Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-10-22

that they are the three monitors which
were being completed in England for
the Brazilian government, when the
war broke out and which were bought
by the admiralty.
These monitors, which have been re-
named Mersey, Humber and Severn,
draw less than nine feet of water and
could take up positions not far from
shore, from which their six-inch guns
and ~ inch howitzers, of which each
vessel carries two, would be able to
throw shells nearly four miles across
the country, the range being given
them by the airmen.
The vessels assisting the allies have
not been allowed to carry out their
operations In peace, for German sub
marines have followed them down the
coast and attacked them, while they
were shelling German positions These
attacks, however, were made futile by
the presence of British destroyers.
one account says the submarines suf-
fered losses, but this statement has
not been confirmed
IL mas been remarked that the sub
marines and aeroplanes, which in
times OF peace have proved themselves
the most dangerous arms of the army
and navy side, have suffered little loss
since the war commenced and have
been doing splendid work, travelling
thousands of miles.
The battles On land are being con-
tested with fury and tenacity, which
would indicate that strategic import
ance is attached to the positions held
by the opposing armies.
When town is reached street
fighting generally develops, such as
that which took place at Ypres last
week. One side gains an advantage
only to lose it when the other side
brings up reinforcements.
Thus far the allies have been able
to hold Ypres, which is considered an
important point, as it supports the
allied force thrown out toward Roulers
and seemingly endangers the rear Of
the German army advancing toward
Dixmude and the coast.
The Germans are striking hard at
the French lines in the vicinity of
I4asxrFassee and have made counter at
tACxsN against the force which for
many days has been endeavoring to
relieve Lille.
Along the rest of the line from west
to east, the French communication
says there is no notable change. The
German staff also ignores that part
OF the battle front, in its
statement. These reports doubtless
mean that neither side has made any
considerable advance. 1t is not be-
lieved here that there has been
cessation in the fighting either on
the Meuse, where the French are try
ing to drive the Germans away from
st. Mihiel and Camp des Romaines,
or at Belfort, which the Germans are
attacking.
Naval activities continue in differ
ent parts of the world The German
cruiser Emden again has been busy
in Far Eastern waters, despite the
capture last week of her supply ships.
She has sunk four British steamers
and dredger and captured two other
vessels-the steamers Exford and
Saint Egbert. The Saint Egbert was
allowed to proceed to Cochin, British
India, with the passengers and crews
OF the vessels the Emden sank. The
report OF the operations of the Emden
does not say what was done with
the Exford, which flies the British
flag and was bound from Yokohama
for New York
In the Adriatic, where the allies
fleets are attacking Cattaro, there has
been fighting between the French
cruiser Waldeck Rousseau and Aus
trian submarines and torpedo boat de-
stroyers. According to the Austrian
account of the fight, the warships "es-
capped safely" Austrian submarines
also have raided Antivari, Montene.
gro, and destroyed some magazines.
In the Baltic it is reported there
has been an engagement between tor
pedo boat destroyers and submarines.
No details of this fighting have been
received here
Italy has decided to remain out of
the war, but she has notified the pow
ers that she may find it necessary to
occupy Avlona, Albania, owing to the
chaotic conditions prevailing in that
country.
A revolutionary outbreak occurred
in Portugal today but was promptly
suppressed. It was learned from an
Portuguese source in
London that the Portuguese govern
ment had been in close communfca.
(COntinued m nape six>