St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1914-08-29

French War Office issued the follow
ing announcement tonight:
''The French and English, the plan
of attack having failed owing to un-
foreseen difficulties, have retired on
the covering positions.
West of the Meuse the English
army, on our left, was attacked by
the Germans, but behaved admirably,
holding its ground with traditional
steadfastness.
''The French assumed the 0ffen-
sive with two army corps. An Afri-
can brigade in the front line, carried
away by their eagerness, We're re-
ceived by a murderous fire. They
did not give an inch, but, counter
attacked by the Prussian guard, they
we're obliged to retire, only, however,
after infiicting enormous losses.
The Prussian guard especially suf-
fered heavily.
Troops Driven Back.
East of the Meuse our troops ad
Z yanced across an extremely difficult
country, and made vigorous attack
when they emerged from the woods.
but were obliged to fall back after
stiff fight south of the River Semois.
ION order of Gen. JOffre our
troops and the British troops with
drew to the covering positions. Our
troops are intact; our cavalry has In
no ws,y suffered, and our artillery
has affirmed its superiority. Our of
ficers and soldiers are in the best
Of condition, morally and physically.
AlIS0S On 1l0fonCiv0 NOyV
''As result of the orders which
have been issued, the aspect of the
struggle will change for few days.
The French army will remain for
time ON the defensive, but at the
right moment, to be decided on by
the commander in chief, 1t will re-
sumo vigorous offensive.
French Losses Reported Heavy.
'Our losses are heavy; 1t would be
premature to enumerate them. 1t
would be equally so to enumerate
those of the Germans, who suffered
so heavily that they we're obliged to
abandon their counter attacks and
establish themselves in fresh post
tions in Lorraine.
1--WE delivered four attacks yes
terday from our positions north OF
Nancy, inflicting very heavy loss on
the enemy.
Retain Control Of Seas.
''In regard to the general situa-
ton, we have full use of our rail-
roads and retain command OF the
seas. Our operations have enabled
the Russians to come into action
and penetrate the heart of East Prus-
sia.
''It is to be regretted that the of
fensive operations planned failed to
achieve their purpose as q result OF
difficulties improbable to forsee. 1t
would have shortened the war, but
our defenses remain intact in the
presence of an already weakened
army
Every Frenchman will deplore the
temporary abandonment of portions
of Alsace and Lorraine which we
had occupied. and certain parts OF
the national territory will suffer from
events of which they will be the
theater."
Paris. Aug. rs, 1910 a. m.-The
War Office has issued the following
official announcements
The commander in chief, reQutr-
ing all available forces on the Meuse.
has ordered the progressive abandon
ment of occupied territory. Muel-
hansen again has been evacuated.
IA new battle IS in progress be-
tween Maubeuge Department Of the
Nord) and Donon Department OF
Doubs). On it hangs the fate OF
France. Operations in Alsace along
the Rhine would take away troops
on which might depend victory. It
IS necessary that they all withdraw
from Alsace temporarily to assure its
nnal deliverance. It is . matter Of
hard necessity.
West of the Meuse. as q result Of
orders issued Sunday by the COM
mander in chief, the troops which
are to remain on the covering line
It = p -