New-York tribune., 1916-07-18
Troops Now Within
Striking Distance of
TeutOns' Sd Line.
WATERLOO FARM
is CAPTURED
British Artillery Fire in
Many Places Increases
in Violence.
rBy Cable 70 rhe Tribune ]

London, July 17.-General Haig
is now within striking distance of
the Albert plateau, on which lie the
German third line and Bapaume.
Progress has been made northward
and eastward from the Contalmaison
salient. The wedge, growing larger
each day, becomes an increasing
menace to the whole line to Arras.
North of Bazentin-le-Pe Wood
1900 yards Of the German second
line were carried by assault. Thus
the wedge was forced northward.
East of Longueval the Waterlot
farm, a strong German position was
carried, advancing the wedge east
: ward.
The British hold on the German
second line was strengthened by the
capture of remaining positions in
Ovillers and La Boisselle, at the base
of the wedge. Thus Haig's front has
been carried forward almost TO the
crest of the Albert plateau. Fur
ther important successes have been
gained" is the official description of
the days work.
Rain and Mist Interfere.
"Rain and heavy mist again inter-
fered with the operations" the War
Office anhounced tonight, but appar-
emily the heavy guns are still pound
ing heavily at the opposing line.
Between the sea and the Ancre,"
says the German statement, "the
British at many points increased their
fire to great violence"
This comparative calm, however, Is
merely the prelude to fresh endeavors
TO come as soon as the consolidation
of the newly-won British positions is
completed. STEADY and sure" is now
the slogan of the British movement.
It contrasts sharply with the impetu-
Gus and futile dashes of many earlier
offensives.
The consolidation OF defences over
six miles of the second German line
is necessarily slow, but extremely
necessary. For the fierce German
counter-attacks must be prepared
against amply.
From Berlin comes an official tele-
gram that the Kaiser is now in the
Somme battle sector, where he has
made speeches to his army, presented
many Iron Crosses and listened to
reports from his generals.
Counter Attacks Expected.
The presence of the Emperor on the
Picardy front is accepted as almost
certain indication that the Germans
will launch a very heavy counter at
tack. II is also considered a good in
/ dex Of the Teuton strength opposite the
/ British lines.
General Haig evidently is adhering
closely 70 his schedule. He is unmoved
by striking gains, but is pushing stead
ily forward. The general opinion here
is that a great amount OF artillery
preparation remains TO be done.
Meanwhile the Russians. timing their
blows carefully, are forcing the Ger
mans back steadily. The withdrawal
Of Linsingen's troops southwest OF
Lutsk shows that the Cars force:
have lost none OF their vigor and that
the threat TO the enemy on two fronts
is still growing.
France and Russia Advance.
Both in Russia and in France tho
Allied armies have broken through
many lines of defences and are press
ing into comparatively open country
With no decrease in the pressure OF
the Kaiser's lines, the battles become
more critical hourly.
In local actions during the rain sn'
mist the British have captured add
tional German prisoners in the Somm
region and brought their total sine
July | up TO is9 officers and 1877
men of other rank. In addition, seven
teen heavy and 1873 lighter guns hav
fallen into British hands during thi
period, not counting many not ye
. brought in and others destroyed b
bombsrdments.
. General Haig, for the -6rst time, pre-
duced evidence to-day. q the shape Q