Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 241, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 October 1917 — WAR SUMMARY. [ARTICLE]

WAR SUMMARY.

While the German and Austrian forces are meeting with some suecess on the Italian front, the German* in France are preparing for a retreat that may extend from the North Sea to the Swiss border. In Flanders there were many indications that the Germans either had, begun or were about to begin a movement toward the rear. This movement was being hastened by the continued pounding of General Petain’s army, which added 2,000, a score of guns and half a dozen important positions to the captures already netted by the big French thrust on the Aisne. From Copenhagen comes information ' that German sources had revealed a plan for the establishment of a new defensive line somewhere in thwrear of Laon, the German command having realized the menace in that sector. With the French hammering ajiead in victorious smashes, what the Germans planned as an orderly retirement may be transformed into a hasty retreat that will cost them heavily. Indefed, from the number of big guns already left behind—l2o in the last three days—it is apparent that withdrawals before the French have been much more rapid than had been anticipated. Among the indications of a German retreat are dispatches asserting that the French village of Menin is being cleared of all civilians and report* of French aviator* that the German* have begun the devastation of the territory behind their lines as they did before retreating last spring. On the Austro-Italian front, the Germans and Austrians continue, according to Berlin’s latest .aunouncement, to advance and to take prisoners. They have smashed the Italian line north and south of Tolmino in their drive along a 25 mile front on the Isonzo. They are forcing the Italians back from Tolmini to Flitch and from Tolmino 3 miles south to Saga. Rome admits the lines were penetrated near Saga. The Teutons have carried the battle to the west bank of the Isonzo at the bridgehead of Santa’ Maria and Santa Lucia. They were-less successful in their blows at the Italian positiosn on the Carso plateau, at the northern end of the line. The Italians are holding their own at Volnik and on the western slopes of Monte San Gabriele, northeast of Gorizia. Berlin asserts the capture of 10,000, including division and brigade staffs. In the eastern theatre, the Germans continue to retire from their northern lines, their. rearward movement being so rapid that the Russians have not been able at all times to keep in touch with them.