The Washington times., 1914-09-27
BATTLE LINE IN FRANCE

Two weeks ago today The lines
summary of the campaigns progress
In France dealt with the beginnings
of the great battle of the Aisne,
which has been in progress ever
since. At that time the situation ap-
peared more favorable to the allies
than it does today.
The retreat of the Germans from
the battlefield on the Marine had been
reported as developing evidences of
decentralization on the German right
or western flank. The allies were
pressing their advantage and had al
ready begun developing the turning
movement that has been the central
feature of their plans ever since.
They were undertaking to hold the
Germans at the east and center, and
to flank them on the west,
In the two weeks that have now
elapsed, no substantial chang. in
conditions has developed. The Ger
mans have been forced back a few
miles at the west. The French Gen.
ter and eastern lines have held,
though it is reported today that the
Germans, after being forced back TO
the east bank of the Meuse, have
now recrcssel to its west bank in
some force, and hold an important
and menacing footing, More thar
this, at the west they have assumed
vigorous offensive and are report
ed today 20 have distinctly checked
and in some parts rolled back the al
lies forces engaged in the f1anIiing
movement.
The battle of the last sixteen days
has been fought in rain and mud.
That accounts largely for the dead
lock. the Germans must have OK
perienced the most terrific difficulties
bringing up their huge siege guns.
But it is fair to assume that some of
them, at least, have been established
in new empiacements; for it is re-
ported that Camp Des Maincs,
fortress few miles almost due
south of Verdun, has been taken by
them. This victory is not to be un-
derrated. 1t has been achieved sud-
denly, unexpectedly, much as the
capture of Maubeuge was accorp-
lished. A glance at map shows its
Verdun is being out
flanked from the south.
Both sides nave made their su-
preme efforts in this battle. The
British have hurled new forces into
the struggle; yet despite these, the
Germans have been able TO bring
troops from somewhere, presumably
from the Rhine frontier, to re-en-
force their right, and It is now on the
again. Should they be able
to maintain this offensive, and at the |
same time outfiank and isolate YER |
dun and turn the allies right, thc,e |
would be a sharp reversal Of form.
Two weeks ago it looked as if the
allies were going to accomplish the
fanking movement in the west. To-
day they are reported checked and
pushed back in that quarter, while
their own right is in danger.
Magnificent stamina has been dis
clayed by the Germans. After their
retirement from the Marine field
here were suggestions that trey
,ould not maintain themselves or the
defensive; but they have disproved
hat; they have retreated, maintain
I'd defense, and finally turned it
nto an offense.
While information is rneager. the
general conclusion from such facts
IS seem admitted by all reports is
hat the Germans have made a
preach in the French line south of
Verdun. If they can follow up that
advantage by taking more of the
'trongly fortified points and widen
ng the gap, they may be able to cf-
'ect turning movement Of post
proportions.
1t seems impossible that the strain
an much longer be borne by bOtn
ides. One or the other will surely
ind weak spot through which it
nay put in wedge and accomplish
. telling advantage. Yet that seems
10 more certain now than at any
ime in ten days past. The most
hat can reasonably be gather ed
rom today's statement of the Situa-
ion is that the Germans have SEEM
ngly advantage1 themselves rather t
in the most recent opera
ions. I
OSSFS IN OFFICERS