The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-09-27
ALLIES ARE WEARING
GERMANY DOWN
But the Big Strike Will Not Come Until
the Forces of the United States
Are Placed in Field, Says
Secretary Baker.


will be devoted largely to activities o.
the United States expeditionary forces
IL says that while ascendancy on thu
west front has passed definitely to th'
allies, they are content merely TO veal
down the enemy until the force of tn,
American army makes itself felt in the
| field.
Operations for the week ending Sept
% are reviewed by Mr.. Baker, without
reference to the American force now in
France.
The statement follows:
"The secretary of war authorizes the
following statement dealing with mill
tary activities in Europe for the week
ending Sept. %.
"As the time draws near when military
operations on a large scale on the west
ern front must come to standstill, ow-
ing to the approach of winter, it becomes
evident that the enemy does not feel
himself in position to undertake the
much advertised offensive action so often
boasted of at home during the past sum
mer, in order to end the war victoriously
by Christmas.
''lt may be stated affirmatively that
the ascendancy in the west has passed
definitely to the allies, although the lat
ter are content by tactics of attrition
to wear down the enemy, giving no rest
or respite until such time as the force
of our army may make itself felt in the
field.
"The week just closed has been one of
increased activity on the part of the al
lies on the western front, and may be
taken as presage of what the enemy is
to expect next spring.
beginning with desultory artillery
fire along broad front, which gradually
down to an intense lombard
ment along what is known as the Anzac
ridge, about one mile southwest of Zon.
nebeke, southwark through Nuns wood
to the Ypres- -Menin road, the British in
creased their artillery preparation to a
density hitherto unattained.
"The early days of the week were
marked by wet, foggy weather, making
artillery observation difficult and any Of
iensive undertaking almost impossible.
THE weather having cleared by Thurs |
lay, Sept. 20, the British launched their |
Ittack. The infantry advance was pre-
'eded by barrage of greater depth and |
Intensity than has ever before been un-
lertaken in any engagement during the
curse of the war, Five distinct curtains |
II fire were stretched ahead of the men
IS they began to advance through No
fans land.
"In spite of the desperate resistance of
he enemy, whose lines were protected
" concrete dugouts scattered over a
ride area and deep mud holes which i'm.
eded the attacking infantry, the British
Fere able to gain important tactical po-
itions.
''In the face of six counter attacks
ushed home vigorously by the enemy,
he British remained in full possession of
he captured objectives which they still
old.
"ln other sectors where busily engaged
4 breaking down the enemy resistance in
landers the Germans attempted minor
versions along the French line, particu-
trly northeast of Nancy, which were re-
ulsed.
East of Craonne the French artillery
roke up an attempted German attack,
lille French detachments penetrated !
erman trenches, destroyed dugouts, and /.
rought back prisoners in the region of :
odat.
THE week has witnessed great activ- !
y in the air. During two days French :
ombing expeditions dropped $4,000 I
ounds of projectiles on enemy territory
eluding the barracks and factories at ,
Luttgart and the aviation camp at Col :,
ar, as well as bases south of Metz =
Zone of the significant incidents of the !,
eek, as demonstrating the increased i'm ;,
'rtance of aircraft, is reported by the :
ritish. An aeroplane dispersed a bat
lion of enemy infantry. by turning its
achine gun on the men as they were
oceeding along highway in the rear.
Along the Italian front the active op-
ations of the preceding week have come '
temporary stop. The victorious
allan armies are resting after the great
'orts of having conquered the Monte
IN Gabrielle.
The Austrians attempted several !
rong counter attacks against the Balm
sza plateau, all of which were repulsed =
Reports to hand indicate that the =
Istrians have made use of 20h divi- =
,ns during the recent Italian assault ~
ong the Carso front, holding only one v
vision in reserve. y. "
"Advices from Russia indicate that y
hting continues in the northern sector y
Late reports show that the Germans y
e continuing their offensive and now
e threatening Dvinsk y
.The Dvina has been crossed 25 miles 6
ltheast of Jacobstadt, and this fort ~ y
IS, which has been evacuated by the z.
Issians, has fallen into the hands of =,
: enemy. ~
Though a wide breach in this front :, "
" seriously endanger the Russian line, ~
must be recalled that German advance
lst come to an end, owing TO the late
IS of the season.
News from Russia is delayed. but in R,
ations are that the Russian resistance
stiffening.
Along the Rumsnian front no impor.
1t action has taken place. Scouting pa
'editions are reported, with occasional 10
illery duels. co
In the valley Of the Suchitzs, after a !,
'longed artillery preparation, the Ru- 81
mans attacked and occupied certain 81
my fortified positions. Counter at an
ks by the enemy were repulsed. ca
There has been no change in the sit
ion along other fronts To-
THE ITALIAN Loss. tm
, Steamship Of Large Size and Several col