New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-27
Allies Forced to Form
New Front Against
Rush.
FRENCH DRIVEN
BACK IN ALSACEi
Kaiser's Troops THRUST
Foe from Hartmans-
Weilerkopf Height.
BRITAIN IN SUSPENSE
Streams of Wounded Show
FiercenesS of Invaders Effort
to Break Flanders Line.
(By Cable 10 n. Tribunal

tBy Cable 10 Ths Tribunal
London, April 26.-While the claims
Of the German and Frencn war Offices
present many contradictions, It is evi-
dent that the opposing armies north
Of Ypres are now waging one OF the
most desperate battles Of the war The
French claim gains for the Allies. but
it seems clear that the Germans hold
much OF the ground which they won in
their drive against the northern sids
Of the Allies salient.
On the extren'e eastern front in the
western theatrc Of war the Germans
also have captured a position which
has been the scene OF desperate fight
ing for months. They have driven the
French from the summit Of Hartmsnns-
Weilerkopf, in Alsace, back to the po-
sitions on the slopes from which Cen
eral JofFre's troops on March 26 made
the quick charge which won them the
heights.
British Reform Linc.
The most detailed report Of tho
fighting around Ypres received here to-
day is contained in the official report
Of the British War Office. In this Field
Marshall Sir John French says:
First Severe fighting 70 the north
east Of Ypres still continues, the gem
ersl situation remaining unchanged.
Our left flank. in readiustinG its line
to meet the altered conditions due 20
the original forced retirement Of the
French. had to face to the north and
to extend TO the west beyond st. Julien.
This extension weakened our line
for a time, and after very gallant
resistance by the Canadians against
superior numbers. St. Julien was cap
tured by the enemy. Our lines now
run south of that place.
Second Our troops 70 the east OF
Ypres have borne the brunt Of repeat
ed heavy attacks, which they had stub
bornly opposed throughout the battle,
in an entirely unexpected situation,
which has demanded the exercise OF
gallantry and fortitude by the men and
quick resource and other military
qualities by their commanders.
Gas Bombs Fail.
9TH I'd Attacks were also delivered
Yesterday by the Germans on the east
Of the Ypres salient. In spite OF the
use by the enemy OF asphyxlating
gases the attacks were repulsed and
German officers and men were capt
ured.
I'm the fighting during the last three
davs we have inflicted very heavy casu-
allies on the Germans. Our losses also
have been heavy. The German wire
less report that four English heavy
guns we're captured is untrue.
zone Of our ayiators dropped bombs
on the Courtrai station this afternoon
and destroyed the Junction. AIthougn
wounded, he brought his machine safe
~ back 10 our lines
England tensely awaits the outcome
of the great battle raging n Flanders.
Not since the war began has there been
a period of such strain and anxiety.
It is generally believed that this en-
gagement is the most important yet
Fresh troops, il IS said, are being
TngnG0
wounded are beginning 10 come from
the battle at Hill No. 60.
England Kept Informed.
For the first time since the outbreak
o. the war the people are thoroughly
aware of the magnitude of the battle
actually in progress. Hitherto battles
usually have been fought and finished
before the. general public has been
permitted 20 know just what has been
going on. Now, however, official ac-
counts have brought events almost uo
TO date. and the full seriousness Of the
situation is realized by every one.
There is consuming curiosity,
which the government wholly fails TO
satisfy, concerning the reasons for cut
ting of steamship service with Hol-
land. To-day there comes the news
that Germany has closed the German
and Pelgian borders 20 Holland, an
action which only serves 10 add TO the
mystery. The vagueness of the situa-
tion gives rise 20 all sorts Of rumors,
eliminating with the guess that Hol-
land is about 10 participate somehow
in the war. For this conjecture no
su6stantiation is obtainable in any off,
cial quarter.
20 form an expert opinion believe that
the Germans, by the stroke they have
delivered against the British, French
and Belgians around Ypres, are once
again aiming at Dunkirk and Calais.
there are others who believe that il is
cnly feint in force 70 draw the Allies
reserves while preparations are being
made for an attack at some other part
of the long line.
German Coup Successful.
Whatever are the intentions Of ths
Germans, they certainly made a sue
cessful coup, which, while it did NOT
break, did dent the Allies line. Tha
Canadians, who were holding the Rrit.
ism portion of the lines. were the frst
70 recover themselves and in a counte,
attack, the praises of which are rins.
ing throughout the empire, recapturs1
the ground they had been compelled ta
give up and since then, with tbeic
comrades have success tslly withstood
the German assaults.
The French and Belglans, who "a