Evening star., 1915-05-30
VENICE b0MbARDED
BY YAUSTR|AN AER0S;
EXPLOSION IN FORT
italian Forces Pushing Ahead
Toward Trent in Three
Directions.
ALSO GAINING GROUND
IN DRIVE ON TRIESTE
Fortress of Gradisca Has Fallen,
According to Unofficial
Reports.
VIENNA CLAIMS FOES REPULSE
Five Latin Attacks Near Gorizia
Said to Have Failed-Aus-
trian Troops Hold Good
Positions.

GENEVA, May 2o.-In an all
raid on Venice last night by sew
eral Austrian naval airmen
large number of bombs were
dropped, causing several exten-
siye fires in and near an arsenal
Another bomb caused an explo-
sion in Fort Nico1o. News Of the
raid is given in an official state
ment issued tonight by the Aus
trian war office.
The Italian campaign is devel-
oping along two we'll defined lines
in the shape Of advances toward
the Austrian cities of Trent and
Trieste.
Italian troops are reported to
be advancing on Trent from the
south, the northwest and the
southwest. .....
On the eastern line. north OF
the Gulf of Trieste, the invaders
are said to have occupied addi-
tional territory. Resistance OF
the Austro-German forces is re-
ported to have become stronger,
however. The conviction is grow
ing that they viii conduct de-
fensive campaign.
Reports italian Repulses.
Italian forces have reached the from
tier place of Ala in the district of
Primiero. according to the Austrian
official statement. An Italian battalion
has been dispersed near PLAYA. It is de-
clared, while five enemy attacks near
Gorilla have been repulsed.
A duel between the Austrian and
Italian artillery in the Trent region
was rendered difficult by heavy rain
and stormy weather. the low-lying
clouds making it impossible to see be-
yond a certain distance.
Gradisca Reported Taken.
An Italian unofficial report which has
been circulated here and in London
declares Gradisca has fallen before
King Victor Emmanuers forces. It
gays:
THE fortress of Gradisca and the
entire city ton the western bank Of the
Isonzo). considered as the key to the
Italian advance on Trieste. are ours
he To- dnfo nF
fell before our artillery like a house of
cards. After vigorous but useless re-
sistance Of six hours the Austrians fed
in utter disorder before the :rresist-
ibIe charges Of our White Lancers.
First the Italian cavalry. then the
Alpine Rangers. then the Bersaglieri.
and finally our artillery made their
triumphal entry into this splendid city
Of ancient Rome. and were enthusias-
tically acclaimed by the popula ton
with cries Of Long live our liberia
tors"
Crossing Isonzo River.
A strong Italian army is now en-
gagged in crossing the Isonzo river.
When this has been accomplished II is
expected that the hard struggle will
be on in earnest
On the right bank Of this river Aus
tria lacked a solid fortified base. while
on the opposite side, near Gorizna,
there Is a series of mountains, the
highest of which is Monte Santo, with
an altitude Of more than 1900 feet,
Joining to the southeast the Corso
chain. A high rocky plateau dominates
Trieste by land. On the corso the
Austrians have the entrenched comps
Of Sessana and Divaca, which COM
mand the whole sea cost on both sides
Of Trieste. Thus Austrian troops are
in a position to make dificult a land
ing by sea or an advance from the
frontier.
Archduke Eugene Commands.
A dispatch from Berlin states that
Archduke Eugene of Austria has been
appointed commander in chief of the
Austrian forces operating against
Italy He has been chief of staff of
the army engaged against Serbia and
is highly popular with the rank and
file.