The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1917-04-26
CAV ELLE
! STILL HELD
By BRIT ISL
Fourth Day Finds
Battle of Arras
Undecided
| GREAT SACRIFICES
Germans Go to Great
\ Lengths to Prevent News
Travelling.
GREAT SACRIFICES

The fourth day of the terrific strug-
gle on the British front in France has
opened with both sides still striving
for the decision. The Germans have
resorted to the terribly costly tactics
ON massed attack and have apparently
succeeded in checking the British ad-
vance. This partial success has been
won, according to spectators OF the IT,
tantic conflict, at staggering toll Of
human life.
1t would seem as II the revolution
airy mutterings which were ominous-
ly swelling through Europe prior to
the inception of the great battle were
drowned In the thunders of the battle
field, but indications are not lacking
that momentous events are about te
occur behind the fighting line. The
summary adjournment of the Reich
stag when its sitting had barely open.
ed is given added significance by hints
in the German press that the strike
agitation in Germany may burst forth
with renewed violence on May day, the
great international socialist holiday.
A nation wide demonstration in Swe-
den is also planned for that day and
may have its counterpart in Spain.
No news OF any Importance has come
from Austria in several days, fact
which has given fresh vigor to the ever
re-current reports of intention or eff
forts on the part of the dual monarchy
to seek q separate peace. No conftrma'
ton of the reports is available from
any reliable source but there is more
definite tidings Of the status of affairs
in Turkey the third member Of the
Germans imperial triumverate.
Returning travellers tell appalling
stories of the devastation wrought by
disease and starvation in the ottoman
empire. They also repeat the oft told
story that the Turkish people are sick
at heart over the war and its Nntatled
misery, but are kept in subsection by
the iron hand of Enver Bey and his
German colleagues.
A striking example OF the rigidity of
the German censorship Is afforded by
news that no German newspaper Is al
lowed to leave the empire without be-
ing passed by government Officials.
Wire fences charged with electricity
have also been erected on the German
Swiss frontier and every possible pre-
caution taken to prevent details OF
what is tramspiring within the realms
of the Central Powers from reaching
the rest of the world.
Last nights fighting in the great bat
tie in the Arras region seems to have
been chiefly in connection with a re-
newed German effort to wrest from the
British the village Of Gavrelle.
Through the capture of this place on
Monday General Haig pushed sharp
wedge into the German lines along
Arras-Douat road. The Germans sacri-
feed thousands of men in attempts to
retake 1t but have failed completely.
Last nights efforts we're as fruitless
as the rest. The attacking forces we're
caught by the British artillery barrage
and broken up.
On the Aisne battle front the French
also had to contend with violent Ger
man reaction. Several powerful at
tacks were made in an attempt to drive
General Niville's forces from the pla-
teau near the Chemin-des-Dames.
The Germans lost heavily in the
breaking of assaults by French artil-
lery fire.