Nearer Warsaw

Great attack developing

Valiant Russian stand

WARSAW is still intact; the Lublin Chelm railway has not yet fallen into the hands on the enemy. The Germans so far claim no marked victory. The Russians retire but with out serious loss and in excellent order.

These are the main focus of the situation as they present themselves this morning, and, together, they make for more hopeful views than have of late prevailed.

The great double movement on the Polish capital and it lines of communications continues, however, to develop at a pretty rapid rate. The main enemy armies and the subsidiary forces engaged at other points are making progress inward all the time.

As we have seen, Krasnostow on the south, has fallen to Mackenson; on the west Von Woyrsch now across the Ilianka is almost within striking distance of Ivangorod; and before this menace to their flank the Russians corps to the north are voluntarily retiring on the Pilisa, Rawka, and Bzura; on the north proper, the Russian forces have everywhere fallen back, after severe rear guard fighting to the Narew lines; in the far north Von Falkenhausen with severn corps and large cavalry forces is astride with Widau Riga railway and threatens Riga; again on the south, Kirebbach has crossed the Bug, on Mackenson’s right, at or near Sokal, and apparently threatens to break the connection between the Warsaw armies and the group under Ivanhoff which still clings to the Bug and Zlota Lipa.

Possibly the movements of Falkenhausen in the Battle of Provinces and Kirchbach on the Bug are mere demonstrations but the German plan, as a whole wear a stupendously formidable appearance and there is some excuse for those regard as inevitable the successful culmination of the enemy effort.

Certain hopeful factors in the situation have already been mentioned and it should help to renew our faith in the Grand Duke’s skill when it is pointed out, as a proof of the orderly way in which his withdrawals have been conducted that the German lay no claim to the capture of much material.

The importance of this fact will be readily perceived; for it plainly shows us that the Russians are a long way from being defeated; while another good sign is the continued passage of time.

The fighting on this front is vastly different from the siege warfare in the west, and the longer German victory is delayed the less likely it is of achievement. Every day increases the chances of a successful Russian defence, for the utmost efforts are being made to replenish our Ally’s store of ammunition.

Even now whatever may be the fate of Warsaw, it is safe to say that the worst disaster will be averted. Warsaw is valuable, but the Russian field armies are not likely to hold any position longer than is commensurate with safety and if Warsaw has to be given up the Russian forces, gubs and equipment will be got away before it is to late.

It will be bad business, of course, for it will mean that a Russian offensive is not again likely for a long time to come.