Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 October 1919 — FLEET REACHES RIGA [ARTICLE]

FLEET REACHES RIGA

TWENTY ALLIED WARSHIPS ARRIVE AT THE PORT. Lithuania in State of Siege as .the Letts Fight Way Over Duna River. Copenhagen, Oct. 17.—A BritishFrench squadron of more than 20 warships has arrived at Riga, according to a Lettish private import received here. Lettish forces have fought their way across the Duna river at Riga and opj erations there are now developing favorably, according to a dispatch received from Libau by the Lettish press bureau here. A state of siege has been declared throughout Lithuania and the mobilization of three classes of soldiers has been ordered it is announced in a telegram received here from Kovno. Russian troops under command of Colonel Vlerkolltch have been concentrated in Lithuania, and with the help of Germans have occupied telegraph and telephone stations and converted schools into barracks. The Lithuanian flag has everywhere been replaced by the Russian colorsColonel Vierkolltch has issued a proclamation saying that if the Lithuanians voluntarily unite with old Russia self-government will be given Lithuania under Russian sovereignty. The proclamation declares that on the other hand, if the Lithuanians resist the Russians they will be “regarded as traitors.”