Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-10-17
Says Allies Are Driving
Wedge In German Lines
In Flanders
SOONER OR LATER SPLIT
WILL PERMIT FLANKING
Operations In West Have
Recently Been Retarded
by Bad Weather

Omitted Press Staff Correspondent
Washington, Oct. l7.-With a verit-
able typhoon of fire, the allies are driv-
ing wedge into the German line in
Flanders. Sooner or later, this wedge
may split the Teuton line and permit
of a thanking move, instead Of the
unceasing frontal attacks, which up TO
recent date have meant only throwing
men into the maelstrom of slaughter
without real tactical advantage.
This significant fact developed today
in Secretary Of War Bakers weekly
war summary. The "typhoon fire =
ragged on the Germans is causing him
real concern; in fact, such deep worry
that he has ben forced to "amend his
tactical dispositions in an effort t.
meet the shock of shell rained upon
his lines" The front has been so ex-
tended with the French aiding that the
Flanders fighting is practically revo-
lutionary.
cit is no longer to be considered a
SALIENT says the summary, but an
ever extending wedge progressively
driven into the German lines"
From military standpoint this is
one of the most significant develop
ments of the war, inasmuch as it marks
departure from the out-and-out from
tai attack which tacticians have said
is little more than continuous murder.
With this wedge driven through, the
whole west fighting would take on a
changed character, with chance for
smells and men, as the predominant and
determinant factor. The French are
highly praised for their part along with
the British.
Sccretary's Statement.
The secretary's statement says;
"The allied offensives in Flanders
continues methodically.
"Assigned detectives attained with
increasing regularity indicate efficient
coordination Of artillery preparation
and infantry attacks.
HThe precision of the allied barrage
is proved by the low casualties OF the
columns.
"The deadly effect of allied artillery
fire is confirmed to us by reports reach
ing us regarding the concern of the
German high command at the new al
lied 'typhoon fire. which is compell-
ing the enemy to amend his tactical dis
DOSlLlOHS III an cllOEI W hiOOb Inv DiNNAA
of shell rained upon his lines.
"French participation in the opera
tions in Flanders is the outstanding fea-
ture of events during the past week.
"The successes attained by the
French forces operating north of the
British sector, more particularly in the
of the Houthulst wood,
have given the allied advance in Elan
ders the needed elbow room.
"The zone Of operation in the Ypres
salient, formery too narrow for the pro-
per disposition Of large masses Of Brit
sh troops, has now by the French CO.
operation and their recent successful
advance, 80 extended the line that fight
ng in what was the Ypres salient has
changed in character. 1t is no longer
% be considered a salient, but an ever
extending wedge, progressively driven
nto the German lines.
"The operations of the French dur
ng the past week are in fact compile
nentary to the engagements which re-
iulted in the capture of Messines by
he British last June.
efDuring the engagements of the week
he French everywhere maintained their
positions won in the face of repeated
sfStrong German detachments were
,rdered to dislodge the French, who now
lold the advance positions between the
gictoire and Pategeout farms, east of
)raebank. These were repulsed.
Bad Weather Hampers.
"As was to be expected at this sea-
on, bad weather has somewhat retard-
ID the allied advance.
Corporations were hampered, owing
O the fact that the well drained ground
f the Passchendaele ridge once pass
a over, the advancing columns are con
ronted with the water-logged, soggy
rlanders plain, which stretches on to
Roulers and beyond.
'sThe infantry was further impeded
" the fact that allied artillery prepar-
Ition has so plowed up the ground that
he terrain has been turned into a sea
f mud.
seTorrential rains and low-lylng
LIQUIDS rendered aircraft observation diff
ieult and unoer ordinary circumstances
would have caused suspension of Of
naixya nnarafionz hut the iuclomont