The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-04-10
SWEEP GERMANS
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claimed as to the retreat in the Somme
sector having been pre-arranged and
strategical, it is commended that their
recoil before the blow delivered in the
Arras-Lens region cannot be explained
away in any such manner. It is urged
that there is no possible voluntary ele-
ment in this retirement and there can
be no dispute as to who took the in
itiatiVe.
New chapter in the conflict on the
western front has begun and whether
or not it is to prove the beginning of
a decisive battle it is believed accord
ing to the prevalent opinion here that
it will lead to results of the highest
Importance.
Scene of Many Battles.
The main feature of the battle thus
far is the character of Vimy ridge.
The immense value of this series of
heights, which dominate the plain
from an elevation of 400 to 500 feet,
has been recognized thruout the war
and great sacrifices have been re-
garded as justifiabie if they resulted
in its possession.
! The French and Germans fought
fiercely for control of the ridge in
the summer of 1915, both sides suf-
fering heavy losses, but in the end
the Germans held the main portion
of the position. Later the British took
over the French line and were ousted
by the Germans from the part of the
ridge which had been won by their
predecessors. One military critic
commenting on the present battle,
Vimy heights: They are admittedly
the bastion of the enemy's western
line. Whatever else has been allowed
to go. he held Vimy ridge with grim
resolve and lavished upon it all the
arts in Qualifications and defensive
Upon it hinges the whole strategy of
the enemys retreat in the west. With
Vimy firmly held he can swing his
line further south slowly back until
he has a mind to stand and he can
cover the French industrial districts
upon which he depends much for
supplies. But with Vimy gone, the
defense of these districts can hardly
be maintained. The pivot of the
whole retreat shifts and gives back
ward and is in instant risk of frac-
ture."
Forced From Mouse Front
The issues depending upon British
ability to hold the ridge are therefore
immense. At the moment. there is
nothing to suggest a doubt that the
ridge will be held but the battle is
still fiercely continuing and there is
little disposition here to indulge in
confident predictions. Nevertheless,
the opinion is expressed that If the
Germans are definitely driven from
the ridge without hope of re-attack-,
ing, they are likely enough to be COM
PEELED to acknowledge defeat and re-
tire to what is called the Meuse line,
running from Verdun thru Mezieres,
Maubeuge and Lille.
In the meantime, the nght1nS goes
on over a front of about fifty miles,
roughly from Lens to st. Quentin. the
center of attack being around North
of Arras AS far as Information shows,
everything is going we'll for the British
and justifies their sanguine hopes but
the comments today generally include
a warning not to allow these hopes to
run too high. The enemy is known
to have great reserves at hand, and
an iron compulsion binds him to make
every effort to avoid defeat. The pa
pers warn the country that it should
await the event in a spirit of sober ex-
pectation and that it is not the time for
exuberant Boosting.
Report of Last Nights Fighting.
London, April 10.-Today's official
announcement, which is timed 11:50
a. m. is as follows:
During the night there was severe
fighting at the northern end of Vimy
ridge, where the enemy had retained a
footing He was elected and an at
tempted counter-attack failed to ma
terialize. The eastern slope of the
ridge has been cleared of the enemy
and counter-attacks repulsed.
''Our troops seized the village of
Fampoux and neighboring defenses
north and south of the Scarpe.
The number of prisoners taken
yesterday exceeds 5000. More than
forty guns have been captured.
Near St. Quentin the enemy has
been driven from the high ground be-
tween Leverguler and Hargicourt.
Fighting continues thruout the whole