Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 16, Number 169, Decatur, Adams County, 19 July 1918 — Page 1

W. DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT »

Volume XVI. Number I(>9.

THE RAINBOW DIVISION LEADING DRIVE

TAKE CITY OF SOISSONS AND 30.000 PRISONERS AMERICANS AND FRENCH CONTINUE WCTORIOUSRUSH—GERMANARMY MAY BE CUT OFF-ENEMY WILL BE FOBBED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE BHEIMS SECTOB. EXTRA (United Press Service) WASHINGTON. D. C., JULY 19—SOISSONS HAS BEEN CAPTURED BY THE FRANCO-AMERICAN TROOPS. ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL REPORT REACHING HERE FROM THE BATTLE FRONT LATE THIS AFTERNOON. NO DETAILS WERE GIVEN. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FALL OF THE CITY WAS MADE BY WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SHORLTLY AFTER OFFKJAL REPORT OF THE CAPTURE OF 30.000 GERMANS WAS MADE PUBLIC. L Washington, I). C., July 19—(Special to Daily Democrat)— The Rainbow and New England divisions are the complete American divisions now battling the Germans in the great FrancoAmerican offensive, members of the house military committee "/ere told by Chief of Staff March today. Part of eight American divisions were engaged in the fighting earlv this week that resulted in checking the German drive on the Marne. In addition to the two divisions now engaged, many other American troops brigaged with the French in Riis action. Nearly one million, two hundred thousand Americans are now’ in France, or on the way. (Note —Eleven Adams county boys are with the Rainbow division). London. July 19—(3:23 p.m.)—That the French-American offensive may force the Germans to retire on the entire Rheims front, where the enemy has used thirty-three reinforcements divisions. or half their total reserve, was the belief expressed here this afternoon. It was also stated that Crown Prince Rupprecht will possibly t start an immediate offensive on the British front, in an eflort to retrieve the Rheims disaster. Paris. July 19—(4:00 p. m.)—.The allies have taken the initiative and the Germans are on the defensive everywhere, an official statement issued by the allied high command declared this afternoon. . . “We are taking the initiative and the enemy is on the defensive everywhere,” the statement said. “Franco-Amrican forces are exerting great pressure on the enemy salient between Mont Didier and Rheims“South of the Ourcq, American troops seem to envelop Neuilly-St.-Front. “The number of prisoners and guns surpass our tondest °P e ‘‘p rem ier Clemenceau watched the battle near Soissons." Washington. D. C., July 19—(Special to Daily Democrat) The fall of Soissons seems to be indicated by the progress made bv Franco-American troops, according to the latest official dispatches here. Secretarv Baker said today. There is no confirmation of the report that the city has fallen, however. (By Lowell Mellett, United Press Staff Correspondent) With the French Army in the Field, July 19—(2:00 p. m.)— The number of prisoners taken in the Franco-American offensive has been increased to more than 10,000 this afternoon The number of captured guns also had been greatly agumented. With one wide sweeping smash, the French and Americans undid practically all that had been accomplished in the latest German oflen”Ve In fact they brought that effort to a standstill while advancing themselves, tearing through the enemy lines at some points to a depth of six miles. Some of the most spectacular cavalry hnroes in history have contributed to the allied movement. The Franco-American success is so complete that it foreshadows the time regarded as inevitable approaching, when the Germans must give ground everywhere.

(By Fred S. Ferguson, United Press Staff Correspondent) With the American Army in the Champagne, July 12—-(2:00 p. m.) The batle is increasing in intensity on the whole front from the Aisne to the Marne, as this is cabled. The Americans and French are driving forward in an extended advance toward the main highway from Soissons to Chateau-Thierry, which Iles from three to ten miles east of the original line. The Germans, aided by great numbers of reserves,, made a heavy counter-attack on the ( plateau southwest of Soissons. It was bloodily repulsed. Americans and French in that region are continuing to hold the line they established yesterday evening,,

or are advancing eastward. Cavalry already has pushed across the Soissons-Chateau-Thierry road and the infantry is driving forward to join them. Uncounted prisoners, guns and material are still accumulating. The remarkable transport system of the allies is enabling them to maintain a constant flow of men and supplies to the front. As the line advances, solid miles of motor trucks carrying ammunition and other material rumble forward. They return Ito the rear with slightly wounded men. Men and guns, rushed up on trucks, are dumped off and are in the thick of the fighting a few minutes later. Two)

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening,

HARVEST COOKS I Concerned About Sugar k and Elour Allowance for Threshers. THREE POUNDS EXTRA Os Sugar for Each Ninety Meals—Six Pounds of Flour for Same. Women in (he country who arc now cooking for harvest hands are much concerned about the sugar and flour allowance in cases where a large number come into the household for meals for a half week or a week or so and where the ordinary household allowance under the federal food administration would be inadequate. They will be pleased to know that this is provided for. An extra three pounds of sugar for each extra ninety meals served will he allowed; and in extra six [founds of flour for each ninety meals. Thus, if ten threshers eat nine meals at the home, for that time, three pounds of sugar and six pounds of Hour, In addition to the household allowance, will be granted. Other numbers will he given proportionate grants. It is necessary, however, to have a permit from the local food administrator. S. E. Hite, for the same. This interesting question was brought up this morning in a local store by a lady who had come to town to do her shopping for threshers whereupon a reporter interviewed the food administrator relative to the question. The lady stated that last year they had used during threshing, three months’ of their regular household allowance of sugar for threshers and did without sugar in the household for the following three months, not knowing the regulations or making investigation relative thereto. CASTING SHADOWS Will be the Subject of Sermon of the Rev. .1. G. Butler Sunday AT UNION MEETING At United Brethren Church —Program for Meeting Announced. The third union Sunday evening service of the churches of Decatur will be Sunday evening at 8 o’clock at the Uniled Brethren church, when the Rev. J. G. Butler, of the Baptist church will preach. The program announced for this, follows: Song—Congregation. Invocation —F. F. Thornburg. Song—Congregation. Scripture—Jay ('. Hanna. Prayer—W S. Mills. Song—Congregation. Offering. Special Music. Sermon, "Casting Shadows" —J. G. Butler. Prayer—W. Paul Marsh. Song—Congregation. Benediction—L. W. Stolte. FL AG RAISING AT CURRYVIL L E The Liberty Guards of Curryville. Ind., have a*k enlistment of fifty men which is the requirements of a company, and on Saturday night. July 27, are going to have a flag raising at ' that place, and everybody with a full I pocket hook is invited to come- and - see the performance of the guards. s The proceeds go to help buy suits and . equipment. Rev. Payne will deliver Jan address and the Craigville quartet J will furnish the music. All guards Jof the Curryville company uiUut be • present on next drill night. July 2*3. i for instructions in getting ready for 'the doing of Saturday night.—D. L. ‘ Drum.

| TEDDY IS SILENT )| (United Fresa Service) l New York, July 19 to I I Daily Democrat) — Col. Theodore P Roosevelt loft here today for Oyster! Bay. still uncommunicative regarding his sentiment toward accepting or refusing the republican nomination for governor of New York. He has been informed of the round robin signed letter asking him to t make the race, but has had no comment to make. Indications were he would have something to say before the end of the day. The round robin appeal pointed out to Col. Roosevelt the necessity of his stepping in to unite factions of the party. Marton E. Lewis, Attorney general, who is candidate for the office, wrote the colonel, declaring he would withi draw if Roosevelt would become a • candidate. 1 f , . . — i

TO GO TO FRANCE Decatur and Adams County Friends of Miss Melville, Red Cross Nurse KNIT A COMFORT To he Sent to Her in France —Displayed at Peoples & Gerke’s. A large wool-knit comfort on dis play hi the Peoples & Gerke shoe store window- will be sent to France soon as a gift to Miss Elizabeth Melville. a Red Cross nurse, the first from Fort Wayne to Ite sent across seas. The quilt is made up of many blocks, each one of which was kni' by a friend of Miss Melville, and when joined makes a very warm am’ pretty comfort. The comfort was made through the efforts of little Miss Eloise Lewton a warm friend of Miss Melville whe took care of the little girl when she was born. Miss Lewton asked Mis: Melville relative to her needs in France and was informed that she needed nothing except a comfort whereupon she told of one taht had been knit for a frinti of hers. M'sr Lewton and her mother, Mrs. C. D. Lewton thereupon told Miss Mel ville’s many friends here and they got busy at once, with the aforesaid resut. Those who knit blocks may see the comfort complete at this store. The center block of the comfort is knit in the shape and colors of an American flag and is, in itself, a pretty and unusual work of art. This flag was knit by Mrs. F. ('. Downs. THE HERALD SUSPENDS The Decatur Morning fterald. with this issue., will suspend publication ir definitely. This move is caused by the shortage of news print paper some thing that can not now be had in flat form, the only way we can use it. While the editor regrets that this step is necessary, it. can not be helped, and until , the news print paper shortage Is corrected there can he no further issue.—Decatur Morning Herald. TO VALPARAISO INSTEAD. Orders were received this morning by the local board, notifying them to send the four Adams county men who had enlisted for the mechanical training courses at Purdue university to Valparaiso university, instead. The men will leave on July 28th and all volunteered for the service. LANDED SAFELY OVERSEAS, i Mrs. Minnie Wilkinson received a - card this morning notifying her that , her son, Walter Wilkinson, had arrivt ed safely overseas. Wialter was one 1 of the boys who left here a couple of 1 months ago to take up the special mechanical training course at Purdue. 1 rIvARRe” CIRCUIT U. B. r t Riva rre—Sunday school, 9:30 a m. s Preaching 10:30 a. m. ? Pleasant Mills- Preaching. 7:30 p . m. r| Willshire— Sunday school. 2:30 p. m. Preaching by supply, 7:30 p. m. | M. HERNER, Pastor

July 19, 1918.

(GIVES A SEND-OFF jTo Her Son-in-law—Gent Stratton-Porter Wants Her Men TO BE FIGHTERS Dr. Monroe Enlists in the Medical Corps—Rather be a Private. The Indianapolis Star says: “Gene Stratton-Porter, novelist, declared that she believed that every man who is physically fit should take

his part in the anny or navy service , and that she desired every man in her family to take an active part in the war, when she came to Indianapolis , Wednesday to see her son-in-law, G. Blaine Monroe, a dentist, enlisted in the United States army. “Mrs. Stratton Porter and her daughter accompanied Dr. Monroe <o the Indianapolis army recruiting >fflee where Maj. Thomas F. Ryan succeeded in getting the dentist to enlist in the medical corps rather than in some other branch of the service he could do some fighting on his own account. "Dr. Monroe has been in communication with Maj. Ryan for some lime regarding enlistment in the coast artillery, but finally took his place in the medical corps when it was pointed out that ho could lie of more service to the government in the profession in which he was trained. He decared that he was not seeking a commission in the army, but wanted to enter as a private. "Mrs. Stratton-Porter showed Maj. Ryan a picture of her two grandchildren and asserted that she wanted them to have the satisfaction in the future of knowing that their father took a part in the. war. She and Mrs. Monroe were as patriotically enthusastic about the enlistment as was Monroe.” POE'S BIG EVENT Marion Township (Allen County) Will Have Flag- i raising There SUNDAY AFTERNOON Special Seats Reserved for All Civil War Veterans —The Program. Everybody is invited to the Marion township (Allen county) flag raising to be held Sunday afternoon at two o’clock, at Poe. July 21. Reserved seats will be held for all civil war veterans and music will he furnished by the Wolf & Dessauer quartette. The program follows: Song, “America.” • Invocation —Rev. Max Benzinger. Song—Male Quartette. Reading. "For I Am An American" —Marion Smith. Song—Male Quartette. Address of Welcome—Rev. Russell , S. Jones. Patriotic Address—Rev. A. J. Fol- , som. , Song. “The Star Spangled Banner." I Unfurling of Flag. Benediction — Rev. Charles Rodenbeck. — -o THE PATRIOTIC CENT 1 t The person who buys a round, trip . ticket on the interurban to Ft. Wayne j is patriotic, as he gives the goverm f ment an extra cent in war tax. The - one-way ticket is 59 cents, including the four cent war tax. The round trip ticket is 11.19 and includes a nine cent war tax. “BANNER WHEAT YIELD Ira Lybarger. well known farmer of Wabash townsihp, has a record yield . of wheat. Thirty acres held up under an average yield of thirty six bushels , per.

F KOCHES BREAK AND RUN AS AMERICANS ADVANCE < TWELVE-HOUR OBJECTIVE IS BEACH- ■ ED IN SEVEN—THRILLING STOBIES OF YESTEBDAY'S HISTORY-MAKING BATTLE.

, (United Press Service) (By Frank J. Taylor. United Press Staff Correspondent) With the Americans Near Soissons. July 19 —(2:55 a. m.) —Preparations for resumption of the Franco-Ameri--1 can drive between the Aisne and the Marne were in full swing at this hour. While some of the soldiers ' who had battled almost continuously ly for twenty hours were snatching hurried naps, others were busy consolidating the newly won positions and getting ready for the next blow. The Germans retreated so rapidly yesterday that the Americans and French were enabled to move forward at the rate of more than a kilometer an hour, reaching their twelfth hour objectives in seven hours. Officers had great difficulty in holding back the victorious doughboys, in order to keep the line straight. The Americans wanted to go to Germany Regimental commanders had to send couriers forward to call hack some units, while one company got so far ahead that an airplane was used to carry the restraining message. The Germans everywhere along the line were panicky. They left their artillery. machine guns, rifles and sup- | plies, and sprinted eastward. The area captured by the Americans between the Aisne and the Rurcq had i more than 150 artillery field pieces 'of Various sizes in it. The enemv , saved practically none of them, as , the American infantry followed closely the rolling barrage which com pletely silenced the German guns. | “We were so busy chasing Germans .we haven’t had time to pay any attention to the stuff they left behind ' them,” said one officer. Slightly wounded doughboys, happy, grinning and dirty, lay about in groups after the advance halted, i swaping experiences and displaying souvenirs. "We were just, rushed the trenches last night," said one youngster. "We were there half an hour when the captain said: ‘Boys, in just twenty minutes we go over the top. There is just time for every man to have a good smoke.’ "Before we reached their trenches the Huns were running. It sure gave me a glorious feeling to see the Heinies hop out like jack rabbits. We couldn’t: help laughing at ’em.” (By Fred S. Ferguson. United Press Staff Correspondent) With the American Army in the Champagne. July 19—(1:45 a. m.) American troops, cooperating with the French in the drive between the Marne and the Aisne. already are within sight of Soissons. Latest reports received at headquarters indicated that the FrancoAmerican attack is progressing satisfactorily along the whole front. French cavalry is said to have passed the main highway from Soissons ' to Chateau-Thierry. The number of German prisoners is not yet known. One American unit alone has taken 3,000. Many more have not been counted. More than fifty enemy cannon have been taken. ( The advance has been so rapid that the various regimental headquarters have been moved forward as many as three times and couriers have had great difficulty in keeping tn touch with the commander's migrations. The drive already is seriously threatening the German right flank in the Marne salient, and holds possibilities of forcing a great enemy withdrawal. I The little French “fly” tanks were remarkably effective. The Americans worked behind them like vetrans as , thy rolled across the fields and up the streets of the villages.

Price, Two Centl»

I When the attack was being plan--8 ned Wednesday night, a certain American general suggested that his ’• troops should advance to a certain 8 point. '■ “I fear it would he inadvisable,” e said his superior. “You can't go that. 8 far.” 8 "The hell we can't!” exploded the Y general. “Any place I ask my boys ? to go. they’ll go.' • The objective requested was grant- • ed and the general and his boys were • there last night. f The atack northwest of Chateau--1 Thierry imperils the Germans hold- • ing the nearest point to Paris. They • will be forced to use up their re--1 serves here if the allied advance is (to be cheeked. The attack also ■ weakens the enemy east of Rheims. 1 The Americans and French there ’ have not given an inch of ground of any importance, while th" hatter- ' ing goes on west of Rheims. | “Soissons,' is on every American lip. Th" attack in that region has progressed with such speed that the I situation is most favorable. , (By Ed L. Keen. United Press Staff Correspondent) London, July 19—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The German army lacing tlie Franco-Americans in the Soissons district, must move fast if it wants to escape a disastrous pocketing. 1 Opinion was united here today that the onward rush of the French and American troops marks the first stage of the tide now moving to engulf Germany. That nation and its allies are everywhere on the down grade and losing the initiative. The allied upperhand grows more noticeable as Americans continue to pour in. On all fighting fronts today the allies are victorious and significant. With failure of the German drive • toward Rheims, the victorious FranI co-American counter-blow toward i Soissons, the Italian activity in Albania and at Pola. there is a possibility that there soon will be more imI portant developments along the west front. The allied armies everywhere are straining at Ihe leash, eager to take a smash at the Hun. Reports reaching here from a point, where the Franco-Americans opened their attack Thursday, brings the news that 5.001) Germans have been taken up to 3:00 p. tn. Thursday. It looks here as if the allies had hit the victory stride. The navy isn't sleeping while the allidfl are steady smashing at the Germans on land and in the air. The , ships are filled with men who are aching for a chance to help stage the . final smash. In this connection ad- . vices are coming from a neutral . country that eye-witnesses report great activity in the German fleet, . which is said to be mobilizing at . Kiel. The German war office night report i admitted that reserves will be thrown against the French in the district > where the attack was made, and ad- , mitted the loss of some ground. London: July 19 (Special to Daily Democrat) —The French and Atneri- ’ cans are within a mile of Soissons. it ’ was learned authoritatively today. I They have moved forward all along the line Ifetween the Aisne and the Marne, their greatest penetration, aa . last, reports, being eight miles. . | One American division took Vierzy . and is reported to have advanced (three miles beyond. (Vierzy is ;ix i miles out of Soissons and about three miles east of the original line. . A three mile advance beyond this would take the Americans across the Sois-sons-C ha tea n Thierry road.)