Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-10-30
WILL HELP
STRICKEN ITALIANS:
100000 PRISONERS
TAKEN BY TEUT0NS
French And British War Councils Take
Steps to Rush Reinforcements to
Cadorna's Assistance; Germans
Drive Latins Toward Udine
''sTAND FIRM" IS PLEA |coRIzlA FALLS TO HUNS

! OSHuO lSlUu9 ~ 1It
London, Oct. 2s.-steps al
ready have been taken for render
Ing the fullest possible assistance
to the Italians.
Washington, D. c., Oct 29.-Lack Of
material. munition and guns, together
with unseasoned troops on the right
wing in the face of an overwhelming
Austro-Ge force coming from the
Russian borders, are the causes as
! signed by technical experts OF the ltal'
ian mission here for the Italian defeat
in the Julian Alps.
There must be reformation of the
fighting lines, they say, and a resump.
ton of the Italian offensive cannot be
expected before next spring, the cam
paign meanwhile being of necessity on
defensive lines.
RELIEF is ASSURED.
| Members of the mission are conf
dent that relief and assistance will be
forthcoming very soon from ltaly's
allies. Men are not wanted; Italy has
an abundance of men. Munitions,
steel, coal, cannon and, last but not
least, food, are what must be had at
once
The Italian right, which first failed
under the enemy's great assault. 1t is
said here, was composed of territorials,
not seasoned in war. The break made
1t necessary for the whole front to be
withdrawn to avoid a flanking attack.
The Italian general staff knew that no
less than 100000 German and Austrian
troops were facing Cadorna's army.
Nevertheless the attack, could have
been resisted successfully. Italians
here say, had heed<been given by the
tAllies to ltaiy's cAifs fos naurf6uns ants
supplies.
cANNoNs WERE USELESS.
Most OF the 700 cannons lost were
taken without having fired a shot for
lack Of ammunition.
That the allies will now make every
effort to supply the Italian army is not
doubted.
In throwing her enormous force
against the Italians, the mission here
believes Germany has played her great
est card The Italians when turned
back, were within forty-five miles OF
Leibach, which in the opinion OF the
Italian general staff was the key to
success and its capture would have
meant the collapse of Austria.
AID is PROMISED.
London, Oct. 29.-The following
article is printed conspicuously by the
Times today:
There is reason to believe that the
critical situation on the Italian front
has received and is receiving the
prompt and sympathetic consideration
of the French and British govern
ments. 1t is understood that the ltal-
ian commander-in-chief already knows
that he may rely on the most prompt
and fullest support it may be in the
power Of the allies to give"
HELP PROMISED DEFINITELY.
That Great Britain and France must
go promptly to Italy's help is the view
by several morning newspa-
pers. The Times, besides printing a
statement implying knowledge that
such help is contemplated. says editor
tally:
"Our word to the people of Italy
is to stand firm, for help will surely
our front as much as the Somme and
our utmost without delay to repair it
There is no need for alarm. but there
is the utmost need for promptitude and
broadness OF vision"
LONDON VIEWS DIFFER.
The Daily Chronicle. taking ismlar
view, says it ought to be possible to1
have British or French divisions or
both in north Italy in a very short
time. The Daily News, on the other
hand, while holding ii incumbent on
the allies to consider how best to sue
cor Italy, thinks it is impossible to
send direct relief on the scale the sit !
lation demands.
While all the newspapers recognize !
he gravity of Italy's peril strong con-
fidence is expressed in General Ca
lorna and the Italian army with the !
conviction that they ultimately will
emerge VIGOROUSLY.
PRAISE FOR BEATEN ARMY. I
Italian perseverance and success of j
he past are recalled with warm ad /
and the weakness of some /
inks in the defensive chain is con-
ioned. The Times says:
"The troops's so suddenly and fiercely !
ried have not blanched The gallant |
Italian army has proved its courage /
md devotion so often in this war that
. single unfortunate episode leaves no
stain on its honor"
FRANCE PLANS AID.
Paris, Oct. 29.-Before the meeting
If the cabinet last evening to deter
nine upon cooperation Of the allies on
he Italian front. Premier Painleve
songerred with Gen. Petain. the com
and General Foch.