Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-01-03
Long and Stubborn Retreat of
Russians Believed to Be =.
Nearing End. =
FAILURE MIGHT IMPERIL /.
ENTIRE EASTERN 'FRONT.'
Experts Think von Mackensen PlsnS
to Make Determined Effort to !:
Break Through Line. :

By the Associated Press =
LONDON, January 3.-The
Russian and German commit
niques issued today in reference
to the fighting in Rumania are in
terpreted here as showing that the
long and stubborn retreat of the
Russians to the Sereth line is vir-
tually ended. Fokshany and Fun
deni, positions mentioned in the
Berlin report, are two of the main
points on the fifty miles of forti6-
cations behind which the Rus
SLAMS are expected to make 4
stand.
Great Battle Pending.
1t is assumed the unnamed prepared
positions mentioned in the Russian
communique are those along the Sersth,
and 1t is believed that a big battle
which must have important conse-
quences IL pending. The flank attack
on the Moldavian frontier continues
obstinately, but there IL nothing 70
eludicate the confusing reports a. 70
the results contained in the respective
communiques.
The Russian and Rumanian forces
still hold Braila, maintaining thsir
grip on the bridgehead which defends
corresponding bridgehead at Matchip.
in Dobrudja, has. however. been further
reduced by successful German attacl9B-
Towns Taken by Teutons.
BERLIN. January 8. by wireless to
Sayville.-On the Moldavian front yes
terday strong attacks were made by
Russo-Rumanian forces Todays Of
fetal announcement says these assaults
failed with heavy losses to the attana.
pesci, - wen as several hill Positions
were captured by the Teutonic forces
In the interior Of Rumania the Rus
SLAMS and Rumanians have been driven
back west and south of Fokschani amd
the invaders are now in front of the
fortified Russian position. In Dobrud-
ia the Russians are resisting vigorous
ly. but have been driven back farther.
Rumanians Regain Ground.
PETRoGRAD. January 8. via London
British admiralty per Wireless Pressl.
THE Russian and Rumanian forces
have retired at some points in the Mol
davian west frontier. and in DobrudJa
they have withdrawn to new positions
the war office announces
In the Kasino river sector. close to
the Hungarian frontier, however, the
Rumanians have regafned the lost
ground and are holding 1t against con-
tinued strong attacks.
At Line Of the Sereth.
Reports from both sides in the strugyss
in Rumania indicate that the Russians
have now virtually reached the linz Of
the Sereth, to which they have been fall.
ing back while fighting strong rear-gaasd
actions.
Berlin today announces that troops q
the ninth army, under Field Marshal vun
Mackensen, are now before Fokschani.
which is on the fortified line which H.
Russians have been preparing and wlaich
follows in a general way the course e
the Sereth. Ending at the Danube b.
tween Brafla and Galata, this linz en-
tends northwestward through Moldavia.
in the direction of the western Moldav1an
It is here, according to present fndica.
tions that the Russians count upon
bringing Field Marshal Won MackenDen'o
advance to a halt Failing in this pur.
pose 1t has been pointed out, they would
expose their front from Galicia south-
ward to a possible crumpling-up proce0
a turning movement and impera
their Bessarabian territory to invAsl0ng
north of the Danube. across the linz %
the Pruth.
Bent on Breaking Ltne.
Apparently the Teutonic effort -
break this line is to be q strong one
as today's Berlin statement records
smashing attacks upon the Russiaa
ines at several points. in which prison-
.rs were taken and ground gained.
Meanwhile the drive at the right Aaak
If the Russians in this region sapn1
he western -Moldavian frontier n coda
inuing unabated and further progFsp0
n the transverse valleys. notably. b
he Suchitza and Putma regions. 10 ana
lounced.
on the Danube end of the line tha
,ecurity of Braila has been further imp
,eriled,. according to the Berlin ros
,ort by a new, advance OF the Teutonto
orces on the Dobrudja side OF tho
liver where the Russians have been
Lriven back farther into the northwest.
,rn corner of the province oppostto
3raila.