Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1914 — RUSSIANS RETREAT ALONG VAST FRONT; BERLIN CELEBRATES [ARTICLE]

RUSSIANS RETREAT ALONG VAST FRONT; BERLIN CELEBRATES

Entire Line in Galicia and Poland Falls Back. BATTLE ON NEAR WARSAW German Wedge Reaches Sochaczew, Which Now is Scene of Desperate Fighting—Kaiser’s Men Meet Fierce Resistance. Berlin,' via London, Dec. 18.—The people of Berlin were aroused to enthusiasm during the day by the announcement of a great Austro-German victory over the Russians In Poland. An official bulletin to this effect was issued shortly after noon. Within half an hour extra editions of the papers appeared and the whole city literally flashed into bunting. At the reichstag, where a Red Cross meeting was in session, word was received from the palace that the greatest victory of the war had been won. The schools will close today so that the children may assemble to celebrate the event. It Is known now that thousands of Russians have been taken prisoners. The Lokal Anzeiger, commenting on the newß of a German victory in Poland, says: “Never since this old earth has had a history has euch a gigantic battld been fought. Seldom in centuries has there been an event of such decisive Importance. The battle of Poland will be classed in history among the victories of the first rank. It will be mentioned in the same breath with the battle of Salamis and Leipzig. “We have to thank Von Hlndenburg and the desperate courage of his troops who fought under the glorious banners of Germany and Austria." Russians Are In Retreat. Vienna, Dec. 18, via London. —An official announcement says the Russians are retreating along the entire front in Galicia and Poland. Another official communication issued says: * “The latest news permits of no further doubt resistance of the, Russian main force has been shattered. After the defeat of the southern wing in the battle of Limanovo, which lasted several days, our allies also gained a victory near Lodz. “The Russians are now completely routed on the River Bzura. Begin General Retreat. 4 “Threatened by our advance across the Carpathians from the south, the enemy began a general retreat which they are trying to by stubborn fighting in the regions before the Carpathians.

“Our troops are attacking on the line of Orodno-ZakliczyU. "Along the other parts of the front the pursuit has begun.” Great Battle at Sochaczew. Warsaw, via London, Dec. 18.—A great battle is in progress at Sochaczew, 30 miles west of Warsaw. The German wedge, which is proceeding in a southeasterly direction from Ilow, has managed, after heavy fighting in which serious losses are reported to have been inflicted, (o establish itself a quarter of a mile west of Sochaczew. The Polish campaign now centers at that point. The German column was met at Sochaczew by fierce resistance on the part of the Russians. Re-enforcements are being poured in rapidly on both sides. Progress in Poland. Merlin, Dec. 18, by wireless. —An official statement says: “The events In the East continue to absorb chief attention. A report received from North Poland refers to the operations as normal. Similar reports preceded the taking of Lodz and the last report can only mean that favorable progress is being made. “The Austrians report that the Russians are retiring at nearly all points in South Poland and West Galicia. Another official 1 statement says: “The Austrian general stafT reports that 31,000 Russians have been taken prisoners in West Galicia.” The London Times correspondent adds that it appears that 170,000 Aus-tro-Germans have already crossed the Dukla and neighboring passes in the Carpathian mountains.