The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-02-24

On the other wing, according to
the dispatch, the Russian advance
guards have arrived within a short
distance of Trebizond on the Black
sea coast
Petrograd. (via London), Feb. 81
Crank Duke Nicholas, commander OF
he Russian forces in the Caucasus,
las left Tiflis for Erzerum.
A dispatch from Tifl:s to the Boerze
Gazette says that two Turkish army
corps which were on their way to re-
inforce ErZerum have turned back on
being informed that the fortress had
fallen.
The Russians are pressing the ad-
vantage gained at Erzerum. On the
right along the Black sea coast, by the
cooperation of the sea and hand forces
they are driving the Turks from one
position after another to the east OF
Trebizond, and active operations
against that important seaport are ex-
pected soon.
Clearing the Sea Coast.
In the last two days the Russians
have occupied Wilde, (Widje), and
pressed forward 10 or II miles west
ward. The fleet has destroyed several
shore batteries, and by keeping we'll in
advance of the land forces and by de
stroying bridges over several streams
in the path Of the retreating Turks, has
rendered their retreat more difficult
The fleet has been working so close to
the shore that the warships have been
reached by rifle fire from the Turkish
troops.
On the left flank. after the occupa-
ton of Koph. the Russians pushed OH
to Mush and Achlata. the latter on tn
north shore of Lake Van. From ROph
TO Mush. 60 miles over mountain roads
they fought several battles and eccu-
pied Mush bY storm.
The Turks fled southwark toward
Diarbekes. the next objective of the
Russians. Once in possession OF Diar-
bekes. ii is only a days march to the
Bagdad railway. the last re-laining
communication into Syria.
May Surround Army.
The rapid Russian offensive beyonI
Erzerum. II is believed here, makes it
probable that the retreat of the Turkish
corps operating along the Black sea
coast and of those troops which were
active in the Mush district before thu
Russian occupation will be entirely cut
off and that the main Turkish armies
will be surrounded.
This fate has already overtaken the
Thirty fourth division of the Tenth
corps, which was ordered from Olti To-
ErZerum before the fall of the fortress
AS telephone communication between
this graup of Turkish forces and the
garrison at ErZerum had been entirely
destroyed by the Russians. the Thirty
fourth division marched serenely on to
ErZerum without SUSPICION that the
fortress was then about to be surren-
dered. These troops reached Erzerum
from the northwest at the very mo
ment that the Deve- Doina line of forts
fell into Russian hands and the army
which they had come to assist was in
full retreat The road over which they
had PASSED was instantly occupied by
Russian cavalry and. as they were com
pletely surrounded. there was no alter
native but to surrender with arms
equipment and artillery.
Entire Corps in Danger.
1t is regarded as almost inevitabl"
that the Turkish corps raIlying aIonG
the Black sea coast under the destruC
tive fire of the fleet and the presence
Of the Russian armies would be caught
in the same sort Of trap as the Turkish
troops falling back from Wide to Gum
iSh Khaneh still have q greater dis
lance to go than the Russian troops
which are advancing from Erzerum t.
cut them off.
On the Turkish right flank, whCr,.
the Ninth corps is operating, the Turks
find themselves in the same precarious
position since all the roads Of retrea
TO the north are gradually falling un-
der Russian control. The retreat of the
Turkish army everywhere is impede
by deep snow and the difficult charaC-
ter Of the country. They are without
food and lack war supplies and Their
seems to be little possibility OF thCii
offering even temporary resistance "
any strength to the Russian advance.