n troops left
Lemberg, without firing a shot. There was no struggle here, thanks to
our efforts. We believe your excellency has been informed that your
troops found here cooperation and a cordial reception.

"In proffering the government of this capital, allow me to express my
gratitude to the former military governor, who lessened our hardships."

In his reply, Bobrinsky outlined the principles of his policy:

"I consider Lemberg and East Galicia the real origin of Great Russia,"
he said, "since the original population was Russian. The reorganization
will be based on Russian ideals. We will immediately introduce the
Russian language and Russian customs. These steps will be taken with the
necessary care.

"We shall at first limit this to the appointment of Russian governors
and other officials. Many of the present officials will not be replaced.
We shall forbid the convocation of your Legislature during the war. All
social and political organizations must be discontinued, and may resume
their activities only by permission. These precepts obtain only in East
Galicia; West Galicia will be treated differently."

The Russians considered Lemberg to be of great strategical importance.
Railroad lines radiated from it in all directions giving its captors
direct communication with Kiev and Odessa, with their fortified
positions at Dubno and Rovno and thence to Petrograd, with
Brest-Litovsk and Warsaw--save only for the inconvenience of changing
the gauge at the frontier. Soon after crossing the frontier, the
Russians had changed the gauge of many of their engines and cars to fit
the Austrian gauge. They found at Lemberg thirty locomotives and a large
number of railway cars left there by the Austrians.

When on September 3, 1914, the Russians entered Lemberg, the official
Russian announcement of its taking was as follows:

"Seven days of the most stubborn fighting in Eastern Galicia have
resulted in a complete victory for the Russians. Five Austrian Corps
were completely routed, and in retreating in disorder westward,
abandoned their arms and baggage.

"Besides an enormous number of killed, the Austrians lost not less than
40,000 prisoners, including many generals. The roads of retreat of the
Austrians are so encumbered with carts, guns, and impedimenta that the
pursuing troops are unable to use the roads. Panic is spreading among
the Austrian troops. During the seven days the Russians have taken over
200 guns, several c