The special correspondent of the Times with the Russian Army
sent to last Saturday's paper a striking account of the appearance of the Austrian officers and men in the captured fortress of PrzemysL There was a startling contrast between the officers, who were in spotless uniforms, well fed, and care- less in manner, and the men, who were wan, lean, and haggard from starvation. The officers are said to have lived the life of Vienna in the best hotels and restaurants, while in the ordinary market cats were being sold at eight shillings and fair-sized dogs for a sovereign. Just before the fortress was surrendered the officers killed hundreds of thoroughbred horses which they had kept for their own use, and Russians were shocked to come upon half-crazed Austrian and Hungarian soldiers tearing up the carcases and devouring the raw flesh. Nothing could possibly be more shameful than these facts if the correspondent has not been mis- informed. Yet they are good news for the Allies. Officers who do not share the hardships of their men and who submit to unconditional surrender with indifference are the leaders of a beaten army.
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