The Washington times., 1914-09-04
Germans Will Not Halt
At Paris, Experts Assert

PARIS. Sept. 4.-The Germans will
not halt at Paris unless the allied
armies give them battle in front of the
city, is the opinion of military experts
here today. The city is very nervous.
There are no high government officials
left. Officials here have no actual
knowledge of conditions at the front.
But that the Germans really are
within striking distance of the outer
ring OF forts is indicated by the sc-
tivity of General Gallieni. He has been
tact all through the night, and today
Il was asserted that every possible
syanue has been occupied.
Meanwhile the exodus from the city
continues, but with the railway line
TO the north and west blockaded, most
of the travel OF necessity is toward the
south. There is no doubt that the
vicinity of Paris will be a real battle
ground in a few days.
The main German army is expected to
attempt to force the allies to give bat
tie almost at the gates of the city.
II they do not succeed. the Germans
will undoubtedly press on against the
Frsnch-English column, while con-
certrating their attack on Paris at one
particular point. 1t is now realized
mat Germany never contemplated the
complete investment of Paris.
Their operations. if they reach the
city, viii be a repetition of those at
Namur. The fire of their enormous bat
te-ies OF siege artillery, the greatest
guns of modern times. will be con-
centrated on one fortified position at
time. What the outcome will be no
ore can foresee.
The French losses in the three days
battle which eliminated in the taking
of Amiens were enormous. This Is
adm tied to have been due to the in
bility OF the French officers at times
10 control their men, who insisted on
charging the German artillery positions.
Thousands OF Frenchmen were moved
down in these mistaken exhibitions of
courage.
the French lines held against the
German attack when the plans Of the
staff were followed the forces remained
on the defensive. There was at all
times natural retirement The French
air scouts reported that the enemy far
outnumbered the defenders, and, in &C
cordancs with the arranged plans, the
french moved slowly backward. making
? wide detoUr 10 draw the main Ger
man army well away from the city.
After Amiens the next stand was at
Picquigny, eight miles farther south
In route the French had destroyed
great sections OF the highway. the tun-
nels and all bridges but this hardly
percepribly checked the Germans.
The invaders replaced all destroyed
ridges with temporary structures al
most Immediately. So far as is known
here, the tOwnspeople of Amiens We're
shown no in0ignities. and only two We're
killed, one, a chauffeur who failed to
halt when ordered to by a sentry, and
ne other a butcher, who became an
oIved in an argument with a Prussian
officer who demanded supplies.
Despite the secrecy of the French au-
thorities IL is considered certain the
German advance was With twenty-five
miles OF the outer chain Of forts last
night Ply order OF the military govern
or. Il has been decreed that no persons
shall pass in or out OF F'aris at night
without a military pass. Through the
Gay pedestrians are permitted to go and
como at will without challenge. Auto |
mobiles ana other vehicles may enter at
viii but cannot leave without special |
rser-nirsion