RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1915, Page 5

RUSSIA.

A SOUND SITUATION EAGER FOR THE FRAY. READY FOR BIG OFFENSIVE. London, Oct. S|. Mr. Stanley Washburn, at the Russian headquarters, says that after ten days seeing and talking with the highest commander:) he feels increasing confidence and optimism. The Russians are intent upon their capacity to conduct the war to a bitter end, and the situation is sound. The armies of General Ivanoff have proved that they have completely recuperated from the summer campaign. They have the capacity to hold the positions and to strike viciously when occasion presents itself. General Ivanoff has shown that lie can fight on the aggressive hs well as on the defensive. Ho holds admirable positions, justifying the opinion of headquarters that Kieff, which is the only southern objective warranting enemy sacrifices, is praeti- ' tally beyond danger. The crisis at Dviiuk and at other points on the Dvvina is subsiding. The enemy attacks arc weaker and the artillery more nearly on an equality. The Czar gives., most of his time to military affairs and leads a life of the greatest simplicity He receives ovations in every town. The recent vietorii-s are the best pr.oof that the Austro-Gcnnans have failed to destroy or disorganise our forces. The crisis is past, and wo have favorably issued safely from a difficult position in the advanced Vistula theatre. We stand based in the centre of an empire which is unexhausted. There is still much fierce fighting ahead, and possibly i movements rearwards, certainly ad-vai'.-es. The armies arc eager for (he offensive.

ON THE STYR. PRIVATIONS OP THE GERMANS,' Received Oct. 27; 11.13 p.m. Petrograd, 0.-t. 2?.' German prisoners state that their com. ; rades at the Styr are suffering severely from lack of warm clothing. Flooded trenches caused disorder in the rank*, winch resulted in the shooting of fitteen men. The German units at Chartorysk are ■ greatly thinned owing to the transfer of men to Serbia and the Western front. A snowfall took place lasting three days, ' The roads are frozen and do not afford foothold for horses.