New Britain herald., 1916-03-09
Tension In Paris Relieved.

Paris, March 9, 5:45 a. m-The off,
 clal statement published last night has
 done much to relieve the tension Which had been caused in the public
 mind by the expectation of a great onslaught on the main French de- lenses on the west bank Of the Mouse.
 Press and public are now more than
 ever convinced that the Germans will
 not be able to take Verdun.
 Military observers express the be- lief that the Germans originally in tended a frontal attack on Verdun,
 which was to be accompanied by two
 final attacks, one in the Woerve not
 meant to be pushed home and the
 other on the west bank of the Meuse
 which might develop into the main attack. Desiring however, to jus tify a premature announcement of the capture of DouaUmont, the Crown Prince kept 100000 men on tho right bank of the river, against the advice of his generals, who insisted that they could be better employed on the other bank. Now that the Germans have begun the flank attack the French critics say, it Is too late by ten days.
 Greatest Artillery Duel of War.
 Artillerymen on both sides are living up to the reputation already established, for the battle of Verdun as the greatest artillery duel of the war. Many sectors of the French front on Sunday and Monday last re- ceived an average of 100000 shells in twelve hours. Whole woods were reduced to kindling material. The little river at Forges disappeared al together, having been damned in half a dozen places and thirty feet of the crest of hill No. 213 near Forges was blown away. Tho first attack on Bethincourt, made on Tuesday was preceded by six hours terrific bom- bardment. Then the infantry came on from three sides, along the road from Gercourt to Bethincourt from Forges village and from the slopes of Hill No. 265. French officers es- innate that the attacking forces were not fewer than 10000. Fifteen diff ferent battalions were identified. All day long the Germans fought to gain a footing in the important village of Bethincourt, which lies in a hollow commanded by both sides. When night fell the last attacking column was thrown back by the French, who fought with great determination against hostile forces double their number. The position on Goose Hill was similar. The Germans were held in check as long as daylight lasted. However, sheltering them selves in ravines in COrbeaux Wood, they managed to force a way up a narrow lane leading to Cumieres Wood, which stands on the top of the ridge linking Goose and Dead Mans Hills, only to be driven out of the greater part of their conquest by a French counter attack on Wednesday. The German losses in officers in par ticularly heavy, according to state ments made by prisoners, and this fact is believed to be explanation of officers up to the rank of general, by orders of the Emperor, leading their men into action, instead of following them. This sight had not been wit messed, it is said, for many months. Zeppelins are active behind the French lines endeavoring to strike at communications. On Tuesday they appeared over Revigny Station, with the evident intention of destroying train loads of munitions The sta- tion agent, named P1ancon. with the help of station hand, with great coolness and dexterity coupled up the seventy cars composing the train and
 got them off to a place of safety
 bombs exploding all around but none striking the target. For this the station agent was decorated with the military cross.