Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 208, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1918 — WEDNESDAY WAR SUMMARY. [ARTICLE]

WEDNESDAY WAR SUMMARY.

Torrential rains were drenching the greater part of the battle front early today. It was the first really bad weather in weeks a*d has imposed a temporary halt upon large scale infantry operations. Only local fighting is reported by. Field Marshal Haig in his night bulletin on the battle an front of tihe Hindenburg line. It took place west of Gouzeaucourt and Ephey in the center of the British line fronting the St. Quentin-Cambrai sector. In Flahders the British moved their lines ahead slightly northwest of Neuve Ghapelle and west of Armehtaeres. An unofficial report told of British patrols 'having reached' Fresnoy-le-Petit, which liss slightly more than three miles northwest of St. Quentin. The French made substantial progress just before the downpour started, between St. Quentin and La Fere. All communications between these half-circled bastions in the Hindenburg line are under terrific shell fire from • the French and American guns and are virtually cut. In their converging movement on St. Quentin, Gen. Humbert’s French forces have captured the four principal routes leading to the city from the south and west. The heavy rain may stave off the fall of La Fere a day or so, but that the town is certain to fall before long is the verdict of all critics and front reports. The French semi-circle is at some points less than'a mile from the outskirts. The Germans are expected to move back into the angle form-’ ed by the Serre River and the Oise Canal and may make a definite stand there.