The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1917-10-28
GERMAN SHELLS BREAKING OVER
THE SOLDIERS UNDER THE
STARS AND STRIPES.
READY FOR REAL WAR
From Now ON tii, Military Power Of
United States In France WIN Grow
Steadily and Soon Make Itself Felt
Against German,.

Washington. Oct. 2s.--The world was
thrilled today with the news that
American troops were at last to fico
the Germans In mo Mans Land" An
nouncement by General pershing that
several battalioas OF his infantry were
In the front line trenches supported
by American batteries, which already
had gone into action against the enc.
my. famed new flame of patriotism
throughout the country.
The absolute silence with which Sec.
rotary Baker and war department Of
tcials greeted the news. however, show
ed that although the movement into
the trenches hal been expected at any
time it was regarded only as the final
phase OF the mons traininG--a military
finishing school conducted under fire
n school of blood and iron. German
shells are breaking about the Ameri-
cans, and although they have not taken
over the trench sector. rifle and ma
chine guns, bombs and bayonets in
American hands will greet any enemy
attack.
Secret from Enemy.
The silence of Secretary Baker in
dicated that no official report of the
occupation Of the trenches had been re-
,ceIved. General Pershing Is the judge
of all matters pertaining to the train.
ing OF his force, and he probably did
not inform the department OF his
plans in advance. az every effort was
made to prevent the enemy from learn
ing what was afoot
It sa. rt.,|i,, l,nr. l,af tlN.. Il.
partment was fully prepared for the
statement. Secretary Bakers review of
the war situation this week indicated
that American troops in France were
nearing the end or their strenuous
training behind the lines. Events prove
that they have progressed so rapidly
in the art OF modern trench warfare
that their commanders and French in
structors believed them ready for the
final lesson.
Casualties Now Expected.
Casualties among the American
forces are TO be expected. Reports
from the front already show intermit-
tent artillery firing and a well aimed
shell may claim American victims at
any moment There is nothing to in
dicate, however, that an offensive oper-
alton by the Americans and their
French associates is to be expected out
side of possible trench raiding. The
sector where the front line training
school has been established is de-
scribed as one Of the quietest on the
front. and if this condition continues
il will tend to minimize losses.
There is believed to be some good
l.. Ia,
be the feeling on both sides that moth.
ing is to be gained by attacks and
counter-attacks. The character of the
country, disposition of reserve bases.
difficulties Of transportation or many
other considerations might be respon- ,
sibie for the inactivity.
Greater Adventure Ahead.
Report from the front indicates that
all American forces will be given trench
duty in reliefs as the final touch Of their
preparation The whole business of re.
leving and supplying the front lines
can be carried on under actual war
conditions and under fire. II appears
to be a military final rehearsal for the
grim days Of conflict to come. and such
fighting as may occur probably will
serve only to give the men zest for
the greater adventure ahead
In time, complete section of the
front will be Americanized in every de-
tail How wide this front will be,
where on the long line it is to be To-
Gated and similar questions are mat
ters about which no speculation is
permitted. Today's announcement
brings appreciably closer. however the
day when the actual fighting front OF
the American army i'm France will be
and when American energy
will be engaged directly i'm the task
Df crushing German military power
The long period of waiting and prep
aration' has past its first irksome stages.
From now on the military power OF
the United States in France viii grow
steadily and the months OF army build
ing will begin TO make themselves felt
in hard driven steel against the Ger
nan ranks.