The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-11-03
kustrians and Germans Drive the
italian Armies Back Across
the lsonzo.
GAINS OF MANY MONTHS LOST
Trsaehery and cowardice Help Bring
About the Dlsaster-American
Troops at Last Fighting In
Front-Line Trenches-Great
French Push Toward Laon.
BY EDWARD PICKARD.

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
ly all the ground that the Italians
had won in many months of fighting.
Driving a huge wedge between Plezao
and Tolmino, the foe compelTed 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 a
vast number of prisoners, put at lOO,-
900 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
we'll 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
IL apparent this combined attack on
Italy has been in preparation for a
long time, and that its purpose is part
Iy 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, it will greatly prolong
the war.
Americans In Front Trenches.
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 Smelling
the enemy. This took place at a COM
paratively quiet sector Of the French
front and is reported by General ST.
bert as a continuation Of the intensive
training of the Americans. The news
sent a thrill through the nation, and
the advent of the Americans in the
trenches was greeted by the French
with almost delirious joy. So far no
casualty list has come across. The
case of the first shell fired by an
American battery was saved to be sent
to President Wilson.
General Pershing already had been
under fire, for earlier in the week he
accompanied the French commander
during the advance north of the Aisne
and calmly went forward as far as the
second line of German trenches in or
der to see what he desired to see, this
being merely part Of the days work
for him.
Great Advance by the French.
The French army made last week
one Of the most important advances of
the fall campaign on the front north
east of Scissors. After furious bar
rage by the artillery, the troops rushed
forward for gain of more than two
miles, and when they rested, they were
IN position to enfllade the German
Ines all along the valley Of the Ailette.
petain also now directly threatens
Laon, the big railroad center that
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