New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-13
Vienna Admits Foes
Advance Along IsOnZO

London. June l2--To-night's Aus
trian official report admits the crossing
of the Isonzo River at Monfalcone and
Caporetto by the Italians, and says
that the invaders have gained foot
hold at their points on the eastern
bank. Il makes no reference, however,
10 the loss of either Monfalcone or
Grad;sca. both of which the Italians
officially claim to have captured. The
Vienna communicate says:
There have been isolated infantry
and artillery engagements on the
Isonzo River. The Italians have gained
a footing on the eastern bank at Mon
falcone and Karfreit (Caporetto), which,
however. are in front of our battle
line. At dawn yesterday hostile forces
climbed the heights on the east bank
near PLAYA, but were repulsed.
"On the Carinthian frontier our
troops have repelled attacks on the
passes near Monte Paralda and have
occupied this mountain. An Italian at
tempt to recapture Monte Piano failed.
"The enemy is slowly sending forces
to several frontier districts
d'Ampezzo, Fiera di Primiero and Borgo.
Borgo
Udine. Italy, June II (via Chiasso
and Paris). Though Italian forces oc-
cupied the Austrian frontier town OF
Gradisca on Tuesday, Lieutenant Cen
eral Count Cadorna, Chief Of Staff Of
the Italian army, deferred official an
nouncement of the occupation until
yesterday. Then, having possession OF
both banks of the Isonzo River, with a
strong body of troops at Sagrado and
outposts alopg the road TO Ronchi, ne
was sure that he could make the occu-
patton permanent. General Cadorna
now has all the military points of i'm
portance connected with Gradisca.
Gradisca is a typical Venetian town
of 1000 inhabitants Il is surrounded
by ancient walls and has a castle. The
Italian population received the troops
with the usual scenes of enthusiasm,
throwing flowers at the soldiers. Some
of the Italian volunteers, re-entering
Gradisca, their native town, after an
exile of many years, knelt and kissed
the earth.
Bersaglieri Suffer Severely.
The 18th Regiment of bersaglieri,
which virtually fought four days con-
tinuously against the Austrians defend
inC Tolmino, had heavier losses than
any other Italian detachment since the
beginning of the war.
Colonel De Rossi was twice wounded,
but ne refused TO be removed from the
fighting line until he saw that all his
men were safe The second officer in
command, Colonel Negrotto, was killed,
having suffered many wounds.
Colonel De Rossi was promoted TO the
rank of general before the war broke
out, but he asked that the War Office
postpone his promotion. as he desired
= lead his regiment under fire. When
King Victor Emmanuel visited him at
the hospital TO confer a medal, Co lionel
De Rossi said he was proud OF his
tersagleri. Although outnumbered, he
told the King, his men had succeeded
in repulsing the Austrians, and none
was taken prisoner.
Austrian Surprise Foiled.
Details have just reached Udine Of
the repulse by Italian troops Of an
Austrian expedition which attempted
20 surprise an Italian position near
Montenero. on the Isonzo River line.
The Austrian force was composed Of
1000 men, divided into three columns.
They were supported By twelve noun
tain guns, carried on mule-back, which
had been taken from the fortifcations
AZ Jarvis. The endeavor was 20 sur
prise the Italians in the rear The
Austrians advanced through narrow
passes They were, however, quickly
seen by the Italian sentinels and the
alarm was passed along the Italian
lines -