The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-31
Germans Devastating Land Be-
hind New Defense.
Refugees Say German Soldiers
Growing RebelIiOus.
BERLIN REPORTS new RETREAT
Germans Give Way to British
Northwest of PerOnne.
Russ Fail in Heavy Attack
Against Prince Leopold.

with British Armies A11elO, Marcn
31.-British officers saw~signs behind
the German lines today that the Teu-
tons were uncertain of their ability to
hold their new defensive positions.
This belief was based on reports of
numerous fires, series of explosions
and preparations reported in progress
by the Germans for flooding opera
tions of the same character as those
adopted in their retreat to the Hin
denburg line
Moreover, French civilians left be-
hind by the wave of retreating Ger
mans reported an increasing diSSatlS-
faction spreading among the German
soldiers themselves. Before leaving
many citizens said the soldiers reveal
ed to them a situation in Germany
somewhat akin to that which preced-
ed the Russian revolution. The SOL
diers expressed general dissatisfaction
with the state of affairs at home. They
, said they were treated like dogs in the
army. while their folks at home were
regarded as mere cattle" French in
habitants declared an oft-repeate1
phrase they heard from the German
soldiers was that when the war is
over those who are responsible will
have to suffer"
Buy Towns With Script.
British troops forging steadily
ahead, are tremendously interested in
American developments. A favorite
greeting which I heard everywhere is:
Good morning, ally. what's the lat
est 20
A new German plan for raising
money was revealed at Jeacourt and
other French cities recently occupied
by the British forces At Jeacourt. the
German officials inquired what the
commune was worth, and on being
| told, promptly issued notes for this
full amount, forcing the French civil
officers of the town to sign these obh-
cations. A number of other villages
reported they were victims of the
same plan.
Berlin, March Silvia Sayville
Wireless) -Encountering stronger
British forces, German troops north
east of Peronne and north of Resell
gave way on line from Ruyalcourt to
SoreI, today's official statement as
serted. Elsewhere, particularly at
points near Melville and Marginal and
east of Melville st. Vaast. French and
British attacks were bloodily repulsed.
ION the Artois front" the state
ment said, ARTILLERY fighting was live
". On both sides of the road from
Peronne to Fins our rear guards re-
tired toward Ruyalcourt and Sorel af-
ter enga gements with superior Eng
lish forces Northeast of scissors,
French battalions tried in vain to gain
ground. Their attacks against our out
posts near Melville and Marginal were
repuIsed with heavy losses.
Contemplated attacks indicated by
the gathering of forces between Sapig-
neul and Laneuville on the Aisne and
Marine canal We're frustrated by our
batteries. In Champagne also French
troops being held in readiness for at
tack We're shelled."
Russ Offensive Fails.
Of the actions in the east. the state
ment says:
IAN attack by several Russian COM
panies on Prince Leopold's front west
of Duenaberg failed, due to German
fire.
I'm Macedonia a thrust into the
Prespa lakes yesterday yielded several
quick loading guns and large stores of
ammunition
Melville St. WAIST is about four
miles north of Arras, at the topmost
point of what has generally been re-
garded as the line of movement by
the Germans in their retreat.
The road from Peronne to Fins is
part of the general highway zig-zag-
ging from Peronne to Cambria
Ruyalcourt and Sorel are approx
mately seven miles northeast of Pc
rome, near this highway.
Four Canadian Attacks Fail.
Neuville and Marginal are approx
mately six miles northeast of scissors
in the general direction of Anizy lie
Chateau.
Canadian troops made four attacks
last night on German positions east of
Cuville ST WAIST, the war office an
nounces. They were repulsed with
heavy losses.