Athens. But this report is dis
credited here, and it is without any
other confirmation.
Unofficial reports from Petrograd say
the Germans appear to bc on the de-
fensive along the entire line, except
that section near Dvinsk. which. it is
said they have been ordered to cap
ture at any cost.
Berlin. however, officially reports
Russian attacks not only before
Dvinsk hut at number of other
repulscd. These attacks were all COM
prised within the army group of Field
Marshal Won Hndenburg. which is
taken 10 mean that the Russians have
assumed something in the nature of
general offensive along the front, of
which Dvinsk forms vital salient
ISOLATED HOMB ATTACKS
ALONG WESTERN FRONT
4 I,n
isolated bomb attacks have occurred.
with varying fortunes
Italy is again unofticially reported to
he on the verge of joining her allies
in the Balkan campaign While the
French and British are still landing
troops at Saloniki for the army which
VIII be under the supreme command OF
General Sarrail, the former commander
in-chief OF the French army OF the
orient the Germans announce that
their forces continue to make headway
against the Serbians. whose positions
south of Scmendria have been stormed.
The Bulgarians are said 10 have
forced the frontier ridges at several
points between NeSotin and Strumilta
That Bulgaria does not anticipate any
hostile action on the part OF Greece is
indicated by advices from bucharest
that Greece has purchased large
amounts OF wheat from Roumania,
which will be permitted passage
through Bulgarian territory.
MARKS ANOTHER PHASE
IN BALKAN SITUATION
Reciprocal war declarations between
Bulgaria and Great Britain and Serbia,
together with King Fcrdinand's mani
festo to the bulgarian people defining
Rulgaria's cause and intentions, have
marked another phase in :hc Balkan
situation.
Greece's decision not TO join forces
with Serbia ''at present" although
causing profound disappointment in
England, and being regarded by many
London commentators as equivocal and
as violating the obligations to Serbia.
at least has been announced in words
permitting OF no further doubt as TO
the immediate position of affairs which,
however. circumstances might alter ut
any moment
Field Marshal Won Mackenscns cam
paign against Serbia is developing with
Il SlowneSs that is very gratifying 20
the allies. lie has advanced slightly
and made some captures. but his troops
according 10 adviccs received in the
British capital, have so far obtained
no important results
The first Bulgarian army is attack
ing the Serbian frontier northeast of
Nish the present capital Of King Pc
ter and is orcIp. ing the mountain
passes.
SERBIAN TROOPS WILL. he ABLE
TO HOLD THEIR DEFENSEs
Confident dispatches from Nish say
that unless the Austro-Germans bring