The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-10-29

another strategic retreat of the en-
envy. 1t means that the Germans
must again retire to a new entrenched
and carefully prepared line if they in
tend to resist further in the west.
1t must be admitted that the Ger
mans retreat executed as a result of
the battle of the Somme last year was
carried thru with consummate skill.
The enemy retired destroying all COW
er and taking up positions of marked
tactical and strategic strength.
Weather Defends Germans.
But the battle of the Somme has
but one wedge. Today we have the
wedge of Flanders and of the Aisne
is being outlined.
THE bad weather continues to be
the enemy's best protection. He is
relying upon this factor to impede the
allied advance and by shrouding the
battle area in slush, rain and fog give
him respite until he can prepare
himself to meet a fresh onslaught
News from the Italian front proves
that the Austrians were able to bring
sufficient pressure to bear in Berlin
in order to secure German assistance.
As the result of concentration
OF an imposing array of artillery and
rnassed battalions the Austro- German
forces have succeeded in penetrating
the recently won Italian positions in
the Tolmino sector. =
The broken. steep mountainous
ii
fcult to hold Entertainments when
once certain strategic detectives have
been attained. These the Austrians
have apparently captured in tbs sec
tor which has resulted in the aban-
donment by the italians of thu Rain
slzza plateau which they won after so
valiant struggle Nonly few weeks
ago.
Turned AustrOs Back Once.
Italy is passing thru a difficult
movement We must remember,
however, in May, 1916. the Austrians
attempted a similar onslaught, they
nal fine weather, well chosen ter
rain and above all, the far superior
flghtlng vigor of their armies to rely
upon. At that time the Austrians won
decided success during the initial DAYS
OF the fighting and pressed on to the
stopped and driven back.
IN the east, German naval opera
ions in the vicinity of the islands at
the mouth of the Finnish gulf were
not carried thru without serious losses
The Russian resistance apparently
is consolidating.
Inc Germans using the islands as
a base have now gained a foothold on
the adjacent mainland. ~
me first landing on the Werder
peninsula at the northern end of the
Gulf of Riga was successfully carried
out. y further attempt at another
point failed.
Germans Quit Riga Drive.
1T is not probable that the Germans
will undertake for the time being
more than a strengthening of the DO
sitions now held in the Riga sector
The retirement of the advanced
enemy lines to a depth of fifteen
miles in the region of the Dvina is re-
ported.
Engagements of some magnitude
| Macedonian fronts where artillery
duelS and raids are increasing in fire.
quency. These, however, are not of
more than local Importance. In Mes
! opOtamia, the British are continuing
and consolidating their advance, driv-
ing enemy attachments out of impor-
tant tactical points on the TANKS, thus
| strengthening their whole line of de-
Tense.
THE trairing OF oIIr troops in
France progresses steadily ana favor
ably. Certain units nave taken their
places in the front line trenches under
actual "a oFsef- q -