The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-01

in without the knowledge of the en- emy on the same night thru rain and mud
 The French soldiers in the trenches welcomed them enthusias- ticalIy.
 The nearest enemy trench is sew eral hundred yards away. The sec tor is one of the quietest on the front. IL has not been taken over being under the direction of the French
 First Shell Case to Wilson.
 The Americans have shelled Ger man positions and troops the enemy sending shell for shell. The first shell case will be sent to President Wilson. It now is in the possession of General Sibert. The shot was fired by a red-haired gunner as his comrades in the ranks and the as- sembIed officers cheered. Later luncheon in the field was attended " the American and trench artil- lerists in celebration of the first American contact with the enemy
 Using the French "75s.'
 The gun used in firing the first shot was one of the famous French 75s. On the second day the French shellcd a German battery position which had been located by sound and the enemy replied vigorously, proiectiles falling close Go the Amer jeans. who joined in the artillery duel All the troops will be relieved after a certain period
 Washington, Oct 2s The Nation was thrilled yesterday by word that the American troops at last were face to face with the Germans across No Mans Land Announce ment by General pershing that seV- eral battaions of his infantry were in the front line trenches supported by American batteries, which al ready had gone into action against Che enemy, famed anew the flame of patriotism thruout the country
 German shells are breaking about the Americans and. altho they have not taken over the trench sector, rifle and machine guns, bombs and bayonets in American hands viii greet any enemy attack.
 Take Over the Trenches Soon.
 In time, complete section of the front will be Americanized in every detail. How wide this front will be, where on the long line it is to be located, and similar questions. are matters about which no speculation is permitted. The announcement brings appreciably closer, however, the day when the actual fighting front of the American army in France will be established and when American energy will be engaged di- rectly in the task of crushing Ger man military power.
 The long period of waiting and preparation is past it's first irksomc stages From now on the military power of the United States in France will grow steadily and the results of the months of army build ing will begin to make themselves l felt in hard driven steel against the l German ranks.
 Even Baker Didn't Know.
 The silence of Secretary Baker in- dicated that no official report of the l occupation of the trenches had been l received. General pershing is the | judge of all matters pertaining to the training of his force and he probably did not inform the de- pariment of his plans in advance, as every effort was made to prevent the enemy from learning what was afoOt
 It is certain, however that the de- partment was fully prepared for the | news. Secretary Bakers latest re- view of the war situation this week | indicated that American troops in l France were nearing the end off their strenuous training behind the | lines Events prove that they have | so rapidly in the art of modern trench warfare that their | and French instructors | believed them ready for the final i lesson.
 Expect Casualties Among Men.
 Casualties among the American forces are to be expected. Reports | from the front already show inter- mittent artillery firing and a well aimed shell may claim American victims at any moment There IS nothing to indicate, however, that m offensive operation by the Ameri- ,ans and their French associates is 10 be expected. outside of possible .rench raiding. The sector where Inc front line training school has been established is described as one | If the quietest on the front, and if | his condition continues it will tend | o minimize losses.
 A Final Dress Rehearsal.
 The report from the front indi- | ,ates that all American forces will De given trench duty in reliefs as he final touch of their preparation. The whole business of relieving and l the front lines can be car sied on under actual war conditions md under fire. If appears to be a final dress rehearsal for the grim days of conflict to come. and 'uch fighting as may occur probably | will serve only to give the men zest or the greater adventure ahead.
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