Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-20
RUSSIANS TAKE CHAIN
OF FORTIFIED HEIGHTS
SOUTH OF TREBIZOND
Centre of Grand Duke Nicholas
Army Advances Against
Baiburt, Between Cap
tured Strongholds
TURKISH ARMY ESCAPES
PETRoGRAD. April 20.


Having taken Trebizond and Erzerum'
the main army of Grand Duke Nicholas is
pressing on against Baiburt, which lies
midway between the two captured Turk
ish cities
The Russian pursuit of the Turks con-
tinues without a moments respite, blow
after blow being delivered at the Ottoman
troops, who are being dislodged from every
front where they had hoped to consoli-
date position.
The seizure of Trebizond happened much
earlier than the greatest optimists had ex-
pected. All the land and sea forces in
the Caucasus shared in the triumph. After
the bombardment by the warships the
troops landed on the flank of Trebizond,
and turning enveloped 1t on three sides.
The Turkish garrison of $4,000 and the
field troops finally fed in three directions
westward and southwestward.
Other Russian troops at Erzingan, Bitlis
and Urmia. attacking necessarily and
threatening to cut the Turks communica-
tions. prevented them from concentrating
on Trebizond.
A considerable amount of war booty
including a large number of the latest
type German heavy guns was left be-
hind. for, since the fall of Erzerum
rrsbizond has been the chief base and
provisioning centre for the Turks operat-
ing in this theatre.
The Russians are successfully con-
tinuing their cooperative campaign of
land and sea forces. An official report an
nounees the sinking of a steamer and
sailing ship by a Black Sea submarine
near the Bosphorus. Last nights official
statement adds:
Aschkala, west of Erzerum, our troops
by night assault carried a chain of
high hills which had been strongly
organized. We captured four Turkish
officers and more than 120 men. The
Turks left hundreds Of dead ON the
field.
We annihilated some Turkish ale
ments which had been recently
brought from Gallipoli, while the
other Turkish troops which partici
pated IN the night sustained heavy
losses through our fire and bayonet
charges.
PARIS, April 2e.-Paris received with
great enthusiasm the news OF the fan Of
Trebizond. This event was looked for.
but 1t was not thought that the Rus
SLAMS would be able to capture the city
SO quickly.
The political as well as the military
e4AA7~ 441.4ee9 1As sApSttcd 10 De most
important, particularly in view OF the fact
thar Turkey has lost one of the most
valuable parts OF Asia Minor at q time
when, according 10 reports reaching Paris.
Germany IS weakening her forces in the
Balkans TO carry on attacks on the vest
eFn front
French military writer's state that the
policy Of campaign OF Grand Duke Niche
las the Russian commander. was a daring
one, which at first was looked llpon aa
faQlhardy, bur now Is fully justified The
Grand Duke decided 70 advance boldly to
the attack on the front, where manoeuvres
Of warfare we're possible. whila the other
fronts were still held IN deadlock
Excluding the operations On the Per-
SD front. Grand Duke Nicholas. an this |
zzanaisn against An expeFienckd ana /
zIa4narn Zoe. las 70 bis eradfz lael z1onn- /
sas e ten cities II les khan tHe m4nlha.