New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-16
Alarm in Capital Increases
as Russians Fall
Back
Heavy Naval Battle
In Moonsund Strait
Both Sides Claim Advan-
tage-Arensburg Garri-
son Cut Of

LONDON, Oct. Is. German military
forces have occupied Arensberg. the
capital Of the Island Of Oesel, at the
head of the Gulf Of Riga. which they
invaded last Friday. and have yirtu-
ally swept the island clear Of the Rus
sian defenders. Tho big feet which
landed the enemy has slenced all the
Russian batteries. The garrison ap-
parently has escaped 10 Moon Island
over the mole connecting it with Oesel
and Is now cut off.
Heavy fighting has taken place be-
tween the German and Russian naval
units, in which both sides claim sue
cess. The Russian Naval Ohce state
ment to-day. which admits the loss OF
Arensberg. says attempts Of the Ger
man warships TO force their way be-
tween the islands of Oese and Dago,
the strip of water known as Moonsund
Straits, were completely defeated,
while Berlin declares that after "re-
peated engagements" the Russian
naval units were compelled 20 retire.
Big Sea Fight Expected
Military observers in Petrogrsd pre-
dict heavy naval actions in the Gulf
Of Riga, followed b. German in
vasion of the coast o. Esthonia for the
purpose of striking at the flank 80
the Russian army north Of Riga. The
Gulf Of Finland, protected by great
mine fields and the main Russian feet,
is believed safe from invasion. al
though German submarines have
worked their way well into tho Baltic
Sea in an attempt to strike at the Rus
SLAMS, according TO the latest reports
from the capital.
The Baltic feet has unofticially
pledged itself TO resist the enemy's
efforts. Following an appeal to the
sailors by the central committee of
the feet, the meetings at Helsingfors
president of the sailors organization
corresponding 70 the Council of Work
mems and Soldiers Delegates an
nounced that the feet was ready 10
carry out all orders of the govern
ment.
Alarm in Petrograd
Signs of great alarm arc manifest
in Petrograd, however. The exodus OF
civilians has increased. the ticket Of
fees having been besieged since Sat
urday. Large premiums are being Of
fered for tickets. The situation is
aggravated by rumors that passenger
traffic will be stopped in view OF the
expected evacuation OF government in
stitutions, although it is stated n gov
ernment circles that no extensive
evacuation is looked for and that tho
capital is in no immediate danger.
The newspapers generally take a pes
simistic view of the crisis, made more
grave by the unsatisfactory state Of in
ternal affairs at the present time. Eve
are being led toward our Calvary" says
the "Russksva VOLTA" adding, but per
haps We shall find our resurrection. -
The Socialist press takes the Maxmal-
lists to task for the crisis. declaring
that the Maximilist aspirations recently
displayed in the feet undoubtedly con.
tributed to the German success.
Gives Germans New Base
Possession of the Gulf Of Riga by the
Germans is regarded by military writ.
ers as the most serious menace both 70
the Russian army and the navy, as i,
will secure the enemy's communication
with Riga by sea and furnish strategic
base from which submarines and de
stroyers may operate against the Rus.
SLAMS. However. if the enemy should
establish himself on the coast Of Is
thonis, he would still be nearly thre,
hundred miles from the capital, il i.
pointed out, and the roads are almosr
impossible. 1t is not believed a landing
in Finland will be attempted. owing to
the scarcity of supplies there, and {,
the fact that provisioning would be ren
dered difficult. with winter approaching
by the freezing of the sea.
The statement pledging the supper
OF the Baltic fleet. made by Vice P-esi
dent lvanoe, Of the Presidium Centre
fot, the sailors organization. is quoted
N Petrograd dispatches as follows
Report that the feet is not ready {,
meet the enemy are untrue.
Says Detection Is Exaggerated
/ The fleet Is fun o. nghting ardo
/ and Is ready TO repel the enemy. Stories
of evil influence exerted by The sailors
/ committees are greatly exaggerated
+ The near future Will snow how honor
/ ably the heet will fulfil its duty 10 tn,
4 country"
OF all the Petrograd newspaper,
! only the "lzvestla." organ OF the Cour
/ ell Of Workmen's and Soldiers' Dele
! gates. looks on the German invasion q
blessing m certain respects Thi
paper declares news OF the German
/ linding on Oesel has come az tim,
when Russia. learning Of the trouble
IL the German navy, WAS beginning Z,
entertain dangerous and unfounde,
I Illusions regarding the imaginary dis
/ organization OF the enemy. The pape
/ believes the movement % the ener,,
may act as a tonic 20 the people an,
! the government