RUSSIA'S TASK.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1916, Page 5

RUSSIA'S TASK.

THE CAUCASUS CAMPAIGN. A CAPABLE GENERAL. London, Feb. 21., Erzerum is practically defenceless frem the west, and if the Russians intend to bold it, in the event of Eaver Pas'ha advancing, they must construct earthworks far into the western hills. General Yudenitch is a man of tremendous force of character. He was made a general at 43 for brilliant work In the Japanese campaign. He led the Dt'h Turkish Army into a trip a year ago by the following ruse. He sent 13 men belonging to a disaffected mountain tribe to the Turkish camp. They profiled to sell information of the Russian dispositions. The commanders of the 9th Turkish Army believed the story and found themselves surrounded and helpless, RUSSIAN PURSUIT CONTINUES. Petrograd, Feb. 21. A communique says: We are continuing the pursuit in the Caucasus and have taken A further 2300 Turkish prisoners, •ix guns, and much munitions and material. HARASSING THE TURKS. London, Feb. 21. Mr. Hamilton Fyffe, the correspondent, states that the capture of Mush is important in connection with our successes in the Black Sea region, where we are pressing the enemy upon Trebizond on both flanks. The situation is well in hand. The Turks lately used Mush as a store depot and fir training reserves. The series of blows we are inflicting on tfoe Turks was planned with rare skill and foresight, and will justify the development of a crushing victory. TAKEN by surprise. .. TURKISH RELIEF CORPS y Seecived Feb. 22, 5.5 p.m. Petrograd, Feb. 21. Two Turkish army corps that were advancing to relieve Erzerum retired, attanisbed at hearing tfhe fortress had fallen. IN A BAD WAY. TURKS CUT OFF. Received Feb. 22, 5.5 p.®. Paris, Feb. 21. SI. XaudHii, reporting to Le Petit Pariaienne from Petrograd, says that the capture of Mush and Aklilat cuts off the Third Turkish Army, n'hich attempted to retreat towards Mossow, where the Twelfth Army is stationed. The Third Army became disordered and fell back. The dislocated sections are without food and are certain to lose the greater part oi their artillery and effectives. In other words, Armenia is now in the hands of the Russians, and the lack of communication will prevent the Turks from resliming tl)e offensive, even if the concentration of their forces were possible.

ARMENIA FREED,

THE TURKS' DEBACLK. Received Feb. 22, 10.45 p.m. Petrograd, Feb. 22 latest messages show that Arm»o : a is practically in Prussian hands. Grand Duke Nicholas' forces in the north have cut off Turkish supplies from Trelizona. Bastan Pasha's army corps, which was formerly the Ottoman left wing, is now fa extreme danger of being without supplier and are far from their base, the Ru*ii*na beip across their Ike of re-