The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1914-09-30
RESULT UNDECIDED
NEITHER SIDE CLAIMS VICTORY
IN BIG FIGHT.
EXPERT GERMAN RETREAT
a Dispatch From London Says Ger
mans Are Heavily Fortifying Posi-
tions Around Brussels and Louvain
Allies Look for German Retire.
ment in Belgium il Defeated.

Neither Germany nor the EAllies
yet lay claim to any decisive outcome
in the battle Of the Aisne, where the
supreme conflict of the war, up to the
present time, has long been raging.
The engagement, taken as a whole,
seems to be partaking of the nature
of a siege. Both sides continue to
hold majority Of their strongly en-
trenched positions. The German lines.
for 100 miles, are described as vir-
tually a continuation of forts and
heavy entrenchments. Artillery ire
exchanges go on day and night, and
under their cover are sorties of in
fantry.
Counter-attacks follows attack and
occasionally one side or the other
gains ground. It would appear to-
day that nothing but successful
f1anking movement could have any
serious effect on either army. But
neither front has been broken and
neither side has been outhanked.
Rhims appears to be the center Of
the most persistent fighting. It is be-
tween the lines of battle and has suf-
fered heavily. The Germans are de-
scribed as most anxious to recapture
it.
A dispatch from London to the
New York Sun says there is a grow
ing belief that the Germans are pre-
pairing to retreat from the Aisne for
a futher determined stand in. Bel
GUM.
In addition to fotifcations already
prepared the Germans are establish
ing a huge line of entrenchments
which run through Mons to a point
near Valenciennes. They have erect
ed a semi-circular line Of fortifca-.
lions to the north Of Brussels and
Louvain. Heavy siege guns are be-
ing mounted upon these Notifications
and troops are arriving in large num-
bers from Germany every day.
Such preparations are not neces-
sary merely for use against the COM
paratively small forces Of Belgian
troops, because the two, possibly
three German army corps in Belgium
have been adequate to keep the Bel
gians in check. The new defences,
therefore, must be designed to pro-
tect a retreat.
Unusually heavy rains are flooding
the country and will greatly handi-
cap the movements Of such heavy
guns as the Germans depend upon.
A great part of Belgium is yeri--
table swamp and general military
operations are regarded as impos-
sible.
On account of the strength of the
German forces and positions in occu-
pied territory the Belgian armies
have been unable TO mintain any i'm
portant offensive. They have been
successful in preventing the Germans
from sending at least two army
corps to the relief of their armies IN
France, and they have kept up a
series of raids upon German COM
munications.
A further indication that the eyes
of the world will shortly turn again
to Belgium as the center of main
operations hes in the attitude of the
German military governors. Fortif.--
cations are being thrown up TO tie
northwest Of Liege and the people
have been ordered to leave the city.
Regulations affecting travellers have
increased in severity. Without ques-
ton the apprehension of the Ger
mans has increased. They have eyac-
uated Termcnde and Londerzec.
There is a report from Amsterdam
that German troops who guarded
Brussels have been withdrawn and
that Austrians are now garrisoning
the capital. They have seven heavy
siege guns. Brussels is reported to-.
be quiet, but the price of food is high.