Mexico Missouri message., 1917-11-08
BY EDWARD PIcKARp.


Disaster, swift and sudden, overlook
the Italian armies of Count Cadorna
last week, and they are now battling
on their own soil in the desperate en-
deavor to keep the enemy from the
plains of northern Italy. In three days
the forces of Austria, strongly re-en-
forced by Germans, regained practical
Iy all the ground that the Italians
had won in many months of fighting.
Driving huge wedge between Plezzo
and ToImino the foe compelled the
Italians In turn to withdraw beyond
the upper IsOnzo, to abandon the Balm
sizza plateau, to give up Goritz Late
reports indicate that they still hold
piece of Austrian territory east of the
big bend the Isonzo makes between
Goritz and the sea, but by this time
may have retired in that sector also.
The loss of ground is not the most
serious part of the great defeat, for
vast number of prisoners, put at lOO.-
600 by Berlin, has been taken, and
some 700 guns captured. Moreover
the retreating Italians were forced to
destroy immense quantities Of sup
plies. Dispatches from Rome do not
minimize the disaster, but are still
brave in tone and borrow Berlin's
well known location, saying the fleeing
armies are withdrawing to prepared
positions. They also declare that
treachery and cowardice contributed
to the defeat, some units of the sec
Ond or northern army retiring or sur
rendering without attempting to resist
the enemy.
Austria's armies are led by Emperor
Charles in person and General Won
Mackensen commands the Germans 1t
is apparent this combined attack on
Italy has been in preparation for a
long time, and that its purpose is part
" political, to strengthen the hands of
Austria and suppress the growing dis
affection In that country. That this
result will be accomplished for the
time being there is no doubt, and while
the rout of the Italians cannot be
decisive In bringing final victory to
the Teutons, 1t will greatly prolong
the war.
The men of General Pershings ex-
pedition are in the front-line trenches
at last and are under fire. Also the
American batteries have been shelling
the enemy. This took place at COM
pAratively quiet sector of the French
front and is reported by General 81.
bert as a continuation Of the intensive
training of the Americans. The news
sent q thrill through the nation, and
the advent Of the Americans in the
trenches was greeted by the French
with almost deliriOus joy. So far nc
casualty list has come across. The
case of the first shell fired by ar
American battery was saved to be sen
TO President Wilson.
General Pershlng already had beer
under fire, for earlier In the week h
accompanied the French commandel
during the advance north of the Aisn'
and calmly went forward as far as thu
second line OF German trenches In or
der to see what he desired to see. thi
being merely part Of the days wori
for him.
Great Advance by the French.
TIE French army made last weel
one of the most important advances o
the fall campaign on the front nortn
east OF Soissons. After q furious bar
rage By the artillery, the troops rushe'
forward for gain Of more than tw'
,milee. and when they rested they wer
In a position 20 enfilade the Germal
lines ali along the valley OF the Ailette
Petnin also now directly threaten
Iaon. the big railroad center tina