Evening star., 1917-09-09
Army Which Was Driven Out
of Riga Again Forming
Into Battle Line.
RETREAT NOT A R0UT,
EMBASSY REPORTS SAY
Belief Grows That Approach of VIM
ter Will Deter Germans From
Continuing Advance.

Russia's probable new line in Livonia,
following the retreat from the Riga re-
gion under Won Hindenburg's pressure,
is now beginning to define itself. The
retrograde movement, which has been
showing signs of slackening for the past
day or two, now appears to have been
definitely halted in some sectors, at
least, where the Russians are digging in
and evidently Preparing to make q
stand if attacked.
Berlin's reports reveal this state Of
affairs more clearly than Petrograd's.
Judging from the German statements,
the Russian line now extends from west
of kokenhusen, on the Dvina, about
twelve miles east of Friedrichstadt and
approximately fifty-fve miles southeast
of Riga, northwest through the town
of Bending, twelve miles west of Ven
den, and on the coast of the Gulf Of
Riga. Thus the front northwest of
Dvinsk, instead of curving sharply to
the west just beyond Jacobstadt, as it
did to take in the Riga district, now
leaves the Dvina there and continues
on in almost straight line to the coast.
Further Invasion Unlikely.
On both the German and Russian
sides the opinion seems to prevail that
the new German invasion will not pro-
ceed much farther this fall. The ap-
proach of the wet and cold seasons
initiates against a real push toward
Petrograd at present, it is held, even
if Won Hindenburg had the men to
spare for the difficult task.
Retirement of the Russian troops
from the neighborhood of Riga, dis
patches to the Russian embassy say.
was accomplished in good order. Tho :
line. of retreat past Lakes Kisch and
Gegal was narrow, but by maintaining
a vigorous rear guard action the main
body got away in safety. and the Ger
man advance was retarded. 1t is re.
ported that only two regiments did not
make the most desperate resistance.
Form Line of Battle.
The German advance, the dispatches
say, was in three directions; one along
the coast with the object of cutting on
Russian communications with Pernow.
the second column moving toward
Pskow and the third in the general d.
rection of Dvinsk. The Russian armies
have again formed a line of battle in
the hills of Svelt to Venden.
In Petrograd special high commis-
sion has been established to adminis-
ter civil affairs and only the garrison
and the troops quartered IN the city
are subject to Gen. Korniloff.
Rejoices Germany, Kaiser Says.
BERLIN. via London September s.
In thanking the eighth German army
for the capture of Riga, Emperor Will
liam in an address to the victorious
troops at Riga Thursday declared that
such victories as that at Riga increase
the prospects that the end Of the war
will come soon. The emperor. accord
ing to an official statement, spoke az
follows:
Riga is free. When this news ran
through all the districts Of Germany q
storm of jubilation and enthusiasm
arose everywhere in the fatherland
and in the foremost trenches in the
enemy country.
This town, founded by the spirit OF
the old German Hanseatic League. with
a German history, and which always
has endeavored to maintain its German
origin, has gone through heavy times.
By the German army. in which Is in
all the German tribes, this
preston.
The operation, which by the COM
mand of the supreme army commander
and under the direction of Price Leo
pold of Bavaria. was begun and under.
taken with confidence in the efficiency
of the troops, which in over three years
of war so brilliantly have stood the
test, has been carried through by all
arms more quickly and more energeti-
cally than was expected. and was a
surprise to the enemy. A crushing blow
hit him, so he lost his brideghead.
Proves Will to Victory.
.The liberation of Riga is the deed
of the eighth army and its well tried
1t again has proved that
our steeI-hard will to victory will de-
fend US no matter how long the war
lasts but such blows as the battle OF
Riga increase the prospects that the
end will come soon. They add to the
glory of our arms and give fresh
laurels to the troops participating.
Therefore. l express to you my
thanks for the brilliant feat of armA
the fatherland's thanks and the en-
stand behind you watching your deeds.
but who also create and labor with
their hands and till the fields to give
US our daily bread. The present har-
vest, now well brought in, will feed
is.
ALSO in this respect the Lord OF
creation has granted our prayers, and
oy His daily bread protected this army
Ind your people at home against dis
.ress Therefore, happen what may,
and no matter how long it may last, on
hen upon the enemy with joyful
hearts and iron will to victory over all
he enemies Of Germany"