South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-09-25

the advance of the allies could not be
slower.
Germans Choose Good Base
The French and British are fighting
their way over a difficult course and
il is seen that the Germans hid acted
with considerable fOrethOugEt when
they selected and intrenched the line
along the Disc and Aisne. When Gen.
Won Kluck's army swept forward on
I its victorious dash past Paris. thOus-
ands of soldiers were left behind near
st. Quentin, AlafOre, NOyOn, Com
I piegne. Scissors LaOn and other points
along the Disc, and Aisne TO construct
strong and extensive Notifications.
Even cement bases were built for the
cannon. 1t seems now as though the
doughty and vigilant Won Kluck fore
saw his own retirement and had his
defenses already waiting for him,
about 20 miles back from the
most advanced position that his army
reached
The leaders OF the allies declare
that the morals OF their troops are eX-
cellent. Although tired they are in
good spirits and are full of fight. One
of the objects of the Germans in she'll
ing the French and British lines night
and day was 10 break the nerve of the
allied troops by the crashing thunder
OF bursting shells.
At the time this is written neither
side has yet gained a decisive advan-
( tage. The main lines of both armies
are still intact
Invaders Stand Firm.
In the north the French are still
delivering furious attacks against the
German soldiers guarding Gen Won
Klucks main line of communications,
but the invaders are standing firm
The Germans are equipped with con
siderable artillery which is kept In
action against the French almost con-
tinually. The Jack Johnson" as the
soldiers call the bursting shells. are
falling in the French lines cOntinu-
ally but are doing small damage to
the troops, according to report from
the front.
These bursting shells Of the Ger
mans are filled with a powder that
gives off black. greasy smoke when
they explode, hence arises the nick
name. The smoke is designed to en-
able the German gunners to locate the
spot where the shells fall.
1t is pointed out that the battle
line seems 10 be farther extended to-
ward the northwest everyday. This is
the result OF the opposition Of the
German troops that have been thrown
forward to engage the French forces
WHICH are pAtSolAlb Hbi INV III "a oll NllC
west side of the Disc.
Many Officers Killed
Gen. Won Kluck's main line does
not extend to PerOnne. around which
place fighting is still in progress. The
Germans in that region are in adj
vanCed lines.
Unofficial reports from the front
speak Of the great number of officers
being killed Oh both sides This war
will surely stand out In the history of
the world for the enormous number
of officers killed in action. 1t is al
most impossible to estimate the losses
men Of all ranks The plain east of
Verdun is said TO be strewn with 150.-
600 dead awaiting burial. Ten thOus-
and Germans are said TO have fallen
In the furious attacks made against
the French at Nerdun Westward in
the ArgOnne region upon the plateau
OF Craonne and still farther west 20
the Disc the losses have been stagger
ing The world Will undoubtedly be
appalled, when the true death figures
are given out by the governments.