Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-07-20
New Thrust in Sight

o fensive seem directed rather toward the
apex of the salient which has been thrus, by
General liaig into the German lines than
toward that salicnt's northern front At
tacks in considerable force and at least par
italy successful have given the defenders A
new footing in Delvlle wood and the out
skirts of Longueval
So long this hammcring on the eastern
extension Of the British battle line continues
it will be difficult for General Haig to move
north. against Poiercs and toward Bapaumc.
If the German onslaught is sufficiently force
full and determined the British in this sector
Will have TO abandon the initiative and con-
tent themselves again with the old defensive
role so dcadening TO allied ambitions and al
lied hopes
The direction OF the British attack il will
he remembered was changed after the often
sve started. When the eastward thrust met
obstacles it was too difficult too costly to
surmount. while meantime the salient had
been so broadened and dccpened as TO ell
courage operations on its flank Haig turned
the muzzles of his guns and the eyes Of his
men toward the north. The line had been
carried by Monday 10 within six miles OF
BapauIne. 1t is worthy of note that il is
this Point of closest approach i'm Dclvilla
wood that the Germans have attacked. In
effect, they seek to drive a salient into the
apex OF the British salient so perhaps AS to
give it q double point too sharp for stability
or endurance and thus force ii double retire
ment. The success or failure of this OK
pcdien; the next few days will disclose
Meantime. what is TO become of the British
efforts TO capture Bapaume? 1t is not to be
believed that these will be abandoned. but
with the Germans showing great activity at
LonSucvai and apparent capacity TO bring up
new electives. new offensive would seem
as the doctors say. to be indicated.
In the last few days the British guns from
the Ancre 10 the sea have begun again TO
thunder. So far rs the dispatches disclose
they have not been especially active "a, any
point. but the general bomha rdmcn, may we'll
De taken 10 prcSagc another effort 10 break
through The German lines
In the large sense, it is II German salient,
stretching from Arras to Albert that the
British ar" seeking To crush. Bapaumc is
almost due south OF Arras and il is al least
probable that General llag will strike from
TINS point. Success in such an adventure
would have the largest consequences ANY
considerable advance would menace Bapaumc
from hoih sides. The jaws OF the nut cracker
as they began to close. would squeeze into
retirement or surrender the German troops
west Of Hapaumc 10 III" Arras-Thiepval line
To the lay observer. far from tho scene of
war the attempt appears to be worth its
probable cost
Certainly General IIaig has plenty of men
and plenty OF guns and ammunition: no short
age OF either will prevent The onslaught far
thcr north. lie may not desire al prcscnt
10 scatter his energies, but the probabilities
are that he will take the chance The con
'inuancc Of the offensive is Of the highest i'm
portanCc to the allies both in a military sense
and for its effect on the German civil nonuIa
ton. There moro signs than ono that
German patience and cndurancc arc begin
ming TO crack A bold stroke if successful
would achlrV" so much, it is hard Ia believe