The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-07-06
'ANG[O=FRENCH
HOLDING THEIR
S0MME GAINS
Russians Continue to Re.
port Successes on the
East Front
IARRIFIG rifle FIRE
In Some German Trenches.
s5 Per Cent Of Men
Perished.

LONDON, July s.-Haying cap,
tured the whole German second line
south of the Somme from the river
to Belloy, the French have resumed
operations north Of the river and
have cleared the bank almost TO
Clery. The French who have estab-
lished themselves at Sormont farm
also are threatening Clery.
The British are still heavily en-
gagged all along their front from
Hardecourt to Gommecourt. Not
withstanding the heavy German
counter attacks. they have been able
to maintain all ground gained and
have extended their lines at some
points.
AS the German trenches are occu-
pied evidence accumulates Of the
dealy execution OF artillery. In some
cases so per cent OF the defenders
were killed by the. terrific shelIing TO
which they were subjected. British,
losses varied, certain formations be.
Ing called on to attack defenses
where machine guns remained mn.
damaged, suffered heavily. Others
captured the position which had been
set as their objective with very sligiit
losses.
Instead of compelling the Ger.
mans to lessen their efforts at Yer
dun. the LAnglo-French offensive
seems to have increased their deter
mtnation, possibly in the hope Of pre-
venting the French from sending re.
Inducements to Somme.
British observers express satisfac-
tion with the progress made. WITH
heayy casualties caused by the BON.
pardment and the taking Of $4,000
prisoners and a great quantity OF war
material, together with the subse-
quent losses inflicted in counter at
tacks, 1t is believed here that the
German power OF resistance must
have been weakened.
The Russians continue to record
successes, some of which are OF great
Importance, along their whole front
from Riga to the Carpathians. They
nave crossed the railway between
Deiatyn, west OF Kolomen, and Kor-
osmezo, one of the main lines be-
tween Gallcia and Hungary. upon
which the Austrians depend largely
to supply. their army at Stanisla,l
and before Tarnopol. This places the
army OF Gen. Won Bothmanf in d still
more dangerous position, and It Is
thought he may decide to withdraw
toward Lemberg.
In the Lutsk salient at Barau-
oticha and along the Riga front tie
Russians also claim to be making
progress and to have repulsed cojin-
ter attacks. Z.
German correspondents express
the opinion that General lKuropatkin
Is repairing an offensive In the wilma
region.
The situation In the Caucasus IA
somewhat confusing. Turkish and
Russian reports are more at variance
than usual. both claiming victories IN
the Tchoruk region on the Russian
right. u -
BEFORE, VERDUN.
PARIS, July 6.-South of the
Somme the night passed in QUIET. "A
German counter attack ON Belloy
was REFUSED easily. The French have
captured rs cannon and several hun
ored machine guns.
There was no infantry fighting OF,
the Verdun front. The war office
says the Germans are attempting to
lombard the cathedral al. .Verdun.
THE GERMAN REPORT.
BERLIN. July 6.-Attempts made
by the French yesterday to advance
In the woods southwest Of Fort vaux
In the Verdun sector were srepulsed,
says the official statement issued to-
day at German army headquarters.
Similar efforts made by the French
to recapture the Damloup hill bat
terry. the statement adds, were unsuc-
cessful. =
GERMANS. ADMIT LOSSES.
BERLIN, July 6.-French troops
yesterday made an attack along O mar
row front in the Aisne district to the
south OF Ville-aux-bois northwest Of
Rheims, the official statement says.
The attack was not successful and cost
the French serious loses.
Between the Ancre brook and the
river somme and in the region south
Q fthe river. says todays statement.
fighting continues. Minor progresses
made by British troops near Thiepvai
1t is added was balanced by counter
attacks,
Further to the south the British sue
ceeded In obtaining q firm foot hold
In advance trench salient.
The headquarters staff announces
that the small village of Hem IN tho
somm valley has been evacuated by
the Germans.
Belloy.En-Santerre southwest Of
Peronne has been captured by the
French. The, fighting around Estrees
Il is added, has como 10 ftandstill