Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 153, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1918 — WAR SUMMARY. [ARTICLE]

WAR SUMMARY.

If dispatches are to be credited, Germany may within the next few days undertake three offensives. The first and foremost will be on the west front; the second will be in Italy, and the third—minor in size, but important in possibilities—in Russia. The entire Fr'anco-British-Ameri-can line in France and Flanders is astir today., Artillery and infantry action of considerable extent is reported. It is predicted that the forthcoming German offensive will be directed toward the channel ports. The allied leaders are ready. The most significant news from France within the last few hours was a French advance of two*thirds of a mile on a two-mile front in the region northwest of Longport. Chavigny farm, strongly fortified, was captured and hills both north and south were occupied. Three hundred and forty-seven prisoners were taken. This gain strengthens the French line at a point of great importance. Similar strengthening was accomplished by the Australians, farther north, who advanced a short distance and took prisoners. The Italian situation gives the allied command no concern. Gen. Diaz has established himself firmly along the Piave, regaining I ground won by the Austrians last November. He is now in position to reinforce the vital Alps line to the north, against which, it is predicted, the new Austro-German offensive will be undertaken. In this sector the French and British reinforce the Italians. To this sector, it is expected, Americans also will eventually be sent. The Russian outlook is perplexing. Tremendous events may develop there. German forces 300 miles from Moscow are reported as being heavily strengthened so as to press oil toward the heart of Russia, there to make certain the Kaiser’s hold on the ancient empire.

Great military interest centers around the sudden infantry blow by French and Italian troops in Albania, where they advanced their lines to a considerable depth between the coast and the Tomoric* valley, capturing more than 1,000 prisoners.