Mexico Missouri message., 1917-11-15
italian Armies Drawn up Behind
TagIiamento River to Fight
Teutenic Invaders.
ALLIES RUSH TO THE RESCUE
cadornA'S Losses Severe But United
Nation Supports Hlm-Germans
Lose More Ground In Flanders
American War Taxes
Become Effective
More Luxbura Plot
ting Exposed.
by EDWARD w. PIcKARD.


The great Austro-German drive into
northeastern Italy, and the magnifi-
cent resistance to the invasion organ
ICED by General Cadorna backed by
q united and thoroughly aroused coun-
try held the center of the war stage
last week. For strategic reasons, the
Italian general staff would not per-
NIT publication of full details Of the
operations, but this much is known:
The northern Italian army, the weak
est of all, was broken by a furious
surprise attack while feint attacks
were being made further south; the
First army, and in turn the Third, be-
ing outfanked. were compelled to fall
back across the Isonzo and into the
Friuli plains. The Third army, un-
der the command Of the duke of Aosta,
retreated in orderly fashion and saved
all its guns and material, but the 9th
ers lost about 100000 men and 1900
guns, and immense quantities of
stores were destroyed to keep them
from falling into the enemy's hands.
Generally speaking, the retreat was
armies fell back to the Tagliamento
river, while the rear guards delayed
the pursuing Teutons and the cavalry
harassed them. Meanwhile the Ger
mans were trying hard to break
through the Carnic Alps In order to
turn the left flank of the Tagliamento
line, but the troops in the passes at
q az hnI f0f frlu
well. In case they should give way,
Count Cadorna had a second line Of
defense ready along the Piave river.
The first impetuous and almost un-
impeded rush of the Austro- German
forces had died down by Thursday,
when the center of their line had ad-
vanced to within four miles Of the
Tagliamento northwest Of Udine. By
that time they were in contact with
the Italians at many points and were
meeting with stubborn resistance,
which was giving Cadorna opportunity
to consolidate his defenses and to re-
store complete order and discipline.
Some large units of the Italian army
made stand on the left bank of the
Tagliamento, but the Teutons pene-
trated their line, captured the bridge
head positions at Codroipo and Dig
nano, and took 10000 more prisoners.
The two main forces then faced each
other on opposite sides of the river.
Italy United, Allies Helping.
If Germany hoped by this invasion
to weaken Italy's war spirit and to
cause internal dissension, 1t was badly
fooled, for the opposite has come
about All factions sprang instantly
to the support of the government, all
reserves were called to the colors Inn
mediately, hundreds of convalescent
officers pleaded to be sent back to
their commands, and from all parts
of the kingdom supplies, munitions
and men were rushed to the front, ev-
cry means Of transportation being
utilized solely by the military author
tiles.
Perhaps most important of all, In
the long run, was the effect on the nj
lies Of Italy. Great Britain and
France at once began hurrying re-en-
forcements-men and guns-into Italy,
and America, without moments hes
itation, cast aside all export restric-
tions in favor OF the invaded country
and permitted her to take whatever
materials she wanted. We also ar
ranged to give Italy large amount OF
shipping to assist her own merchant
marine in taking over the needed sup
plies, ana extended to her new credit
OF s230.O00,000. It is said Italy had
long been asking for munitions from