New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-01
SeizeS Town IL Miles
from Capital-Czar's
Drive Sweeps On
STRIKES AT REAR
OF INVADING FOE
Falkenhayn Wins Cam
pulung-4,SOO Rumanians
Are Taken Captive

lRy Gable TO Tie Tribune
London, Nov. 30.-Mackensen,
whose vanguard is now within twelve
miles of the outer forts of Bucha-
rest, has opened the battle that will
decide the fate Of the Rumanian cap
ital.
The Germans drew their band
closer to-day along the l00-mile arc
from Pitesci to the Danube. Fur
ther north, where the defenders were
making their last stand in the Wal
lachian passes, Falkenhayn capt
ured Campulung, head of the rail-
way to Pitesci, and opened an outlet
from Torzburg Pass.
Russians Making Progress
In the Carpathian heights and the
ridges on the Northern Moldavian
line the Russians are battering at
the Teuton line desperately in final
effort to halt the German wave
speeding toward Bucharest. They
captured height seven miles south
west of Wakarka to-day and have
come within rifle range of Kirlibaba,
guarding the Rodna Pass.
The Cars attempt to break
through and threaten the bases Of
Falkenhayn's army is meeting with
considerable success, but the battle
is still too young to indicate the
measure Of its success. The violent
struggle continues.
Berlin announces to-day the capt
ure of 4,S00 prisoners and sixty-two
guns. OF these prisoners 1,2OO were
taken at Campulung, 1000 more in
the battles southwest of that city
end 2,400 by Mackensen's army NOV
ing northward from the Danube.
Retreat Skilfully Conducted
This is the first announcement Of
important captures that the Germans
have made. Military critics here give
the highest praise 20 King Ferdinand's
generals for their skill in conducting
the retreat with so small! loss OF men
and guns.
Interest centres on Mackensen's ad-
vance toward Bucharest from the south,
along the railway from Giurgiu. The
Rumanians admit that the invading
forces have reached the line OF the
Glayatziotzu. TO lrteen miles from the
capital, and Petrograd admits the loss
of TZomana, on this stream.
In men the opposing forces lining up
for the battle OF Bucharest are about
equal. Falkenhayn and Mackensen
have about twenty divisions-4OO,O 900
men-while the Russo Rumanian troops
are estimated at the same number.
Teutons Better Munitioned
But the Teutons undoubtedly are
much better equipped in guns and
shells. Their communications are in
finitely superior for Rumania must get
her supplies from Russia and they
must come over a great distance.
II Bucharest falls, the Rumanlan
right wing must be withdrawn swiftly
TO a line east OF the Predeal Pass, the
last of the Wallachian passages left
TO the defenders. Bucharest, it seems,
will be attacked before the next COM
munication is received.
Meanwhile Falkenhayn's troops are
moving steadily along the railway from
Pitesci to the capital and through the
ridges and river valleys to the nortn'
Before this sweep Campulung fell. Inc
fate of this city. seyenty-hye miles
northwest Of Bucharest, was sealed
when Pitesci fell to the Teutons.
CampuIung Fall Aids Foe
The loss of Campulung is another
severe setback for King Ferdinand's
troops. There is considerable strategic
value in the latest German success, for
the important railway through the
Torzburg Pass is now open and the
Teutons gain more freedom for their
movements further south.
As for the Russian effort, it has not
progressed far enough yet to offer a
serious menace 70 Falkenhayn's rear.
The Rumanians on the northern Mol
davian front are joining in the belated
attempt TO save their capital and claim
progress in the Buzeu and Prahova val
leys.
On the eastern front the Cars
troops also are attacking, to prevent
the Germans from shifting to the Car
pathian front Berlin tonight reports
the repulse by the Turks of heavy at
tacks on the Zlota Lipa line in GRlicia.