New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-25
Force the Foe from Two
Mountain Ridges and
Move Up Guns.
NEW ARMY MASSES
NEAR LAKE GARDA
King Victor Appeals to Troops
as Teuton Hosts Prepare
Invasion at New Point.
u, Gu. o ID. rrihun. ]


.,ovlv continuing their advance in the
TrroI To-day their huge guns forced
the Italians back in the Sugsna Valley,
where the Salubic ridge was captured
and The Italians driven from Pompel
Mountain. and in the Posina and Astico
valleys. where the defenders were
forced 70 give considerable ground.
'In the Sugana Valley" says to-
nights Italian statement. "the retire
ment Of our troops on their principle
line. which commenced the 22d, con-
tinues slowly and orderly.
The evacuation of the upper basin
Of the Posina and the Astico has now
been Effected in perfect order"
The fire Of the heavy howitzers was
notably diminished to-day. This does
not mean any lull in the attack, but is
believed 20 have been caused by the
moving forward Of the heavy Skoda
batteries. Placed on the mountain
sides. to which many Of them were
elevated only with the most heroic
efforts and the use Of pulleys and steel
cables. their removal necessarily is
slow. More than 5000 guns Of all de-
scr.ptons aided in the Austrian as
sault. Again in new positions they will
attempt to blast a way for a further
advance.
Italian aviators to-day brought re-
,orts of the assembling Of new army
60 The head of Lake Garda. This force,
Italian officers believe, is preparing to
strike along the eastern shore Of the
.rae in an attempt to invade Italy along
.s. northern province of Brescia.
Here. however. the Italians hold I'M
usually strong positions. They are es-
..5.ished on the steep Costabella Noun
tains. which they captured last winter
after the greatest efforts Their dis
]odrment Will be extremely difficult.
Italian Defences Weak.
TO understand the very serious task
confronting the Italians. two facts must
rot be overlooked. The first is that,
unlike the French at Verdun, the Ital-
isns do not have positions of increas.
ing strength 20 fall back on. Behind
them. instead of hills capable OF strong
defence. there is gradually descending
Ground TO the Venetian plain. This
gives the Austrians. backed by their
heavy artillery. great advantage.
mn g., Of rr-bf oh pgQn nQV he
comes more and more evident, Is that
.be Austrigns possess an overwhelm-
inc superiority in guns. The Italians
have not vet solved the problem OF
meeting the smothering fire Of artillery
be the French have done at Nerdun.
Their task has been more difficult, be-
cause. owing to the rocky character OF
the ground. il has been practically I'M
roesib1e 10 resort to underground smell
ONLY where the lines have been long
established hav the sappers uarrled OUT
hu-e galleries. Virtually no above
Ground defence against shell IRE mas
vet been found.
King Appeals to Troops.
KING Victor Emmanuel has addressed
the following order OF the day TO the
army and navy:
Soldiers of land and sea: Respond
ing with enthusiasm TO the appeal OF
the country a year ago, you fastened 10
fight. in conjunction with our brave
allies. our hereditary enemy and as,
sure the realization Of our national
claims
After having surmounted difficulties
OF every nature you have fought In a
hundred combats and won, for you have
the ideal Of Italy in your heart. But
the country again asks of you new ell
forts and more sacrifices.
81 do not doubt that you Will know
how 20 give new proofs Of bravery ana
force Of mind. The country, proud and
grateful. sustains you IN your arduous
task By it's fervent affections, its calm
demeanor and its admirable confidence.
81 sincerely hope that fortune VIII
accompany us in future battles, as you
accompany my constant thoughts
An Italian she'll has blown up the
largest munitions depot at Rovereto
and the town is now in flames, accord
ing 70 q Rome dispatch. Several heavy
guns were destroyed by the explosion.
The Austro-Hungarian official report
OF to-day says:
"North of the Sugana valley the
Austro- Hungarians have occupied the
ridge from Salubic TO Borgo. On the
frontier ridge south Of the valley the
Italians have been driven from Pompel
Mountain.
Further south the Italians are de-
Tending the heights east Of the Val
Dejassa and the fortified district Asisgo
and Arsiero. The srmored work OF
Csmpologno is in Austro Hungarian
hands. The Austro- Hungarian troops
have approached more closely the Val
D'Assa and Posnia Valley.