The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-10-28
YANKEE SOLDIERS
IN FRENCH LINE
FACING GERMANS
American Batteries, Already
in Action. Support
U. S. Troops.
is FINAL REHEARSAL
FOR GENUINE BATTLE
Last Training Touches to Be
Given in Blood and
Iron School.

was thriIled today by word that
American troops were face to face
with TIE Germans across Mo-
Mans land. Announcement by
General Pershing that several bat
taiions Of his infantry were in the
front line trenches, supported by
American batteries which already
had gone into action against the
enemy, famed new flame Of pa
triotism throughout the country.
The absolute silence with which Sec
retary Baker and war department Of
ficials greeted the news. however
showed that although the movement
had been expected at any time. il was
regarded only as the final phase of the
mems training--a military finishing
school conducted under fire-a school
of blood and iron. German shells are
breaking about the Americans and al
though they have not taken over the
trench sector, rifles, machine guns
bombs and bayonets in American
bands will greet any enemy attack
Prepared for News.
Secretary Bakers silence Indicated
no official report of the occupation Of
the trenches had been received Gen
eral Pershing is the judge of all mat :
ters regarding training his force ard he
probably did not inform the depart :
ment of his plans in advance as every
effort was made to prevent the enemy
from learning what was afoot.
1t is certain. however, that the de-
partment was fully prepared for the
news. Secretary Bakers latest re-
view of the war situation this week in :
dicatea that American troops in France
were nearing the end of their strenu-
Gus training behind the lines Even
this proves they have progressed 81
rapidly in modern trench warfare that
their commanders and French instruc
tors believe them ready for the final
lesson.
Casualties Are Certain,
Casualties among the American
forces are to be expected Reports
from the front already show intermit
| tent artillery firing and we'll aimed
shell may claim American victims a:
any moment. There is nothing to in :
dicate. however. that an offensive op-
! GRAFTON by the Americans and ;llai.
! French associates is to be expected
| outside of possible trench raids The
| section where the front line training
school has been established is de
scribed as one of the au atest on tie
front, and if this condition continues
| it will tend to minimize losses.
There is believed to be some good
i reason why the sector is luict it m;.
be there is nothing to be sainel by at
| fan, atf
acter of the country, disposition Of re-
serve bases. difficulties of !ransporta-
tion or other considerations Nigh. b..
responsible for the inactivity
Is Final Rehearsal.
! The report from the front indicates
all American forces will be ei".r
| trench duty In reliefs as the final
touch of preparation. The Who'll,
business of relieving and supplying tho
front lines can be carried or undo.
actual war conditions and under fire
1t appears to be military final re,
hearsal of the grim days of conflict /.
come and such fighting as max nccuI
probably will serve only to give In,
ahead.
In time a complete section oi tn,
front will be Americanized in ever,
detail How wide this front will b,
or where it is to be located, and smi
lar questions are matters about whicl
no SPECULATION is permitted. Today's an
nouncement brings appreciably closer
however, the day when the actua
fighting front OF the American arm
in France will be established and whel
American energy will be engaged di
rectly in the task of crushing German
military power.