New-York tribune., 1916-07-22
Haig Beats Germans
at Scene of Their
Big Attack.
FRENCH REPULSE
COUNTER THRUST
Allied Critics See Evidence
Kaiser Cannot Gather
Reserves Enough.
By ARTHUR S. DRAPER.

London, July 21.-Driving the
Germans back over the same ground
from which they launched their
great counter attack early in the
week, the British last night forced
them through the Foureaux wood,
on the crest Of the Albert plateau.
A counter attack in which gas
shells and bombs were used won
back portion of the wood, but the
British held the southern half
against the most violent assaults,
and tonight are preparing to seize
the rest of the position.
AT the same time German counter
attacks against the positions won by
the French yesterday south of Soye-
court were thrown back with heavy
losses, and General Foch's men spent
the day almost unmolested in consol-
idating their new lines.
Germans Admit Loss.
The German official statement to-
night admits the loss of three kilo-
metres of first line trenches south
Of Hardicourt, but makes no men,
tion of other actions. 1t states that
the Allies used 100000 men in the
I Thursday attacks, and says their 4
maximum gain was 500 yards. A
little ground was gained, the Brit
ish admit, by a German drive at
the northern edge of the Leipsic
salient, south of Thiepval, but it
was quickly won back. No effort
was made by the Kaser's forces to
press the attack around Verdun.
Correspondents at the front say
the Germans are bringing masses Of
troops from Verdun and guns from
ether points, in an endeavor to stem
the Allied advance. Meantime, the
indications are that the Allies are
testing the strength Of the German
line at other points. A French raid
by Australian troops in the neigh
borhood of Armentieres has attract
ed much interest in this connection.
The Germans report that another
raid near La Bassee failed and that
1000 men were left on the field.
failed.
German Attacks Weaken.
These actions, while showing ar
ether slackening of the Anglo
French drive, give the utmost salts
faction to military critics here, espe-
cially when considered along with
the Russian success against General
Won Linsingen and the continued
Italian gains. The facts that General
Haig was able to push the German
nne back in the same place where
their counter offensive had been
started. that the German attacks on
the Leipsic salient and near Soye-
court have been weak and ineffective,
and that the French have stopped all
Ierdun attacks, convince observers
here that the hoped-for exhaustion
of the German reserves is certain.
They believe it has been proved that
the Teutons cannot muster enough
men at any one point for a real Of
fensive, and that the combined et-
tack from all sides is already begin
ming TO tell heavily.
Foureaux Wood Important.
The capture OF the Foureaux Wood is
regarded by the strategists as OF tbs
greatest Importance, because it is the
highest spot in the area. and is on the
third and strongest German line. It's
ridge commands the German positions
beyond. toward Bapaume, where tho
country does not lend itself easily 10
defence.
The wood is the place where tbs
spectacular British cavalry charge took
place last Saturday. A squadron OF
dragons was hurled forward against
German detachments which were ham,
pering the work Of consolidating newly
won British ground to the south, over
whelmed them and withdrew.
The whole effect Of the last two days
fighting has been 10 straighten out the
British Somme front from It's norther-
most point 70 where il joins the French
line.
The effect Of the occupation Of the