The Sentinel=record., 1914-09-17
BIG FIGHT
EXPECTED
LONDON LOOKS FOR CRUCIAL
BATTLE ON LINES WHERE GER
MANS HAVE FACED ABOUT.

London, Sept. 1G.-9:20 p. m.-The
German army which less than fort.
night ago was at the gates of Paris
and the right wing Of which then ex
tended south of the French cap.tal
tonight is drawn up on almost a
straight line extending from the
neghborlood of Noyon, in the west
to Bois Forges on the Meuse, north
of Verdun, VITA its left resting on the
German fortress of Metz.
Thus the right wing, at least. ha,
gone back more than seventy miles
in two weeks while the rest of the
army also has had to retire befor
the whole could find ground Tn which
to make another stand against an adj
vance of the allies
There seems little doubt that the
Germans intend to give battle on this
Inc with the River Aisne in front of
their right, the hills OF Rheims facins
forest Of Argonne on their left. They
went back steadily before the French
and English armies fighting only rear
guard actions until their right, in
command of General Won Kluck, got
across the Aisne. Then they turned
and delivered several counter at
tacks which. however according to
British official reports, were repuls-
ed, the Germans leaving POO prison.
ers in the hands of the British
These counter attacks doubtless
were delivered in the hope of giving
the troops of THE right wing. exhaust.
ed by the long advance FOL owed by
a retreat almost as long, an oppor-
tunity to rest and prepare positions
from which they could resist attacks
from the allies and in which they
could await reinforcements before
taking up the offensive again
The Germans are in the billy coun-
try around Noyon, on the plateau
north OF Vic-SurAisne and Scissors,
and north of Fheims, where they are
digging strong entrenchments and re-
ceiYiug reinforcements. But even
here this right wing, which up to the
present has borne the brunt of the
lighting and the retreat, is not alto
gether safe. for the French army op-
Grating from Amiens clngs to its
flank while the British and French
forces continue to press in front.
II Is essential, however, that they
should hold their positions, for they
cover the ines of retreat to the
north which would be the only way
cut If defeat should be their lot.
That They realize tAis is shown by
the fact that they have been con
testing every foot of the ground with
the allied armies the last two days
and that both sides have suffered
heavily.
The British army as has been its
lot since it landed in France. is TAX
ing its full share in the fighting upon
which the front has been particularly
severe.
The German center which in the
last few days has come more into
line with the two wings, now stretch
es from the heights north of Rheims
to the western foot hill S of the Ar
come ridge, dipping little south to
touch Ville-SurTourbe just northeast
OF Camp deChalons. This is al hig1,
rough ground, in many places covered
by heavy forests which by this time
may have been destroyed.
The German left has been driven
. back little further than the center
and holds the grould rom west of the
A2onne hills north of N4riennes,
which the French nave reoccupieh
to the Meuse, and thence southeast
ward to Metz
The crossing of the Meuse, which
'le Germans have selected at Con
senvoye, is Just out of range OF Tia"
fortress guns of Verdun, so that as
lar as the battle now, pending is con
8cerned 'hey have not to reckon win
Il ihls stronghold, except as it Offers
81 ~ port to the French in case the "a
= = ies are compelled to retire,
ii The Germans on this long line
II over as many lines of retreat as
z o sible, including those to Namur,
iiVeL Mezieres, Sedan and Stenay'
nd soon should be ready, If thes
ave not tried it already, to give bat'
le' or If the offensive comes from
Pc other side, to defend their posi-
lons.
1t is believed General Joffre'