The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1917-03-13
RESUME OF WAR FOR
THE LAST FEW DAYS
ONE DANISH STEAMER HAS
|. BEEN SUNK.
In Persia the Turks Are Receiy.
ing Hard Usage at Hands of
Russians.

AZ
telegraphed today the welcome news
for the British of the occupation
early Sunday of the city of Bagdad.
the chief Turkish city in Mesopota-
mia and formerly the capital of the
empire OF the caliphs.
No details of the capture have vet
been received, Gen. Maude's story OF
the operations carrying events only
up to Saturday morning when the
British had driven the Turks back
to within three miles of Bagdad II
is evident, however, that the Turks
have been unable to offer any serious
resistance since the fall of Kut-el-
Amara
The Turks were said to be hur-
riedly summoning reinforcements
but the distances to be covered were
so great that additional forces were
unable to arrive in time to save the
ancient city which, after Mecca, oc-
cupied first place in the Mohamme-
dan mind.
The fall of Bagdad, besides ending
German hopes OF Near Eastern do
minion, based on Berlin Bagdad
railway, it is believed. will more than
rehabilitate British prestige in the
Far East, damaged by the earlier
loss of Kut-el-Amara.
Perhaps no more welcome news
could come at time when the Brit
lish public for the first time. owing TO
the submarine war, is beginning to
feel the effects OF the war in \
greatly reduced food supply besides
being thrown into depression by the
revelations of the Dardanelles re-
port. Later news must be awaited
before it is known whether Gen.
Maude made important captures OF
turkish troops or guns
Apparently the occupation was ef-
focted without resistance and with
only slight losses. Even if the Turks
succeeded in extricating all thei,
forces, the loss of Bagdad is a grave
blow to them. as the city has been
the base of all Turkish operations in
Persia. Up to within a few days
ago, the Turks occupied about 30
900 square miles of Persian terri
tory, but with the Russians PRESSING
them closely from Kirmnashah. as
we'll as from the direction of Ere.
rum, indications point to speedy
junction of the British and Russian
forces which would soon compel the
Turkish evacuation of Persia.
No Details Given.
The statement was issued on re-
ceipt of telegram from Cen. Maud,
saying the British forces had occu-
pied Baedad early Sunday morning.
No details OF the capture OF the city
were contained.
During today the following oFfcfa,
report was received, carrvine opera-
tions up to Saturday morning when
the Turks had been forced back 70
within three miles We t am sov.h
west of the city.
"Our forces engaged with the
Turks on the Diala line the nicht Of
the Sth succeeded. de-, tie tie r~ioht
moonlight, in etfeCting a surprise
crossing of the Diala md establish
ing strong post, on the right bank
thereof. Meanwhile on the morn
ing Of The Sth the Tigris having been
bridged at some distance down
stream. British detachment march
ed up the right bank and found the
enemy holding a position about six
miles southwest of Bagdad.
THE enemy was driven from this
position to another position two miles
in the rear. During the night of the
9Th passage of the Diala was fore
ed and our troops advanced some
four miles towards Bagdad.
"Durire The OH our forces on tho
right bank CTigris) drove the enemy
from his second position, bivouac-
ing on the ground gained. This ad
vantage, Notwithstanding a binding
dust storm and a violent gale was
pressed on the morning of the 10Th
the Turks being forced back to with
In three miles west and southwest
of Bagdad."
Bagdad's capture marks the eli
max to one OF the most dramatic and
picturesque phases of the world