Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-10-30
WASHINGTON HEARTENED
BY LATE NEWS FROM ROME
Many Officers Believe Cadorna VIII
Check Drive II Morale OF Army
Is Not Shattered.
ALLIES PREPARING TO HELP
Belief Prevails That Underlying Mo-
tive OF German High Command Is
Purely Political-Attnck Launched
With Lavish Stage Effects.
TBv Associated Press.l


WASHINGTON, October 29.-Word
from Rome to-day that the Italian line
was holding against the terrific as
sault Of the Austro-German forces was
received by official Washington with
eager interest and frank relief. Mill
tary authorities here have not dis
guised their keen anxiety. az press re-
ports showed the Italians failing back
under the crushing blows of the enemy.
Satisfaction was found also tonight
In, the announcement from London that
steps already had been taken by the
French and British TO support the
Italian front. There was no indica-
tion OF what operations that announce
ment might foreshadow.
Even accepting the German claims at
face value. many officers here believe
General Cadorna will be able 10 check
the drive II the morale Of his army
was not shattered. The announcement
from Rome that all elements Of the
Italian forces were obcying orders Of
the general staff was viewed setting
at rest. for the time at least. tho
graveHt fears for the final outcome OF
the struggle.
The announcement was taken to mean
that General Cadorna had succeeded in
reuniting the forces scattered by the
fierce rush Of the Aus,ro-Gcrman
forces. and was falling back steadily
and behind wcll-organizcd defense to
the limo selected for stand.
MIGHT FIND IT NECESSARY
TO SURRENDER MUCH GROUND
In his weekly summary, made pub
lie to-day, Secretary Baker said Italy
was passing through critical moment
The statement; was prepared before the
full extent OF the attack had developed,
4 teI Ip,n
circles here that General Cadorna
might find IL necessary to surrender
much OF the ground won so recently
by his forces, when only the Austrians
faced them.
The belief prevails here that the un-
DERIVING motive Of the German nigh
command. which is directing the attack
and has furnished the men and gums
Tor the drive, is II purely political one
Army officers point out that /, was
launched with lavish stage effects; with
the Austrian Emperor announced as IL,
supreme command. and with tho Ger
man general, Won Mackensen. tn. guild
Ing genius OF the movement Already
Won Mackcnscn has swept back m.
RUSSIAN lines. overrun Serbia. and all
but crushed the Roumanian forces in
similar drives He is regarded as IN.
striking head OF the German war ma
chine. the man of the hour when a
Hean-ionE assault Is TO he delivered
with such an association Of dig
nitar!es leading the heralded on
slaught. some observers assert that
anything short ol the annihilat!on OF,
the Italian armies must be regarded as
Z negative German victory If not de-
feat.
POLITICAL PARTY LINES
VANISHING IN ROME
Reports from Rome that political
party lines arc vanishing in the grca,
emergency support tho belief no politi-
ca! uphcaval IL 10 b" expected. on The
contrary, in view o! some diplomats
the assault probably Will serve TO steel
the Italian people to cooperative 81
Tort against the enemy, such as they
have only dreamed OF heretofore
Rchind the position into which tho
Italians now hav. been forced lies .hc
old defense line established many
years ago by Italian soldiers. the line
OF Sc. II was selected because of
natural advantages. and along the line
new rail and wagon roads. dis;ribut
Ing machinery and all that for The
maintenance Of great army are said
10 have been provided in anticipation
of a backward movement