Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 October 1914 — 70,000 LOSS BY GERMANS RUSS CLAIM [ARTICLE]

70,000 LOSS BY GERMANS RUSS CLAIM

Teuton Rout Reported in East Prussia, But Berlin Announces a Victory. RETREAT IS GALLED A ROUT Czar's Forces Said to Be Advancing Toward Allenstein and Pushing Foes Back—Decisive Battle Is Near. Petrograd, Oct. G. —The Germans have been heavily defeated all along their line, which extended originally 84 miles into Russian territory. German invaders are fleeing in disorder through a terrible country, pursued by Russian cavalry and guns. It appears from reports received here that the German forces were practically annihilated, for in fighting they lost from 70 to 80 per cent. The roads are strewn with bodies along the German line of retreat. The reception of this news for the first time since the beginning of the war roused the Russians to the height of rejoicing. Some twelve to fourteen German army corps were dealt with in one week. For the second time since the war began Grand Duke Nicholas announces an achievement which he deigns to consider a victory. German Defeat Decisive. London, Oct. 6. —The defeat of the German army which invaded Russia from East Prussia appears from Russian accounts to have been even more decisive than previously stated. According to the Russian ambassador at Rome the Germans were completely routed with a loss of 70,000 men and have been forced to abandon everything. Germans Claim Victory. This statement conflicts with German claims. From Berlin this repont was received: “Near Augustowo the Third Siberian and parts of the Twenty-second Russian anny corps, composing the left wing of the Russian army, on crossing the Niemen river were defeated after a furious battle lasting two days. More than two thousand unwounded Russians were made prisoners, and a large quantity of guns and machine guns, were captured.” f - German Defeat Complete.

The statement given out by the Russian embassy in Rome follows: ‘‘The defeat of the Germans is complete. Their retreat is changing into ft rout that ie so disorderly and precipitate that they are forced to abandon everything. “Two Russian armies are proceeding, one from the west and another from the south, toward Allenstein (in East Prussia, 50 miles southeast of Elbing). “The German losses have not yet been officially ascertained, but it la estimated that they had 70,000 men disabled.’’ The Russians are now moving forward with the object of again Invadipg East Prussia. This victory, if it is as complete as reported, is of the greatest Importance to the Russians, as it will prevent the Germans from undertaking land and s'ea operations which would have compelled Russia to turn at least a part of its attention in this direction.

Drives Wedge in Army. General Rennenkainpff apparently drove a wedge between the two German forces which were advanced upon Druskeniki and Ossowetz and brought about the battle of Augustowo, which resulted in a Russian victory. If the Germans have not already retired from the left bank of theNlemen river at Druskeniki, their defeat at Augustowo must compel them to do so. I he moral effect of another invasion of East Prussia will also be of importance. No news has been received from the Silesian and Galician battlefields, and probably the main armies have not come together there. A big battle cannot bo delayed much longer, however, ae on the Silesian frontier both armies are moving forward and will meet in Russian Poland. It is reported that 20,000 Galician peasants have reached Bohemia, fleeing from the Russians. Vienna reports that four cases of Asiatic cholera have occurred among the troops returning from Galicia. Emperor Nicholas, commander-in-chlef of the Russian armies, has arrived at the headquarters of the active army. This information was given out from Russian general headquarters.

See those bargain day specials in shoes, underwear, sweaters, blankets, rugs and dress goods, Friday and Saturday.—VAN ARSDEL & CO.