South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-10-28
u. S. SOLDIERS MOVE
IN FRONT LINE TRENCHES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE)
lat any time. it was regarded only as
the fnal phase Of the mems train
ing-a military finishing school con-
Quoted under fire-a school of blood
and iron. German shells are break
ing about the Americans and al
though they have not taken over
the trench sector, rifles, machine
guns, bombs and bayonets in Amer
lean hands will greet any enemy
attack.
Await Pcrshing's Report.
The silence of Sec'y Baker in
dicate that no official report OF the
occupation of the trenches had been
received. Gen. Pershing is the Judge
Of all matters pertaining 10 the
training of his force. and he prob
ably did not inform the department
OF his plans in advance. as every
effort was made 70 prevent the
enemy from learning what was
afoot
II is certain. however, that the
department was fully prepared for
the news. Sec'y Bakers latest re-
view of the war situation this week
indicated that American troops in
France were nearing the end Of their
strenuous training behind the lines
Events prove that they have pro-
crossed SO rapidly in the art Of mod
ern warfare that their commanders
and French instructors believed
them ready for the final lesson.
Casualties among the American
forces are TO be expected. Reports
from the front already show inter
mittent artillery firing and a well
aimed shell may claim American
victims at any moment There is
nothing 20 indicate. however, that
an offensive operation by the Amer
leans and their French associates 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 if this
condition continues. il will tend 10
miniTnize losses.
Reasons for Inactivity.
There is believed to be some good
reason why the sector is quiet It
may be the feeling on both sides
that nothing is 10 be gained by at
tack and counter attack. The char
acter Of the country disposition of
reserve bases, difficulties Of trans
portation or many other consider
atoms might be responsible for the
inactivity.
The report from the front in
dicates that all American forces will
be given trench duty in reliefs as
the final touch OF their prepare
ton. The whole business Of reliev-
ing and supplying the front lines
can be carried on under actual war
conditions and under fire. II appears
TO be a military final rehearsal for
the grim days Of conflict 70 come.
and such lighting as may occur
probably viii serve only 10 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 il is 70 be
located and similar questions are
matter about which no speculation
is permitted. Today's announcement
brings appreciably closer, however.
the day when the actual fighting
front OF the American army in
France viii 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 its irksome
stage From now on, the military
power OF the United states in
France will grow steadily and the
results OF the months 81 army build
ing will begin 20 make themselves
felt in hard driven steel against
the German ranks