Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-05
RUSSIANS ARE FLEE,EG
ALONG RIGA COAST
tBy Associated Press. ]

tBy Associated Press1
From Riga to tho east of Uxkull the
Russians continue in full retreat before
the Germans those from the evacuated
port and arsenal making their way
northeastward along the coast of tho
CUR OF Riga. and those from Uxkull
and vicinity endeavoring to reach the
Riga ga-Pskof-PetroErad railway line.
Behind them the Russians left Riga
partly afame the result of German
shells hurled into the town before they
departed. while the smoldering ruins
of small villages mark the path over
which the other contingents have
passed, having been set on fire during
the retreat
GULF TOWNS sHELLED
BY GERMAS wARsHIPs
Along the eastern coast OF tho Gulf
or Riga for distance OF about eighty
miles north OF the evacuated town. Ger
man warshtps are shelling various
towns. possibly with the intention OF
covering landing Of troops, whose
object would be to cut Off the retreat
OF the Riga army or turn its flank
thereby entirely clearing the gulf shore
region. and giving Prince Leopold. of
Bavaria a base. possibly at Pernau.
whence to operate overland in conjunc-
tion with the naval forces toward Re-
val, Russia's principal city on the Gulf
of Finland. in an endeayor to seal up
the Russian beet inside the gulf.
While the Germans were knocking at
the gates OF Riga from the west and
southwest hurting shells of all calibers
and loosing gas waves against the town.
loyal Russian troops held them back
long enough to blow UP the fortiflca-
tions at the mouth of the Dvina and
raze the bridges over the waterway.
ITO the south. where the detection in
the ranks OF the Russians was ap
parently greatest. the Germans. accord
ing to the Berlin official communication.
took some thousands Of prisoners. and
also captured more than $50 guns and
large quantities Of war materials.
INFANTRY. FIGHTING
GIVES WAY TO ARTILLERY
In the Austro Italian theater the in
tensiye infantry lighting Of previous
days seemingly has given way for the
moment to reciprocal artillery ducls
, OF great violence. The cessation In the
fghting prob Sly is due to realign-
ment by the Italians of their battle
line after their rapid advance all along
the front from Tolmino to the sea.
Meanwhile. however, 1t Is reported
that a. cry OF distress has been sent
to tho Germans by the Austrians. AS
a result CT this appeal 1T Is said that
Field Marshal Won Hindenburs has sent
two Bavarian divisions to tho Isonzo
front. and that the Germans also are
Fastening guns for the protection of
the Hermada heights. the key to Tri-
este.
Although the infantry activity has
como to a pause. the Italians have
paid their respects to Pola Austria's
big naval base on the Adriatic. by air.
Nine tons of explosives have been
dropped on warships In the roadstead
and on military works causing great
damage.
ANOTHER BRITISH
ONSLAUGHT IMMINENT
Field Marshal Haig continues to
pound the German positions in Flan-
ders with rain of shells. and an
other big push against the German
lines seems imminent. Unofficial ad-
vices say that behind the German lines
In West Flanders from Courtrai to
Thpurout. the civilian population has
begun an evacuation, realizing the
nearness of another British onslaught
The Germans at several points along
the AIsne front and in the Verdun
sector have again made Intellectual at
tempts to pierce tho French line. Tho
artillery duels near Verdun continue
unabated.
Intensive air raiding has been car
ried out by British, French aud Ger
man aviators. For the third day In
succession the Germ ans have bombed
the southeastern English coast in
their last raid having penetrated the
London district. where explosives were
loosed.$ The Germans also have dropped
bombs In the region Of Calais and
punkiri In France. while British and
French atrmen have effectively bombed
,GerHnan positions, In Belgium and
France and German. border towns,