Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-18

conQltlonS prevailed south OF the Ol0es
In the sector east OF the lower forest of
Coucy.
"ortheast of Scissors surprise
attack upon the enemy lines north of
Lanaux resulted in our bringing back
ABOUT twenty prisoners.
Between Scissors and Auberive
french troops last night conducted at
various points of the fronts operations
which brought us distinct advantage. .
A particularly brilliant movement re-
suited IN our occupying the village of
-Chavonne and in completing the occu-
patton of the village OF Chivy. To the
north of these locations we have taken
possession of ground as far as the sub
urps OF Braye-en-Laonnonis. Our pa
took here $50 prisoners.
Seize Fortified Positions.
TN the sector Of vflle-au-Bois We
have captured several fortified posi-
tions. as well as the wood east of WILLIE
au-Bois. We took 400 prisoners.
I'm the Champagne district three
counter attacks of the enemy upon our.
positions at Mont Carnillet were check
ed by our fire. The enemy gained moth
ing and suffered sanguinary losses.
ARTILLERY fighting has been violent
along q large portion of the front at
tackled. The war material found In the
territory taken by main force from the
enemy includes a number Of machines.
guns and numerous trench mortars.
The enemy drew back behind his sec
ond position his heavy artillery as well
as his field pieces. Nevertheless we
captured twelve cannon, including
three heavy pieces. Most of these were
The number OF unwounded prisoners
taken by us since April 16 is more than
1900.
Or I'M nvaI 1.<A
patrols along the remainder of the
front"
Yesterdays Battles.
The text of the official statement Of
last night reads:
I'VE enlarged our action today east
OF Rheims and attacked the German
lines between Prunay and the road be-
tween st. Hilaire and St. Souplet. Not
withstanding violent gusts of rain and
snow. our troops proved themselves ir-
resistible. They carried on a front of
fifteen kilometers (nine and a third
miles). despite the resistance Of the
enemy. all the first German position
south of Moronvilliers.
Pushing beyond this position our
troops brilliantly carried on a front OF
eleven kilometers line of heights
solidly organized from Mont Carnillet
Further to the east. a spirited action
enabled us to capture the village Of
Auberive and powerfully fortified
salient formed by the German line
around that village on front Of three
kilometers.
Counter attacks by the enemy in tho
direction of Mont Carnillet were broken
down by our fire. The number of prison.
ers taken by us on this part of the front :,
exceeded $500.
Between Scissors and Rheims during
the course of the day we resumed our
destructive fires against the German or
ganizations and reduced isolated sections
where enemy groups still resisted.
Strong Enemy Attack Checked.
About $3.50 o'clock this afternoon a
strong enemy counter attack in the
Craonne) was repulsed Another vio-
lent attempt In the sector of Courcy.
occupied by the Russian troops. like
wise failed.
According to latest reports our
troops in the battle Of April Is. be- /,
tween Scissors and Rheims. overthrow .
very important German forces. In ex-
pectation of our attack the enemy had
brought in nineteen divisions. Accord
ing to the declarations of prisoners.
they had received the formal order to
hold, cost what 1t may. the first posi-
tion, which had been reinforced as to
depth.
One Division Loses Heavily.
THE losses suffered by the Germans
were considerable. not only in the /;
course of the battle. but on the preced- I;
ing days. On the eve OF the attack an /
enemy division. while engaged in going 4
to the relief Of tho sector OF q neighbor- I
Ing division. lost under the violence Of \
our artillery IRE the greater part Of its /;
effectives. /
Story of Arras, One of the
Most Interesting Towns
in the North of France
..rhs battle Of iArraa. which promises
10 rank In history a. one OF the pivotal
clashes OF the world war. takes its
narua from one OF the most interesting