Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1917-10-31
First American Statement.

With the American Army In
france, Oct. 27.--By the Asso-
ciated Press. s.)-Following Is
the first official statement Issued
from the American headquar-
ter: "ln continuation Of their
training as nucleus for in
struction later, contingent Of
some battalions Of our first con-
ungents, IN association with vet
eran French battalions, are in
the first line trenches of quiet
sector on the French front.
They are supported by some bat
teries Of our artillery in associ-
alton with veteran French bat
teries.
THE sector remains normal.
Our men have adapted them
selves to actual trench condi-
tions In the most satisfactory
manner" ..
Washington, Oct. 27.-The nation
was thrilled to-day by word that
American troops at last were face to
race with the Germans across No
Mans Land. Announcement by Gen.
Pershing that several battalions Of
his infantry we're in the front line
trenches supported by American bat
teries which already had gone In ac-
ton against the enemy famed new
flame OF patriotism throughout the
country.
The absolute silence with which
Secretary Baker and War DEPART
ment officials greeted the news, how
ever, showed that although the
movement into the trenches had been
expected at any time, 1t was regarded
only as the. final phase of the mems
traintng-a military finishing school
conducted under fire. school of
Dlood and iron. German shells are
breaking about the Americans and,
although they have not taken over
the trench sector, rifles, machine
guns, bombs and bayonets In Ameri-
can hands will greet any enemy at
rise Caused. q .ss4
The silence of Secretary Baker In.
dicated that no official report Of the
occupation of the trenches had been
received. Gen. Pershing Is the Judge
or all matters pertaining to the train
ing OF his force and he probably does
not inform the department OF his
plans In advance, as every effort was
made to prevent the enemy from
learning what was afoot It Is GER
tain, however, that the department
was fully prepared for the news. Sec
retary Bakers latest review OF the
war situation this week indicated
that American troops we're nearing
the end Of their strenuous training
behind the lines. They have pro-
gressed 80 rapidly in the art of mod
ern warfare that their commanders
and French instructors believed them
ready for the final lesson.
Casualties among the American
forces are to be expected. Reports
from the front already show inter-
artillery firing and we'll
aimed she'll may claim American VIC
tins at any moment. There Ia MOTH
Ing to indicate, however, that any Of
fensive operation by the Americans
and their French associates Is to be
expected, outside of possible trench
raiding. The sector where the front
line training school has been estab-
lished is described as one of the
quietest on the front, and IL this con-
dition, continues 1t will tend to mini
mize losses.
Good Reason for Quiet.
There Is believed to be some good
reason why the sector is quiet. 1t
may be feeling on both sides that
nothing is to be gained by attack and
counter attack. The character OF the
country, disposition OF reserve bases,
of transportation or many
other considerations might be re-
sponsible for the inactivity.
The report from the front indicat tes
that all American forces will be
given trench duty in reliefs as the
final touch OF their preparation. The
whole business Of relieving and sup
plying the front lines can be carried