Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-02
Germany Shaken But Still
Powerful Says Weekly Review
Issued by War Department

Washington, Oct. 1.-Shaken but still
powerful, is the estimate of Germany's
defensive strength on the western
front, given in this weeks Official
Communique, issued by the War De-
partment. The superiority of the
British over their enemies, the COM
munique says. has conclusively been
proven by last weeks fighting: while
II has demonstrated that the fighting
stamina OF the German is deteriorat-
ing.
OF the activities Of the American
forces in Europe. the communique
says absolutely nothing. OF the forces
at home. 1t reports mobilization of the
National Guard and the National
Army proceeding satisfactorily.
The analysis of the situation on the
west front which the communique
says remains the principal battle front
of the war. follows:
The battle of Menin road (Ypres
salient which promises TO be one of
the great battles of the war is fol-
lowing its normal course. Last week
we recorded the gains of the British
In this sector. This week we must
note the desperate attempts made by
the Germans to retake the lost posi-
lions
Beginning Sunday last. the constant
~ increasing violence Of the counter
attacks reached a elimination on the
2Ith inst, when seven powerful on
slaushts by the picked storm bat
talions' Of the enemy endeavored vain
~ to regain the lost detectives. The
village Of Zonnebeke, the center Of the
conflict, Is now firmly held by the
british.
1t is evident that the efforts of
the enemy In this sector are not ac-
tuated merely by the desire to regain
lost terrain Of little more than tacti-
cal value, nor must their persistent
attacks be considered merely the nor
NAL reaction of a modern field engage
ment in which counter attack invari-
ably follows upon attacks; but rather
II Is to be noted that the enemy real
ICES fully the immense strategic i'm
portance of the British thrust along
the Menin road.
This new British advance in the
Ypres salient now definitely threatens
the enemy's line of communications to
the Belgian coast. The Ostend-I.ille
railway which in a large measure
feeds the German naval bases at Os-
tend and Zeehrugge. the latter the
homo port Of the German high seas
submarine f'otllas. now comes within
the range Of the fire Of the British
guns.
Tie superiority Of the British over
their enemies was conclusivelv proved
du &c the engagement Ar the past
thermore. shows that the fighting
stamina Of the Germans is deteriorat-
ing. not that the enemy did not dis
play great skill and logged determina-
ton IN his repeated counter attacks.
On French Front
Of the fighting on the French front
the Communicate says;
The outstanding feature of the re-
cent engagements is the WaStage of
the man power of the enemy. If we
compare the combat front of Vcrdun
In 1915, held by II German divisions,
with the combat front along the Aisne
in 1917. held by IA divisions both of
practically the same length. it is found
that during the same period of time
from MAY TO September 1916 and 1917.
respectively, the enemy engaged along
the Nerdun front % new divisions last
YEAR; along tho Aisne 35 new divisions
this yoa~
80 great has the wastage of enemy
forces become. owing to the improved me-
chancal means Of the Allies and the per-
lection Of their methods Of combat. that
the Germans are obliged to maintain in
reserve as A minimum guarantee for the
safety Of their battle line in the west at
least ~ divisions The western front thus
remains the principal battle front of the
war. Y is still strongly held by the en-
envy and his defensive strength. while
shaken. remains powerful"
The American Forces
The situation on the other fronts is dis
missed with brief review of recent Off
cial dispatches. The only mention Of
American forces is rs follows;
The mobiliZat ton Of the National Guard
in their camps is proceeding rapidly and
the formation of reorganized divisions is
taking place This reorganization is ne
cessitated by the conditions of the pres
ent and requires larger regiments,
and certain machine gun and other units
now typical. than heretofore. Some mis-
understanding OF the reorganization has
arisen. but Its purpose and military ner
cessty are being explained and the di-
vision commanders are doing their utmost
70 preserve the local associations and his
tor;c memories of these state forces.
THE assembling of the National Army
in the environments has gone on with
sr,oothness and success. Equipment DIFF
Nculties are not serious and are being
nl,tin
shortage is in rifles. but an adequate suf-
ply for all purposes will soon be at hand
and NO delay in training will result from