The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-10-29
DEVELOP MENTS
OF IMPORTANCE
ARE IMPENDING
In THE GREAT War
Secretary Baker Calls At
tention To Great Ac-
tiVity on All Fronts
PREDICTS NEW
GERMAN RETREAT
Italy Stemmed Previous
Assault And Will Stem
This One
IBy Associated Press.l

(By Associated Press)
Washington, Oct. 2s.-Important
developments are impending in the
great war, Secretary Baker indicates
in his official review OF last weeks
operations on all fronts. which con-
cludes with the brief statement that
certain units of the American forces
in France have taken their places on
the battle front to complete their
training. This Is the war depart
ment's first mention OF the fact that
General Pershings men are on the
firing line.
1t is the wave Of activity during
the week on nearly every front, how
ever, that caught the secretary's at
tention. Significant operations are
in progress, he says. both east and
west, on the Italian fronts, in Mace
donia, Rumania, MeBOpotamta and
even in East Africa. On the western
front, he said, a new strategic re-
treat Of the German forces appears
to be the next move expected and
they must move back under critical
circumstances from between the two
wedges, those Of Flanders and the
Aisne, which have been driven re-
lentlessly into their line by the Brit
ish and the French.
Italy is passing through a difficult
moment, Mr.. Baker says. The Aus
tro-G German drive is being pressed
forward by imposing forces. But
once before Italy stemmed the tide
of an Austrian rush, under less fav-
orable conditions for the defenders.
he points out. and hurled the enemy
back with only a taste Of victory
during the first days Of his terrific
onslaught. Winter Is now coming TO
the aid CT the ItaliaHsf
Secretary's Review.
The secrtaTy's review follows:
Renewed activity prevails in all
theatres OF war.
Important developments would
appear TO be impending.
Along the western, eastern and
Italian fronts, in Macedonia, Ru-
mania, Mesopotamia and even in
East Africa. significant operations
are in progress.
THE two outstanding features OF
the situation of the week are the re-
lentless British offensive in the YpreH
salient, resulting in substantial gains
Of terrain OF important strategic
value and the sudden well aimed and
sustained thrust Of the French north
Of the Aisne.
1T is evident that the allied drives
along the western front are broaden
ing in scope and intensity. The whole
front. from the Houtholst wood
through the Passchendaele ridge
southwark TO Lens and on to the
creasingly heavy allied pressure.
which the enemy Is withstanding
with difficulty.
Side by side the French and Brit
ish are pushing on through the
Flemish lowlands towards Roulers.
The enemy, believing he might
find a rift in the otherwise i'm
pregnable allied line at the point Of
junction between the Franco British
forces, directed repeated heavy
counter attacks in this segment.
These were repulsed.
Holding Down Cost.
while the British attacks during
the past week have been carried out
with imposing effectiveness, IL Is ap-
parest that the British command Is
maneuyering in order to gain iEn-
portant tactical advantages at a
minimum cost.
THE casualties TO the enemy are
rising steadily.
Slowly the allies are enlarRing
their gains in Flanders, driving into
the heart Of German resistance In
the west.
THE German armies fight on stub
bornly. IL any further evidence OF
allied superiority be needed, ii seems
to be supplied by the decisive sue
eesses won by the French during the
week.
This offensive was launched on a
six mile front near the west end of
the Chemin -des-Dames at dawn on
Oct. 20.
General Petain SO well masked
h aEw gaH 80
taken by surprise as to the exact ter
rain chosen for the attack and was
overwhelmed before being able to or
ganize a concentrated resistance.
The German lines were penetrat-
ed to a depth OF we'll over two miles
at one point.
This first attack was immediate-
ly followed by a second assault in
this same sector. crowned with fun
success.
In three days lighting, the French
have taken 10000 prisoners, I20 guns
OF large calibre and a great Quantity
Of other booty not yet enumerated.
The possession OF the captured
fort OF Malmaison. the key to the en-
tire ridge and the villages beyond,
now makes II possible for the French
to enhlade the German positions
along the Chemin -des-D Danes as well
as TO fire directly through the valley
towards the fortress OF Laon.
General Petain showed himself q
past master Of strategy In being
able to attain so decisive a victory
in so brief a period.
Expect New Retreat.
The time has apparently come for
another strategic retreat Of the en-
emy. IL means that the Germans
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