Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-15
ALLIED AND GERMAN
ARMIES EXHAUSTED
BY RAPID MARCHES
Retreat of Kaiser's Forces
Causes Thousands of Ex-
hausted Stragglers to Fall
Into French Hands.

PARIS. Sept. 15.-While official reports
are optimistic beyond doubt, 1t is too
early to claim decisive and overwhelm-
ing victory for the allies. BY mastery
strategy the Germans have been able to
keep the main lines of their vast army
intact. although thousands Of soldiers,
overcome by exhaustion or unable to
find their way, have fallen into the hands
of the French and British armies. as
we'll as vast amount of munitions,
supplies and armaments.
The German army is far from shat
tered and, according to official admis-
slons in Paris, the only section OF the
German grand army which now seems
to be in danger of being cut off from
the other columns Is that of the German
Crown Prince, which is in the region of
the forest of Argonne. Because OF the
rugged nature OF the country in that
district and the stubborn resistance of
the Crown Princes soldiers. this section
was left farther in front than tho bal
ance of the German line,
The army of General Won Kluk is also
believed to have received supply OF
fresh ammunition for both small arms
and artillery.
The extreme left wing of the French
army. which Is officially known as the
Fifth army. has now advanced to a
point slightly northeast of Amiens, the
main body resting around that city. II
has been part OF General JOffre's STRAIT
egy to keep this army moving eastward
and northward as rapidly as possible to
keep hitting at the northwestern ex-
tremity of the German line.
From the information received by the
French General Staff, 1t is evident that
the Germans have either fallen back
into trenches which had been used pre-
viously north of the Aisne or else had
been able TO prepare defensive works
from which to face the allies.
British troops are reported to have
crossed the Alsne near the junction OF
that river and the Disc, where their
passage was not opposed by German ar
tlllery. This gives the allies a big ad-
vantage, for II makes IL unnecessary for
at least part of their troops to cross
the stream farther to the east, where
they would have TO face the German
fire.
The rapid pursuit OF the Germans has
worked its effect upon the soldiers of the
allied army. The advance guard are ahead
OF their heavy guns and the rapidity of
their movements has extended their lines.
1t is believed that the French and British
soldiers who have been rushing forward
In pursuit OF the Germans will need TO re-
cover their breath and replenish their
ammunition before they can strike de-
clsive blow on the other hand, the Ger
mans are nearer 10 their supply depots
and the retirement of the right flank
brought It into touch with reinforcements
which had been hurrying forward.
Even " the allies should be checked
and the Germans should launch a general
offensive movement the invaders would
be handicapped by the worn-out condition
Of their right wing. The troops of Gen
eral Won Kluk have been marching and
fighting every day for nearly six weeks
and they are hardly in any condition 10
swing forward upon another encircllng
movement which would mean continuous
hghting and forced marching day and
night. Many OF the Germans have been
forced 10 march under such conditions
that the soles are gone from their boots
and their feet are raw and bleeding
IL the Crown Princes army should bs
able to stand hrm and the Germans would
attempt forward movement Won Kluk's
men would be in the position OF outside
running. such as that at the bend Of
race track. and they are so tired thar
they probably would not be able 10 lst
there in time. About the only recourse
under such circumstances would he por
the Germans 10 mass fresh troops on their
right and give the worn veterans
chance for less arduOus work.
Being forced back from their nrass,,.
position, the next line upon which tbe
Germans could make a stand Is thai rin-
ming through St. Quentin Veryins ara
Mezieres, which would give them M
defeat. 'aSe ol
In the list Of casualties just made pub.