Omaha daily bee., 1914-09-19
FIERCEST BATTLE
OF WAR IN FRANCE
Great Engagement Now in Progress
to Be More Furiously Contested
Than Marne Fray.
SUPPORT FOR CoNFEDERArES
French and British Are Bringing
In New Troops Through Rouen
and Amiens to Threaten
Flank of Enemy.

LONDON, Sept. 1S.-Another
great battle. even more vital for the
countries concerned than those which
have preceded it, is now in progress
on a line extending from the region
of Noyon on the river Disc, north
west of Paris, to the river Meuse,
north of Verdun.
The front is somewhat shorter
than was the case in the battle Of
the Marne, but this will result only
in a more fiercely contested battle,
with masses of troops throwing
themselves at each other, and every
available piece of artillery concen-
trated in the determined effort Of
the armies to break through the
lines. About 100000 men are en-
gagged.
Position of Germans.
The Germans, who. a fortnight
ago, had made their first swift en-
deavor to destroy the armies of
France and Great Britain and cap
ture Paris, have now fortified them
selves on the mountains north of the
River Aisne, through the plains Of
Champagne and in the Argonne
mountains, through which the Meuse
flows.
They are in stronger positions
10 nf ho
Marne and have been strongly rein
forced with fresh troops from the
north and east. They have at
tempted some counter attacks against
the allied troops, which flushed with
victory, have been trying to prevent
them from entrenching themselves.
Both Claim Advantage.
According to English and French
official reports these attacks have
been repulsed and the Germans COM
PEELED to give way at certain points
but the German general staff claims
just the opposite result.
It is certain, however, that the lilly
country north Of the Aisne offers good
ground for such tactics 1t would appear
that these western wings of the two
armies, the German right and the allies
left. are again to bear a heavy par in
the fighting. Upon the armies of General
Won Kluck and General Won Buelow de-
pend the safety OF the rest of the Ger ma n
army should retreat be decided upGn or
forced upon them.
Besides holding the front they have To
be prepared to Withstand another attempt
on the part of the allies to outflank
them. Ns.. -'-s .,s .s..
Railways Behind Them.
These German forces hold g. position
from a point near Noyon on the Disc
along the district north of the Aisne to
the junction Of the latter river with the
Suippes. Behind them are splendid lines
of railways running in all directions
which facilitate the movement Of troops
from st. Quentin Guse and Mezieres In
this respect, therefore, they are well
placed.
The allies, on the other hand, can, and
it is believed they are, bringing in new
troops through Rouen and Amiens to
threaten the German flank. In fact
nearly the whole of northwest France Is
now open TO the allies, the Germans hav.
ing withdrawn most of their scattered
troops eastward toward the Disc.
Tide Has Turned.
Field Marshall Kitchener. secretary nj
state for war, speaking today with full
knoWledge Of the situation at the front
declared:
The tide has turned"
lie although, telling the public that the
war viii be long one, appears To he
hopeful of the outcome
The British army that has fought sc
long and so hard is looking forward :,
support from the Indian troops. which
should soon be at the side of the English
men, II not for the present battle thar
for the one which must soon follow n
The French troops, who also occupv ,
valuable center of operations at Scissor,
the engineers having closely followe,
the army and repaired the railwavs-ar,
being reinforced and on the whole botI
as to position and strength of forces
the opposing armies appear eveal,
matched for the advantage Of the ALI
In having an army to threaten Vor
Kluck's flank.
The situation along the rest Of the lin
Is much the same. In the center. he
N'NN'' ANAA'Aiii0 anu the <ATEOnne, tho Ger
mans continue to fortfy themselves
while between Argonne and the Meus
they are entrenching themselves n
Montfaucon.
The French officials warn the publ
that as the Germans occupy position
prepared for defense and are supporte
by heavy artillery, any progress mus
he slow
The Germans are preparing for ever
eventualty and are maintaining a fore
superior to that of the Belgian army 1
Belgium to cover the retirement of tn
main army should that become neces
sary. They are reported 10 be strength
ening the Notifications on the Rhine
where, If necessary, they could continu
long defensive
Skirmishes Continue.
I'm Belgium there has been a continua
ton OF skirmishes which have been
feature Of the war since the Germa n
advanced into France, with advances an
Withdrawals as daily occurrences For "a
ample the Germans yesterday reoccr
pied TermOnde only 10 leave IL mi