The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1917-09-06
RUSSIAN TROOPS
i EVACUATE RIGA;
! CAPITAL PER|LED
Baltic Port Abandoned Without
i lg + Fight. I20 3
FOE TO MARCH ON PETRoGRAD
War Office Announces That Sea Gate
to City is Now Opened to Germans
Seat Of Government VIII Be
Moved to Moscow.

Seat Of Government viii Be
Moved to Moscow.
London, Sept. 4.-Riga, Russia's
principal Baltic port, dhas been aban-
doned to the Germans under the threat
of an offensive by land and sea In
which the deciding stroke on the land
side was delivered by the Germans last
Saturday. W
The fate of Riga was virtually sealed
when German troops, powerfully ini-
tiating their offensive, forced "a cross
ing of the Dvina southeast of the city
and began to push forward after max
ing good their foothold on tile right
bank of the stream. - " ....
Menaced also by the attack of the
column of Teutonic forces moving from
Mitau, southwest of Riga, and by the
German naval forces recently reported
lowering in the vicinity of the Gulf
of Riga, the Russian military authori-
ties evidently considered the city no
longer tenable and decided to avacu-
ate 1t.
Strategic Results Uncertain.
The possible ultimate military con-
sequences of this development are diff
f1cult to estimate. The right flank of
the entire Russian western front was
anchored on the Gulf of Riga at a
point west of the city and with this
anchorage apparently lost the posi-
bic strategic developments of the situ,
alton seem infinite.
Much depends on the purpose Of the
Germans and the size of the forces at
their disposal for operations in this
war theater. 1t is too early yet for Ii
to be made apparent whether they Will
be content at present with occupation
of the Baltic seaport the Russians have
left to them, or If the advantage Is to
be pushed and an attempt made to
swing back the entire Russian line on
this front, creating an opening for an
operation by land and water, with Pet
rograd as the objective.
Riga is 300 miles from Petrograd as
the crow flies and 800 miles by rail.
The instability Of the Russian troops
it is indicated by the official state
ment, had an important influence upon
the decision to order the evacuation
of the Riga district so quickly after
the winning by the Germans of their
first success. AS had been the case
In Galicia and Roumania, some of the
Russian units left their trenches with,
out making fight.
Told by Russian War Office.
Petrograd, Sept. 4.-The war Of
flee reports the abandonment of Riga
by the army under orders for a re,
treat. Some Russian detachments, II
Is stated, voluntarily left their posi-
lions and are retiring toward the north
Berlin Tells of Russian Retreat.
Berlin, Sept. 4.-The official report
from the eastern front says that the
German troops are making progress
In accordance with the plan mapped
out.
Think Petrograd May Fall.
Washington, Sept. abandonment
of Riga In the face of the new Ger
man drive into Russia and even the
evacuation of Petrograd itself have
been forecast as possibilities In conf
Dental advices to the American gov
eminent In the last two weeks. Such
a development is not regarded with
so much alarm as might be supposed.
oh q
occupation of Petrograd in prospect
the seat of the Russian provisional
government undoubtedly will be moved
to Moscow. Much as they may regret
seeing the Russian capital occupied
by German army, the forceful, think
Ing men of Russia, working to set NJ
government, may regard 1t as O
Blessing In disguise.
There are many advantages In NOV
ing the Russian capital to Moscow. II
is the center of the conservative group
and commands the sentimental-al
most religious-regard of the Russian
populace as the ancient capital of the
old empire, surrounded with tradi
lions of Russia's greatness, the tri
umphs of Alexander, Catherine and
Peter the Great.
King Winter Aids Russians.
At any rate German army placed
In Riga and Petrograd now would soor
have its rear cut off by ice, for all
water communication will be cut of
Those who are not disposed to regard
the extension of the German line
farther into Russia as being Of any
military gain to Germany, recalling
the old adage that King Winter was
too much for Napoleon, point out that
Germany only takes1on her already
burdened establishment the task OF
caring for an army frozen in far from
its base. The chief object would seem
to be the effect on the political situa.
ton In Russia.
..