New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-03
Artillery Opens Fire
Across Tagliamento,
and Great Battle
Impends +
Germans Plan
Blow in Rear
Mass Air and Land
Forces to Cut OFF
Present Line of
Defence

LONDON. Nov. 2.-Thc Tagliamento
river line in Northern Italy is to be
the scene of one Of the greatest battles
OF the war. il present indications prove
true. Already artillery fighting has
spread along the new front from Cod
roipo TO the sea, with Mackcnsen's
great army firmly established along the
entire eastern bank of the stream.
From Italian headquarters comes an
announcement that the Italian and Al
lied commands are preparing for a
counter offensive from the Taglia-
mento. This dispatch adds that Ca.
dorna's army is now firmly on it's feet,
that the broken attachments have been
recognized and that all is ready for
the great battle.
Meanwhile, hints of Developments OF
the Trentino front that may over.
shadow even the immense military
movements Of the last ten days con-
tinue to pour in from Swiss sources.
The Germans are declared to b. co.,.
centrating a great feet Of supcr-zep-
pelins and enormous infantry and ar.
tillery forces in that region.
May Strike In Trentino
Since the capture of Udine. Swiss
soldiers on the frontier heights OF
Grisons report, the number OF troop
and heavy artillery trains going ia
the direction of Trent has doubled.
The Germans have been taking every
precaution, according to these advices.
to conceal from observers the strength
OF the forces they arc mobilizing in the
Trentino. 1t is the belief omorg these
soldiers that Mackensen, in the event
of his failure TO continue advancing
will intrench on the Tagliamerto EIs
as strongly as the Germans intr2rched
in France following the Battle Of the
Marne.
The real test OF the Italian army
Is yet to come. So far, according TO
the official statements, the only actions
along the Tagliamento have been 4
between patrol bodies and the oppos-
ing artillerics. Attempts Of German y
advance guards 10 get nearer the east
ern bank were repulsed by ma nine gun
fire. CaGorna reports. owing TO tho
flooded condition Of the river u is
doubtful If the Austro- Germans will
make any serious efforts 10 carry tho
battle across the stream for a day or
TWO yet.
Italians Taken BY SurprI..
James Ian MacPherson. Psrliamen-
tary Secretary 20 the British War
Office. declared to-day that no doubt
mad been expressed by Cadorna or
the Italian Government % the British
General stat OF the Italians ability
20 meet the enemy's attack along the
Isonzo. which they knew was about 10
be made. No request for aid had been
received from Italy before the drive
began, he added. This appears 10 bear
out the idea that the Teuton offensive
vas wholly in the nature Of a sur
prise and that Cadorna had no con-
ception Of the size Of the forces op-
posed 70 MIN.
The real danger 20 Italy from
enemy attack lies not along the Taglis-
mcnto line. where Cadorna will have
powerful forces, including French and
British troops, al his command. but
along the Trentino front. II is believed
in military circles here. The Trentino
region extends in a wide loop south
ward into Italian territory, so that At
most points it is due west OF the
present battle front along the Taglia-
nento.
Face New Peril
An army invading Italy from, this
sector could quickly penetrate to tho
lear of the Italian forces on the
Tagliamento. and unless a rapid and
orderly retreat were made cut of
large numbers Of Cadorna's troops.
such a movement would be fraught
with peril TO the Italians. as il would
compel a retirement 10 the Pisve. be-
yond which Cadorna could not 60 with
cut surrender.ng Venice and the whole
ol Venetia to the enemy.
The reports Of German concentra-
tion Of forces on the Trentino front,
though not official, must be taken Sc
riously in view Of these facts. Shortly
sitter I:aly entered the war Austria
made a determined effort to enter the
Italian plains from the Trentino. Aus
trian legions drove forward as far as
the Asiago Plateau, and were threaten.
ing the whole region Of northern Italy
when they were checked. IL the Ger
mans now are able 10 succeed where
Austria failed the menace to Italy will
be great.
From the Asiago Plateau and the re.
gion 10 the north and southwest, near
Lake Garda. the ground slopes down to
the sea. threaded by innumerable
streams. Such valleys as the Sugans,
Lagarina. Astico. Brenta and Piave Of
fer favorable opportunities for an ad-
vance toward the Adriatic coast and the
centres OF Vincenza and Treviso, -
which good railroad lines run from the
Alpine passes.
This is the real danger which the
Italians must watch out for during tho
succeeding days, while they are en-
gagged in repelling the enemy ct the