The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-03-18
BAPAUME IS.
CAPTURED BY.
ALLIED FORCES
Steady Pressure Drives the
Germans from Places Held
Over Two Years
RUSSIA BEING
MADE STABLE
Ex-Enpress and the Crown
Prince of Russia Are
In Finland
by AssocIATEp PRESS.

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS.
London, March 17.-Bapaume, the
center of the German defenses on the
Ancre river front, fell into British
hands this morning. Simultaneously
Achiet-le-Petit, to the northwest of
Bapaume, ond lie Transley, town
almost the same distance to the
southwest, were, according to press
dispatches from army headquarters,
entered by the British troops.
Bapaunne was set on fire by the
Germans before their departure which
only occurred after stiff fighting.
The fall of Bapaume had been antici-
pated for some time and the capture
of Achiet-le -Petit and lie Transloy
were looked upon as necessary con-
sequence of that event
The British public, however, hard
~ had hoped for such quick re-
suit of the continued British pres
sure following the German retire
ment, as it was believed the Germans
would make stubborn resistance on
Bapaume ridge so as to enable them
to retire from the Arras salient which
now becomes more pronounced than
ever.
Apparently the British following
up the advantage gained in the re-
cent operations prevented this being
done and as result German retreat
on a much larger scale is expected
by military writers.
Details of the operations with the
number of prisoners and the amount
of booty taken anxiously are awaited
as this will dispose of the question
whether the Germans are making q
"strategic retirement" or as the Brit
ish writers contend, are being driven
from their positions by British gun
fire and the never ending pressure OF
the infantry.
1t is believed here the new adj
vance of the British brings the Ger.
mans on the western front almost to
the edge of disaster for the retire
ments in the Arras salient and from
positions south of Peronne with the
British in control of so many of the
main roads, will be far from an easy
operation.
Allies Gain Further.
British troops have made another
extensive advance, entering German
positions on a front of about. sixteen
miles, according to an official report
tonight. French reports declare the
French advance guards entered the
important town of Roye and occupied
the entire front between Andechy and
the Disc, comprising the power
fully fortified lines which Germans
have held for more than two years
Stahilizing Russia.
London, March 17.-Unfolding oil
the Russian revolution is the dominat.
ing subject here, even surprising the
news of the continued German retire.
ment in France. 1t is recognized the
ability of the revolutionists to place
the government on a stable basis es
sential for the continuance of the wal
by the allies. There is hope tina
Grand Duke Michael will consider h,
has mandate from the people Il
rule. The most interesting sideligh
VII eaAS S2S0eAlAOAl ID A1OlIt v ACtlA4c W III
effect that Austrian officials conside
there is possibility of arranging
an armistice with Russia, but sucl
development is regarded here as Wis
ionary.
Ex-Empress in Finland.
A decision as to whether Gran
Duke Michael will occupy the thron
of Russia, abdicated by his brother,
left to the plebiscite Russian people
according to manifesto iss1eo b
the grand duke. The. car was me
at Pskoff by committee from tn
dunla and compelled to sign the abdi
cation. The Russian empress and tn
crown prince are reported safe in Fin
land. The Russian garrison defend
ing Helsingfors, the capital of Fin
land, is said to have mutinied and re
fused to join the revolution.