Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 September 1914 — ALLIED DUES SUFFER ENORMOUS LOSSES ON AISNE [ARTICLE]

ALLIED DUES SUFFER ENORMOUS LOSSES ON AISNE

Germans Defeated by Frenoh Troops in Alsace. FLANK MOVEMENT FAILURE Teutons Forced to Evacuate Termonds by Allies—Berlin Saya Retirement of Western Wing Was “Tactical Movement.” ' . Paris. Sept. IS—Terrific fighting with indecisive results continues along the Aisne from Noyon to the eastern slopes of the Argonne. The allies, being placed on the offensive in the effort to dislodge the Germans from strongly Intrenched positions covered by masked batteries of artillery, have suffered greater losses in the last two days than in any similar period previously since the war began. French Gain in Alsace. \ iolent fighting also has begun in Alsace, according to tel* grams from Switzerland, and the French are gaining ground The Germans have bombarded Nancy, and about fifty shells fell on the town, causing great damage and several fires. Among the dead were three women and many children. During the bombardment, which lasted from 11 a. m. to 12:46 p. m., the population stayed In the cellars. Trains of Wounded Arrive. The allies regard the position of the German right wing, under General von Kluk, as strong, the enveloping movement attempted by the French left having failed. The center position of the Teutons, however, Is rogarded by the allies as weak, and that of the Ger- , man left as almost untenable. Indicative of the immense losses the allleß have Buffered on the Aisne, numerous trains tilled with wounded are still arriving from the north. Fifteen hundred prisoners and a truinload of I captured machine guns, auto vans and

aeroplanes have arrived at Noisy-le-Sec. German Position Is Strong. German armies are occupying an intrenched position, skillfullly arranged for defense with heavy artillery, on the crests of the heights, and are making a stubborn fight all along the line from the Oise to the Meuse. The French and Rritish have continually repulsed German counter-at-tacks made by day and night. Inflicting Bevere losses on the enemy. The Franco-Hritlsh armies are In splendid condition and full of confidence. The German position is officially described to be strong on their right, weak in the center, with their left almost untenable. Denies Capture of Belfort The Journal Des Debats positively denies that the Germans have taken Uelfort, as reported In Berlin newspapers. The newspaper also asserts that the Germans bombarded Thann, an unfortified town in Alsace, possessing a magnificent gothic cathedral. The allien seem to realize that this third stage of the French campaign is critical. 'Pile tenacity with which the Germans are holding their positions and the persistence with which they return to the attack, despite their terrific losses and the exhaustion of the troops, indicates that this Is to be a battle of extermination. Masked Batteries Prove Effective. The German artillery, DJOOO guns, has continued to be particularly deadly. Their batteries are masked In the hills, where most of their new positions have been taken, and the guns are being served with the utmost precision.

It was because of the accuracy of the German big gun fire that the losses of the French have been so heavy. The war office confines Itself to the statement that the “advance of the allies can only be slow.” Several night attacks have occurred in which (he German sallies have been repulsed. Realization of the critical stage the battle had reached was forced upon Paris when Minister for War Millerand, yho hurried from Bordeaux to Paris for a conference with the war office, up to noon gave out no Information regarding the big battle. Military critics here Judged that the fight being fought north of the Aisne is to cover the retreat of the crown prince In his withdrawal from the Argonne-Meuse region toward the eastern theater of war to meet the Russians. Called "Tactical Maneuver." Berlin, Sept. 18. (By wireless via London.) —Official German statements deny the storiea of French and British successes, and claim that seeming reverse* of the German army are .merely.

"strategical moves.” Here Is an official statement given out this afternoon: German retreat of western wing was tactical maneuver unaffecting strategical position. The French attempt to break through center of German position was victoriously repulsed. Confirmed German successes at several points of long, extended battlefield. Temps reports that losses of British army in recent fighting amount to 15,000 dead and wounded. An earlier announcement mentions several changes among the German (generals. It also says that up to that time the situation along the front had not changed. A statement says: The French attack on several points Tuesday night and Wednesday were successfully repulsed by the Germans, who made victorious counter attacks. Because of illness General von Hausen, former commander of the Second or Saxon army, has been replaced by General von Einem, for minister of war. General von Hausen is forty-eight years old. Another change in leadership has taken place in the Fourteenth reserve corps, where General von Shubert has been replaced by Quartermaster General von Stein, editor of the official war reports. Drive Out Germans. London, Sept. 18.—A diepatch to the Reuter Telegram company from Ostend says: “German troops, after reoccupying Termonde, had to retire. Fighting took place in the regions of Sottegem, Alost and Haeltert, East Flanders.”