Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 184, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 August 1918 — AUSTRIAN DRIVE IN ITALY NEAR [ARTICLE]

AUSTRIAN DRIVE IN ITALY NEAR

SIGNS POINT TO RENEWAL OF OFFENSIVE; THE ITALIANS ARE' READY. Rome, Aug. 14.—Renewed signs of an Austrian offensive against Italy are reported in several Swiss dispatches. The Austro-Swiss frontier has been closed since Saturday. Closing of the Austrian border invariably* precedes an Austrian offensive, in order to mask troop movements. The Austrians are reported to be moving an immense amount of material and great numbers of troops in the direction of Italy. Austrian railway trains running toward the Tyrol are reported crowded with soldiers. No civilian passengers are permitted. It is believed here that recent reports that the German Kaiser appealed to Emperor Charles to open an offensive against Italy in order to relieve the pressure on the western front are verified by the unusual activity of the Austrian army. Fighting was reported yesterday in the upper Zebru Valley, in the Austrian Alps, north of Lake Garda. The Italians stormed Hill 2682, killing part of the garrison and capturing the survivors... Enemy shelters were destroyed. The attacking party returned unharmed to their own lines. Rome views with tranquillity the apparent preparations for another Austrian drive. It is felt here that the reorganized Italian army, supported by British,' French and American detachments, will be more than able to cope with any offensive launched by Emperor Charles.