GERMAN DISASTERS IN POLAND

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2321, 1 December 1914, Page 5

GERMAN DISASTERS IN POLAND

ENORMOUS LOSSES, 'STUBBORN BATTLE. STILL RAGING AUSTRIANS DEFEATED NEAR' CRACOW BRITISH PLUffi I DESPERATE - .". ;■ CRISIS A THRILLING STORY HOW HAIG'S DIVISIONS SAVED ' v . THE LINE'

Tho progress of Russias' , victorious armies in the Eastern theatre of the war continues to bo the most absorbing news of the day. The .German Centre" army, beaten at Lcdz, is stubbornly defending a fortified line, which desoribes a rough one a few miles to the west, while • the 'aTiny on their northern flank is being vigorously 1 assailed by the Russians.. The latest news discloses a situation of extreme peril for the Gentians.- Reverses to the .Germans, in East Prussia are also reported; In the south, the Russians have defeated the Austrians near: Cracow, and are now pursuing the fugitive remnants towards the' Carpathians. ; The (Polish element .in Cracow itself, alarmed at the prospect of the destruction which will take place when • the Russian guns get within range for the serious bombardment of the city, is insisting on surrender. In the 'Austrian Crown land qf Bukowdna, the ' ' capital, Czernowitzj' has been abandoned by the defenders, and the ,• Russians; after a fierce bombardment, have occupied the city. There is very little news from the Franco-Belgian theatre, where an artillery 'duel is proceeding along the Allied-line, ■ to. the advantage of the Franco-British'gunners. There is reported a heavy concentration of the enemy in the vicinity of Arras, the indications, pointing to an at- . tempt to break the' Allies' line at that point. One of the most "arresting features of to-day's news is the simply expressed but inspiriting, narrative 'by the British Field • Marshal, Sir John French, of the operations of' our troops ; at Ypres and Armentieies, in which the desperate events - which followed. the transference of the British line the. Aisne front to Flanders are clearly set out. The story of General Sir Douglas Haig's splendid , stand,at Gheluvet tells how the traditional pluck, dash,- and tenacity of the British , soldier, saved a most desperate situation, and converted an imminent disaster into' a glorious viotory. ! The pursuit and capture - of the scattered rebel commiuidos in.South Africa continues, and fur- ' ther successes by the loyalist troops are reported. The activity of the : German system of espionage; has raised a question in the British Ptfrw liament, and elicited a statement by the Home Secretary which, shows that the authorities are making energetic efforts to' cripple the enemy's saorst army. '■ ; ; ' '". ;