Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-10-28
Part of PerShing'S Forces 0c-
Cupy Front Line Trenches
With United States and
French Artillery in Support,
SHAKING. DOWN PROCESS
BEGINS ON QUIET SECTOR
Great Adventure Ahead, How
ever viii Mean Casualties
and Bring War Nearer to
People at Home,

tsY MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LGAsgp wIssi
Washington. oct. 27.-The nation
was thrilled today by word that Amer
lean troops at last were face to face
with the Germans. Announcement by
General Pershing that several battal-
ions of his infantry were in the front
line trenches, supported by American
batteries which already had gone into
action against the enemy, famed a
new flame of patriotism throughout
the country.
The absolute silence with which
Secretary Baker and war department
officials greeted the news, however.
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 training
"a military finishing school conduct
ed under fire q school of blood and
iron. German shells are breaking
about the Americans and, although
they have not taken over the trench
sector, rifles, machine guns, bombs
greet any enemy attack.
Secrecy Is Maintained.
The silence of Secretary Baker in
dicated that no official report of the
occupation of the trenches had been
received General Pershing probably
did not inform the department of his
plans in advance. as every effort was
made to prevent the enemy from
learning what was afoot.
II is certain however, that the de-
partment was prepared for the news
Secretary Bakers latest review of the
war situation this week indicated that
American troops in France were near
ing the end of their training behind
the lines. Events prove that they
of trench warfare that their COM
manders and French instructors be-
lieved them ready for the final lesson.
Actual Firing Going On.
Casualties among the American
forces are to be expected. Reports
from the front already show inter-
mittent artillery firing and a we'll
aimed shell may claim American vic
tins at any time.
There is nothing to indicate, how
ever, that an offensive operation by
the Americans and their French as
sociates is to be expected, outside OF
possible trench raiding. The sector
where the front line training school
has been established is described as
one of the quietest on the front and
IL this condition continues it will tend
to minimize losses.
There is believed to be some good
reason why the sector is quiet. 1t may
be the feeling on both sides that moth.
ing is to be gained by attack and
The character of the
country. disposition of reserve bases,
of transportation or many
other considerations might be re-
sponsible for the inactivity.
To Hold Sector Soon.
The report from the front indicates
that all American forces will be given
trench duty in reliefs as the final
touch of their preparation. The whole
business of relieving and supplying
the front lines can be carried on un-
der actual war conditions and under
hire. Such fighting as may occur
probably will serve only to give the
men zest for the greater adventure
ahead.
In time, complete section of the
front will be Americanized in every
detail. How wide this front will be,
where on the long line II is to be To-
Gated and similar questions are mat.
ters about which no speculation is
permitted. Today's announcement
brings appreciably closer, however,
the day when the actual fighting front
Of the American forces in France will
be established and when American
energy will be engaged directly in the
task of crushing German military
power.
The long period of waiting and
preparation is past it's first irksome
stages. From now on the military
power of the United States in France
will grow steadily and the results OF
the months of army building will
make themselves felt in hard driven
steel against the German ranks.