RUSSIANS FACING HEAVY ODDS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2467, 21 May 1915, Page 5

RUSSIANS FACING HEAVY ODDS

GENERAL BATTLE IN' GALICIA FOG ON THE WESTERN FRONT REPORTED RETIREMENT OF THE ENEMY - ; "" r 1 TIE BRITISH. CABINET . COALITION GOVERNMENT FORECAST OF NEW MINISTERS Beyond a statement from 'Amsterdam to the effect that the Germans are slowly retiring along their whole line in the West, and the "Times" correspondent's survey of a week of seven battles, there is little ol importance to record in the Flanders-North France theatre. There is a heavy fog on the battlefront, and all is quiet. The deliberate destruction by the .Germans of their own corn crops in the Aisne and Artois regions is significant. In the East great events are in progress. A' report from Petrograd—not official—states that a general battle has begun in Galicia, and that the Russian resources, so great is the numerical strength of the Austro-German offensive in this region at present, will be taxed to the utmost. An Austrian communique asserts that the passage of the San River has been forced, with heavy losses to the Russians. Good progress is reported from the Dardanelles, and from Athens comes a newspaper statement that the Allies have captured the great Narrows fortress of Kilid Bahr, on the European side of the Straits—most important, if true. News from Italy discloses no nearer approach to an open rupture with the Dual Alliance; Austria has made fresh overtures, and the Italian Cabinet is burning the midnight oil. It is stated that the Italian declaration will be the signal for an immediate and powerful offensive stroke by the Austro-German forces. The British Prime Minister has announced the formation of a Coalition Ministry, for the duration of the war, and Parliament has adjourned till June 3, when the new Ministry will no doubt meet the House. Meanwhile the newspapers are busy with forecasts—that of the "Daily Chronicle," a Liberal journal of accepted authority, is worth ■ studying. There has' been a great patriotic m eating in the Guildhall, and Mr. Asquith has publioly recorded tho gratitude of the Mother Country for the magnificent gifts and praotical help of her daughter States. A message from the New Zealand Prime Minister to the meeting was received with great enthusiasm and cheering.