The Washington times., 1917-10-17
TYPHOONF FIRE
AIDS BRITISH
DRIVE INTO
GERMAN LINE

Win NcfIS1Die IypnOOh VI A1Si
the allies are driving a wedge into
lthe German line in Flanders. Sooner
or later this wedge may split the
Teuton line, and permit Of hanking
move, instead Of the unceasing
frontal attacks, which up to recent
date have meant only throwing men
into the maelstrom of slaughter
without real tactical advantage.
This significant fact developed to-
day in Secretary of War Bakers
weekly war summary. The "typhoon
fire" rained on the German is caus-
ing him real concern; in fact, such
deep worry that he has been forced
to "amsnd his tactical dispositions in
an effort TO meet the shock Of shell
rained upon his lines" The front
has been so extended with the French
aiding that the Flanders fighting is
practically revolutionary.
No Longer q Salient.
'Tt is no longer to be considered
"a Salient" says the summary, "bUt
an ever-sxtending wedge progress
.Hiyely driven into the German lines
From a military standpoint. this
Is one Of the most significant de-
.Velopmsnts OF the war, inaamuch as
1T marks a departure from the OUT
.snd-out frontal attack which tAe-'
tieians have said is little more than
continuous murder. With this wedge
driven through, the whole west front
.nghting would take on a. changed
character. with a chance for strategy
instead Of shells and men as the
predominant and determined fact,r.
Text of Statement.
The Secretary's statement says:
The allied offensive in Flanders con
tinues methodicaIly. Assigned detectives
attained with increasing regularity indi-
scats efficient coordIHationsof artillery
preparation and infantry attacks. The
precision Of the allies barrage is proved
by the low casualties of the assaultins
columns.
The deadly eject Of allied artillery
'nre is confirmed TO u by reports reach
aSng rs regarding the concern Of the Ger
-tnan high command at the new allied
typhoon' nre. which Is compelling the
enemy to amend his tactical dispositions
in Al effort to meet the shock Of shell
srained upon his lines.
French participation in the opera
stions IN Flanders u the outstanding fsa-
sure Of events during the past week.
dThe success attained by the French
forces operating north OF the British SEQ
1tor. more particularly in the neighbor-
hood Of Houtnulst wood. have given the
allied advance In Flanders the needed
elbow room. .- s.-.-
ChhhGsd IN Character.
The zone of operations in the Ypres
1alient, formerly too narrow for the
proper disposition OF large masses of
Troops, has now, by the French CO.
operation and their recent succassful ad-
tFance. 50 extended the line that fighting
in what was the Tpres salient has
schanged IN character. 1t Is no longer
TO be considered a salient. but an ever
lextending wedge progressively driven
Unto the German lines.
The operations OF the French dur
ring the past week are. in fact, COM
Elementary TO the engagements which
eresulted in the capture OF Messines
by the British last June. During the
engagements of the week the French
'everywhere maintained the positions
won in the face OF repeated on
alGuRhts.
As was TO be expected at tAis sea
sson, bad weather has somewhat re-
tarded the allied advance. Opera