The Sentinel=record., 1918-09-04

Washington. Sept. 3,-Reports from the British front today indicated to military officers here that retirement heretofore conducted with utmost mil itary skill, was getting out of hand. Under the terrific pressure of the British and French aries all along the line from Npres to S0issOns. the enc my apparently is being forced to a more precipitate withdrawal, particu- larly on tine otd Drocourt -Queant front where Marshal Haig men hammered forward irresistably again today
 The official announcement from London that more than 10000 prison CTS have been taken in two days ot fighting on this front in itself, 'indl- cates. it is said, that there is growing disorganization in the German ranks.
 With this in mind, there was wide speculation today among officers as Jo what new developments of the battle are to De expected. IL was clearlyI evident that observers believe theI time is fast approaching when Gen. eral Pershns's first field army will participate in the battle on the the ory that General Foch has been witR-' holding this new and vigorous forceI for a decisive blow when the time wasI ripe
 As to where or when that blow would be delivered, however there was wide variance of opinion Thel British now have broken a decided gap in the old German fortified line audl the fall of Cambrai, Douai St quentin and several other rail and road ceu-l ters upon which the Hindenburg linel depended seems imminent. If the en emy intended to fall back upon this line when he was forced into general, withdrawal along his whole front from Rheims to Ypres. his chances are rap idly dwindling as the British lines surge forward at the very center oeI the battle front
 Marshal Haig's forces are movingi on Cambrai, the key to a large ser- tion of the old line and if that place is taken it appears to officers here that the enemy will be quickly forcedI Ito evacuate the salient in which he isl rapidly being pocketed by the French and American advance on the Oise- Ailette lines in the south and the Brit ish thrust eastward from Peronne eo the north
 So evident is the growing disor- ganization among the Germans shown in reports from the British front that some officers are inclined to think i. possible that the enemy may be forced to a withdrawal to the Rhine tnis year.
 Others, however feel that the skill that the German leaders have dis played does not warrant any antici- patton of an early collapse of the mil itary machine
 On all sides it is evident here that announcement of the formation of the first American field army and tho fact that many American units which had been brigaded with the French or British for final training have been withdrawn to be added 10 it have been taken to mean that the Americans would attack during the present year.
 Ample time remains. it is said, for the organization of the force to be completed and the assault launched before winter interferes.
 The American army. officers here believe form an ideal instrument With which General Foch will be able to deliver a real offensive coup when he deems the field ready.
 The present fighting, in this view lis preparatory Of delivery Of such a blow and 1t now appears probable to many observers that it will be de-