New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-02
Mackensen Ten Miles
from Goal-RuSSianS
Reach Bucharest
CZAR ATTACKING
ON 250-MILE LINE
Seizes Carpathian Crests
and MenaceS Rear OF
Teuton Armies

London, Dec. l.-Before Bucha-
rest the Rumanians, aided by Rus
sian troops, are making their last
stand. Along the Giurgiu railway
Mackensen's forces have reached
the Argesu lire, ten miles from the
capital, but the attempt to break
through on the east and west failed,
and the Teutons were hurled back.
The violent battle continues, and
every inch of ground is disputed
fercely.
Bucharest has been evacuated by
the civilian population, according to
wireless advices, and while the enemy
is bringing up his big siege guns for
the bombardment the military au-
thorities are preparing to defend the
city to the last shot. Russian troops
have reached the capital, accord
ing to a report published in the
Cologne Gazette"
Russians Storm Heights
The Russians are fighting des-
perately to relieve their allies. Along
a front of $50 miles, in conjunction
with the Rumanians, they are deliv-
ering heavy attacks in the effort to
halt Falkenhayn. This blow is being
struck along the southern Carpa-
thians and the Moldavian frontier,
from Kirlibaba to the district south
east of Kronstadt. AT the same time
Sakharoff has opened a new offensive
in Dobrudja.
The Russian offensive in the face
of violent fire, conquered a whole
range Of important heights south OF
Kirlibaba. From that district to the
southern Moldavian frontier their
repeated assaults won local sue
cesses. Cooperating with the Ruma-
mans in the Buzeu Valley, they
swept a ridge Of heights east. South
Of the village of Krasna, and in the
Outuz Valley the Rumanians pressed
forward.
The important line Of eommuni.s-
tions from Kirlbaba to Maramsros'
szieat, which possess especial value on
account Of the scarcity OF railways and
good roads in this region, is now un-
der control of the Russian guns on tho
neighboring crests, says a Petrograd
dispatch.
Drive Acquiring Momentum
"The drive into the wooded district
Of the Carpathians. which began three
days ago with the purpose OF diverting
part of General Won Falkenhayn's
troops from the Rumsnian front and
preventing a further invasion Of Ru-
mania on the Trsnsylvanian side, IS
acquiring momentum as it proceeds"
adds the dispatch.
The Russians, however. met with
reverse near Wawsrka, in the Carpa-
thians. where Petrogrsd admits Ger
man recapture of the heights taken
yesterday.
The Cars commanders are employ
ing great masses Of men that are con-
stantly being augmented and replaced
with fresh troops. The wording Of to-
days Vienna statement gives some In
dication Of the herceness Of the as
saults.
Battle Day and Night
"The armies of Generals Arr and
Koevess," reads the announcement, ION
almost their whole front were day and
night struggling stubbornly against
constant enemy attacks. At several
points there was hand-to-hand sighting.
The Russian onslaught failed, with
slight local successes, which cannot
alter the fact that the enemy's great
racrihces were again in vain" The
statement adds that the battle con-
tinues along the whole front
Thus far, Petrograd military observ-
ers say, the Austrians apparently have
been taken by surprise and have been
unable TO withstand the Russian at
tacks at any important points. In the
amount Of war material and the num-
Der of prisoners taken, as well as the
precipitate abandonment OF positions
by the Austrians. military observers
contend that the operations bear close
resemblance TO the early days Of Gem
eral Brusilof's summer campaign.
MAY Cross Carpathians
The result obtained by the Russian
domination OF the Kirlibaba- Mariana
ros-Sziget road, declare the observers.
will reach its full strategic significance
in case Of the Austrian surrender OF
Kirlibaba. In this even., II Is expected
here, the Russians will have little dim
Guilty in crossing the ridge Of the Car
pathians and advancing along the val
ley OF the Macy Szamos River.
The obvious effect Of this move would
be TO bring General Won Falkenhayn's
advance into Wallachia TO . stop. and