The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1914-09-23
HAVE FIELD WORKS.
AVIATORs FIND PREPARATIONS
FOR GERMAN RETREAT.

VERDUN Decisive POINT
Future Results in France, According
to Experts on Both Sides, Hinge
Upon Outcome Of Crown Princes
Attack on French Fortifications-
Berlin Admits Retreat.
1t was generally anticipated Tues
day that an attempt to stem the tide
of their rapid retreat would be made
by the Germans after the allies had
compelled them to retire defeated
from the great field Of battle to the
east of Paris, where they had fought
stubbornly for seven days and suf-
fered enormous losses.
It has been revealed that British
and French avia,ors ran great risks
following the netrogr ade movements
of the German army, but succeeded
IN gathering the information that the
Germans had erected field works at
various places along the northern
plateau beyond Rheims. These works
were intended for use by the Ger
mans in the event of meeting super
ior forces and being obliged to retire
and reform.
1t is understood they left several
corps on their western wing and on
their center with the desperate task
: of holding these lines so as to pre-
vent their parsuers FROM harassing
the bulk of the German army, which
in the meantime, was making quick
" for the frontier.
Many detached parties Of German
troops have been captured wander
ing about the woods, where they
found themselves with little ammu-
milton and no food supplies and de-
serted by their comrades, who were
making forced marches.
There has been no cessation in the
preparation at Paris for defense. Al
. though the Germans now are con-
siderable distance away and the like
lihood of their return is regarded as
remote, thousands Of men are being
enrolled daily for the formation OF
new forces and to FILL the gaps in the
ranks of the armies which have been
in the field since the beginning of the
war.
Some military critics are Of the
opinion that the stand now being
made by the Germans along TIE
River Aisns is the beginning of q
new battle which may develop into a
combat almost if not quite as impor-
: fart as that on the Marne. Il is
pointed out, however, that the strug-
gle must be on a frontal from the
German side, while the allies occupy
positions from which an envelopmg
movement can be affected.
The strength of the respective
forces engaged, although kept secret,
is believed to be almost equal. 1t is
argued, however, that the allies pos
sess the advantage Of prestige, which
has been increased since they repuls-
ed the Germans on the east Of Paris.
The allies also command the rail-
roads which enable them to bring up
reinforcements. This the Germans
are not in position to do, it is
thought, owing to the activity OF the
Belgians in keeping several German
army corps engaged since taking the
offensive from Antwerp.
For one the military critics Of both
sides agree that the outcome OF the
campaign in eastern France depends
on the result of the operations OF the
crown princes army before Verdun;
but on the question of accomplished
facts the divergence Of opinion is as
wide as ever.
Berlin maintains that the invest
ment of Verdun is now complete, and
therefore expects that within two or
three days there will be a resumption
of offensive along the whole German
front. On the other hand. the latest
Official communication issued on be-
half of the allies states that the
crown prince has been driven back
and has moved his headquarters
from Sainte Menehould, south OF
Rheims, to Mont Faucon, about hf-
teen miles northeast
Berlin admits that the weakened
German right has been turned back,
but discounts the reverse by main
tanning that it will have no effect on
the general forward movement to be
inflated, when Verdun falls.
On all sides it is agreed that the
battle of the Marne has about come
to an end, and although the allied
armies are keeping in touch with the
retreating Germans it is evident the
latter are taking up positions to stay
the northward advance of the British
and French.
Although the Germans have been
punished badly in their long retreat
and, have lost many guns and men,
they maintain cohesion and, unless
the French succeed in their attempt
TO get between the army Of the crown
prince and those operating west OF
him, Emperor Williams forces will
sresent a solid front when the time
comes for another clash which will
be fully as important as the recent
attic.
II the Germans can gain the ne"
position, it offers better opportunities