Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-11-21
POPE'S PLEAS
AvAIL;vENICE
TO Be SAVED
Austrians Moved Down as
Italians See Enemy
Deceit.

Berlin, Nov. y Via London.)-
The situation on the Italian front
is unchanged, the war Office an
Douuccs.
Paris, NOV. 2i.-The Nain says
that the tustrianS have agreed TO
spare Venice in response 10 an ap-
peal from thc vatican, but say that
all authority must be left in the
hands OF the patriarch.
II Is certain, the newspaper adds,
that Venice viii not be defended
in the event that q further retreat
Of the Italian forces becomes nee
esary.
Italian Army Headquarters In north
ern Italy Tuesday. Nov. 20-Going 70
points along the Piave river where
the heaviest lighting has occurred, the
Associated Press correspondent was
told hv officers Of unusual circum-
stances connected with the engage
meD's The colonel commanding the
Berugieri who carried the day said
the strategy which the Austriaus at
tempted turned the tide against them.
lu the fight on the cemetery road,
st was suddenly observed early Satur-
day morning that q number of Aus
TRANS were coming toward the ltal-
fan lines with both hands held up, as
though ready to surrender. For a
moment It was said the fight was over
and that the enemy had capitulated.
Detect "Dirty" Trick.
But 70 was then noticed that all the
Austrian machine guns had been re-
moved and closer observation showed
thai behind this front line of men
with their hands up followed lines
with bgyonets and machine guns
The Italians let them come until
the range was short and they were
between TWO euflading lines Then a
deadly fire was opened on both sides
and the Austrians we're moved down
in heaps
tt was then that the rout began,
The Austrian resistance was broken.
At Sega mill, where the enemy had a
brief Judgment. he was forced back
until he was driven to the brink Of the
river and then into the water The
Austrians were bayoneted and killed
or captured.
A colonel Is miles further down the
river told of a similar fight when the
Austrians attempted to cross in boats
from their positions near Calvacchia
'Our men are absolutely deter
mined he said. Their determination
10 hold the river line is based on ex-
perieune. You should have seen then
yesterday when the Austriaus tried tC
cross in boats right there" he added
pointing to the stretch where tht
river wldeus.
Our men remained silent whilt
they saw the boats loading and COINS
10 mid-stream, Then they opened
with machine guns and rifles. Thu
boats and men were torn to pieces be
lore they got another 20 feet Not ;
man was left alive and all the boati
sank. No, you may depend upon it
ihey will never pass
|. Men In Fine Condition.
The appearance Of the men full!
confirmed the colonies opinion of thei
determination They looked to be il
perfect condition with that fine cain
and confidence which comes from higl
morale and sureness. The officer CAV
Inc correspondent an opportunity Il
30 along the defenses at this point
which are highly important as a par
ol the works encircling Venice. /
was not a pleasant experience a
shells We're tearing the air and Their
was steady rattle from the shar
shooters.
The roads were no longer blocke
with refugees. The civilians have re
covered from their first panic. Man
women aud children Just back of tn
flaYe have been under rain of shells
Vmcers said the Austrians were no
smelling the houses Of peasants, hop
ing 10 make use of them. but that
Vhe Pave line held definitely III
enemy would end the present securit
VI the peasants by destroying al
houses and srcr. ,,,I lo.,;.,rr .J,, rc,,f "a,