Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 140, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1918 — WAR SUMMARY. [ARTICLE]

WAR SUMMARY.

Development* in Italy, when considered in connection with the reported food crisis in the central empires, are most encouraging. While bitter fighting continues along the Piave River front, the Austrians within the last few hours have lost strategic ground in the converging drive toward Venice. The action is especially heavy between the Montello and the sea. Along this important sector the Italian line remains apparently stronger than ever, notwithstanding the increased fury of the enemy’s assaults. At the northern and southern ends the Italians made an appreciable advance; in the middle, after first suffering a defeat, they routed the foe. The highlands of the Montello were rendered safer when the Italians threw the Austrians back of the Montebelluno railroad. * The enemy, Rome says, was forced to “withdraw his whole front of attack •omewhat toward the northeast of the salient of Montello.” In the south the defenders recaptured Capo Sile, only fifteen miles from Venice. In the middle the Austrians, after throwing in fresh troops, scored j a local, but important success in. the region of the Zenson bend in the Piave. Italian reserves were called up and the line restored. The Piave River is in heavy flood and is interfering with Austrian transport. - Approximately 2,000 prisoners were taken by the Italians. Vienna claims no captives, claims nothing, in fact, except that “the battle of Venetia” continues, with stubborn tenacity. Increased artillery fire is reported from the French and British fronts in France. There was lively action on parts of the American sector. Interest i nthe west, however, is diminished by the possibilities in Italy. Neutral news centers continue to report gave disturbances in Germany and Austria, and it is said both empires undoubtedly face the most serious fbod shortage of the war. It is reported that 100,00 workmen in an arsenal and airplane factory in Vienna have struck.