Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1917-11-17
italian Armies Drawn up Behind
TagIiamento River to Fight
Teutonic Invaders.
ALLIES RUSH TO THE RESCUE
Cadofna's Losses Severe But United
Nation Supports Him--Germans
Lee More Ground In Flanders
American War Taxes
Become Effective
More Luxburo Plot
ting Exposed.
BY EDWARD w. PIcKARp.


The great Austro- German drive into
northeastern Italy, and the magnifi-
cent resistance to the invasion organ
lied by General Cadorna backed by
q united and thoroughly aroused coun-
try held the center of the war stage
last week. For strategic reasons, the
Italian general staff would not per-
init publication of full details OF the
operations, but this much Is known:
The northern Italian army, the weak
est of all, was broken by furious
surprise attack while feint attacks
were being made further south; the
First army and in turn the Third, be-
Ing outfianked, were compelled to fall
back across the Isonzo and into the
Friuli plains. THE Third army I'M
der the command of the duke of Aosta,
retreated In orderly fashion and saved
all its guns and material, but the 9th
ers lost about 10000 men and 1900
guns, and immense quantities of
stores were destroyed to keep them
from falling into the enemys hands.
Generally speaking, the retreat was
conducted In masterful way and the
armies fell back to the Tagllamento
river, while the rear guards delayed
the pursuing Teutons and the cavalry
harassed them. Meanwhile the Ger
mans were trying hard to break
through the Carnic Alps in order to
turn the left flank of the Taglamento
line, but the troops in the passes Mt
last accounts were holding them fairly
well. In case they should give way,
Count Cadorna had second line Of
defense ready along the Piave river.
The first impetuous and almost I'M
impeded rush of the Austro German
forces had died down by Thursday,
when the center of their line. had ad-
vanced to within four miles Of the
Tagliamento northwest Of Udine. BY
that time they were In contact with
the Italians at many points and were
meeting with stubborn resistance,
which was giving Cadorna opportunity
to consolidate his defenses and to re-
store complete order and discipline.
Some large units of the Italian army
made stand on the left bank of the
Tagliamento, but the Teutons pene-
trated their line, captured the bridge
head positions at Codroipo and Dig
nano, and took 10000 more prisoners.
The two main forces then faced each
other on opposite sides of the river.
Italy United, Allies Helping.
If Germany hoped by this invasion
to weaken 1taly's war spirit and to
cause internal dlssension, II was badly
fooled, for the opposite has come
about. All factions sprang instantly
to the support of the government. all
reserves were called to the colors Inn
hundreds of convalescent
officers pleaded to be sent back to
their commands, and from all parts |
Of the kingdom supplies, munitions |
and men were rushed to the front, ev-
cry means Of transportation being |
utilized solely by the military author.
tiles.
Perhaps most important of all, in |
the long run, was the effect on the al |
lies Of Italy. Great Britain and |
France at once began hurrying re-en-
and guns-into Italy,
and America, without moments hes
tatiOn. cast aside all export restric-
ions In favor of the invaded country,
and permitted her to take whatever
materials she wanted. We also ar
.anged to give Italy large amount Of
shipping to assist her own merchant
marine in taking over the needed sup
plies, and extended to her a new credit
If S230,O00,000, 1t is said Italy had
ong been asking for munitions from