Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 143, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1918 — WAR SUMMARY. [ARTICLE]

WAR SUMMARY.

The complete defeat of the Austrain offensive brings a new and brighter aspect to the situation on every part of the battle front. While almost daily General Foch is receiving from the headquarters of General Pershing reports of the arrival of fresh reserves from the 'United States, the German general staff not only recognizes that the Aus train arms have lost their strength but also find that the remainder of the fighting season, little aid to the western front in fresh reserves can be expected from their AustroHungarian allies. Had the Austrian army been able to overrun Lombardy and throw the Italians back upon a weak line, the German ■ leaders could have safely proceeded with a great western offensive. As a result of the last two day**’ fighting on the Italian front, however,* additional large units -of the Austrians are in danger of capture the fighting spirit of the troops facing the Austrians along the entire Italian front has been greatly stimulated, and the Austrians must of necessity hold on their front all of the fifty divisions picked for the assault against the mountain heights garrisoned by the British and Italians.

As yet the full import of the Austrain retreat is not known. Great importance to the fighting during the coming three months on the Italian front attaches to the number and caliber of guns taken by the victorious Italians. While there is slight reason to hope that the A’ trians had transported many of their guns across the Piave for the attacks against the Montello, it is possible that the cavalry units which have crossed the river have been able to force the invaders to abandon many siege guns. The loss of heavy guns is always a severe blow to any army, especisdly when the fighting field is in a mountainous region. If the Austrian army on the Piave has lost many of its field and siege guns, it will be necessary . for the Germans to make all haste in supplying new weapons. The fact that General Foch has approved of the plan for sending American soldiers to Italy, of itself tells the story of the present allied strength. While there is no reason to expect that a great force can be sent to Italy, the fact that a considerable number is to join a *** et * lines in the mountains indicates that General Foch is confident that he now has enough men to meet any German effort.