Omaha daily bee., 1917-11-28
ITALIANS HOLD
FIRM AGAINST
RELENTLESS FOE
Destroy Six Out of Twenty d.
visions of Austro-Ger-
man Troops in Ter
rifle Battle.

Rome, Nov. 27-An entire division
of the enemy made an attack yester-
day in the Brenata valley in an effort
to break through the Italian northern
front. Today's official statement says
these troops, which attacked in
massed formation, were driven back.
Washington, Nov. H.-Heavily re-
inforced masses of Austro-Germans,
estimated at 20 divisions, vainly try
ing to break the Italian defensive line,
have suffered great losses, according
to official dispatches today from
Rome, and between the Piave and
Brenta rivers alone have worn out
six divisions.
Troops in Good Condition.
Italian Army Headquarters in
Northern Italy, Nov. 2.-During a
trip of 100 miles today through the
fighting zone in the north the corre-
spondent met the major general in
command of the most exposed front
between the Brenta and Piave rivers,
where the pressure has been greatest
and the losses heaviest, and obtained
IRON him details of the situation.
The general spoke of the condition
of the troops and the splendid fight
they are making against heavy odds.
The general estimated these odds
at four or FIVE to one. based on re-
ports reaching him. Attacks were
almost continuous at one point or
another, but the Italians were al
ways ready to respond, and had not
only repulsed attacks, but driven the
enemy back after series OF heroic
charges.
The general summed up the physi-
cal conditions of the battle ground,
which made the struggle particularly
trying on the troops. First, he said,
there was that terrible strain of en-
durance and natural fatigue accom-
panying nights and days of cease
less fighting with the relentless foe.
Then there was the temperature at
nights at about IA degrees above
zero. This extreme cold was made
worse, he said,, because the men were
without shelter, everything having
been swept away in the terrific artil-
lery action and the constant shifting
of position.
In addition, the general said, many
OF the commands were short OF Off
GERS, as the continuous fighting had
taken a heavy toll But with all this,
the general said, the spirit of the men
was undated in the determination
10 hold at any cost.
Venetian Plains Safe.
The fluctuations OF the great bat
tic have now developed to a stage
where the resisting power OF the
Italian army has been demonstrated
to be sufficient to retard If not to
prevent any sudden rush through the
passes leading to the Venetian
plains.
This was regarded as serious
menace six days ago, but as each
day has shown the Italian lines hold
ing solid against repeated attacks
and their defenders ready even to take
the aggressive against heavy odds. the
feelings. OF gravity that then pre-
vailed is changing to one of restored
confidence and unwavering dctermina-
ton, coupled with a spirit of
buoyancy which prevades all ranks
OF the army and civilian life.
There is also the feeling that friend
ly allied support is near al a timely
moment and that the mingled ranks
of gray, blue and khaki will COM
bine to form the barrier that Italy has
sustained aloue until now.
Prince OF Wales a Mixer.
Many British officers were at head
quarters today and the streets showed
almost as much khaki as gray. The
Prince of Wales renewed his earlier
visit, going about the streets and
mingling with the officers at public
restaurants in the most democratic
fashion.
1t is reported from the Fruiuli
region, occupied by the enemy. that
the civil population has been re-
quired to turn over all copper arti-
cies, grease and oils in its possession
within hve days. Emperor Charles
is said to have made another visit to
the invaded region, going to the coast
cities of Grado and Monfaloone