Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-09
French Show Greater Power
in the Terrific Battle
of Verdun.
TURKS DISORGANIZED
IN NEAR EAST REGION
Teutons Expected to Make Another
Dash to Gain the Port
of Riga.


east regions. the British forces operat-
ing for the relief of kut ell Amara have
been scoring considerable success over
the Turkish armies. which for many
months have steadfastly forced the
British to remain in practically sta
tionary position. British gains, coupled
with the continued success of the Rus
SANS operating in Persia. seem TO
make the rescue of Gen. Townshend
and his soldiers al kut more imminent
for the British claim to have routed
the enemy from their strongly fortified
positions at tmm Ell Henna, twenty
miles distant from kut. and also claim
to have followed this up by dispensing
the enemy in fiercely contested battle
at Felhaie. Both of these positions
nave been strongly held by the Turks
for many weeks. and various previous
attempts of British forces to dislodee
the Turks by surprise attacks and
otherWIse invariably have met with
failure and considerable losses for the
attacking armies.
With the Russians pressing closer to
the Mesopotamian frontier. dsorSani-
cation of the Turkish forces operating
against the British will he a serious
handicap in the determined plans of
the Mosiems to prevent junction be-
tween the Russians and the British.
The loss of the Umm ell Henna and
Felahie positions means that the Turks
now are at decided disadvantage. and
they cannot hope to quickly obtain two
olneT POSITIONS as ADVANTAGEOUS. j ne
British are pressing the foe. it is de-
clared, and notwithstanding tremendous
fighting. constantly are closing in closer
to kut.
The Russians are not anticipating an
uncontested march into Mesopotamia
for it is believed
RUSSIANS Expect to that the Turkish
Mao+ Pas;s+o.,. armies which fed
southwark from
Bitlic and Mush have effected a union
with further large Moslem forces. and
a determined attempt to check the Slav
advance is expected at Hanikin pass,
position well suited to defensive plans.
However, the Russians are fast nearing
this position and battle of tremen-
dous character and far-reaching con-
sequences may be expected within
few days. 1t is not to be believed that
the British and Russians will not seek
to profit to the fullest from the present
disorganiZed condition of the enemy
All is going well with the British
and Russians in what may be termed
the campaign for Bagdad, this city be-
ing the eventual goal of both armies,
and the same may be said to be true
OF the fuSSldnS operating inc
Black sea coast. where the capture of
the port of TrebiZond is the objective.
Several sharp battles have been fought
during the past week to the east of
Trebzond. where the Russians seem
to be meeting more stubborn resistance
than in any section of the near east
The Turkish cruiser Breslau is said to
have participated in a Turkish attack
on the Black sea wing of the Russian
armies, but Petrograd declares that
the result of the engagement was
highly satisfactory, great losses being
inflicted upon the enemy in addition
to thorough disorganization.
Thawing SHOWS and spring rains
have brought about a terrible condition
of affairs on the battle regions of the
east where the Russians are combat
ting the Germans and the Austrians.
The German winter positions. from
which the armies Of the kaiser have
been unable to Withdraw. are flooded.
and frequently official reports of the
fighting in Russia carry accounts of en-
sagements being fought knee or waist
deep in water The Russian offensive
movement. which had developed with
deadly effect ten days ago. has, by the
very nature of weather conditions.
slackened, but may be expected to be
pursued with renewed vigOr once con-
ditions on the battleields warrant.
The Germans apparently are taking
advantage of the Russian inactivity
along the north