Imperial Valley press., 1916-08-14

NEW YORK, August 14.-That the
complete collapse Of Austria is near
is the opinion of many war students.
while the allied offensive just begin
ming from Salonika against Bulgaria
brings almost certainty of a smashing
drive that will cut the central powers
off from communication with Turkey.
Russia is driving in on Lemberg,
capturing new territory daily, while
the Germans and Austrians are stead
lily giving way, and on the west the
French and British are alike steadily
forcing the Germans back toward the
fatherland.
While it is believed Austria will
soon collapse and be practically out
of the fighting, it is expected that
Germany Will fight ito the last
ditch," and no one looks for an early
termination Of the war.
North of the Somme the French
attacked the third German line from
Hardecourt to the river at Buscourt,
distance of six and half kilometers
(three and three-quarters miles), TAX
ing all the trenches to "a depth of 1000
meters (nearly two-thirds of mile),
according to the official statement is
sued by the war office tonight.
The French have penetrated the vii
lage Of Maurepas and have taken a
thousand prisoners and thirty machine
guns.
The statement reads:
"North of the Somme, after prep
aratory fighting yesterday and last
night, our troops today attacked the
third German position extending from
east of Hardecourt to the Somme, op-
posite Buscourt. On this front of six
and one-ha.f kilometers our infantry,
with magnificent dash, captured all
the trenches and strongly fortified
works on depth Of from 600 to 1000
meters.
1--WE penetrated the village of
Maurepas, of which the southern part
and the cemetery are in our posses
sion. We carried our new lines on
the southern slopes Of Hill 100 along
the road from Maurepas to Clery. A
German counter attack between Clery
and Maurepas failed.
'On the Vcrdun front there was an
intense artillery duel in the region of
Fleury end aux-Chapitre."
Big Gain Reported by Petrograd.
Petrograd, Aug. lathe who.e re-
gion of the main enemy position be-
fore Tarnopol and Buczacz has fallen
into the possession Of the Russians
according to the official statement
from general headquarters issued to.
night.
The Russian forces in Persia are
rapidly falling back on Hamadan and
:re being closely pursued by Turks
north Of Bitlis and Mush, an official
statement issued by the war office
here today said.
Rome, Aug. 14.-That the Austrians
heavily reinforced, are offering de-
tcrmined resistance to the Italian ad.
vance east Of Gorilla was admitted ir
tcday's statement from the war Of
flee. Captures Of 270 more Austrian'
and three guns in that sector was re-
ported.
The Italians have passed Vallone
capturing the western slope Of Monte
INadlogem and the summit of Croih
rim height. The Italians also have
occupied Oppachiasella.
Open Peace Discussion Urged.
Amsterdam, Aug. 14.-A manifesto
Issued in Berlin by the Socialist ma
t;onal committee stating that the com
mittee had renewed its appeal to DIR
Won Bethmann-Hollweg, the imperia
chancellor, to lift the embargo on tn
discussion Of peace conditions, as pub
Il;shed in the Vorwaerts, voices the be
lief that the desire for peace is equal!
great among the peoples on both side
Of the conflict. Such a desire, how
ever. It declares, is without doubt sub
Idued by the war aim and plans Of con
quest propaganda which incite tn
neople Of all belligerent nations to tn
greatest resistance.
therefore" continues the NANTES
r. "the moment appears to have ar