Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1918-08-07
CERMANSFA|L|N
COUNTER ATTACK
NORTH OF VESLE
Fooled Completely by the French,
Who Maintain All Their
New Positions.
HEAVY LOSSES OF THE HUNS
According to Prisoners, the Allies
Have Taken $4,000 Prisoners and
800 Guns Since July 15-En.
emy's Resistance Stiffens.

Paris, Aug. 7.-Sharp German coun-
ter-attacks mort. Of the Vesle river
failed completely, according to the
French war office.
The German attacks went to pieces
and the French maintained their posi-
lions on the north bank of the Vesle,
despite the efforts Of the Germans to
drive them back across the river.
North of Montdidier the French
made successful attack against the
German lines near Brasches and cross
ed the Avre river.
The Germans attempted surprise
attack below Montdidler, but We're
thrown back with losses, leaving some
prisoners in the, hands of the French.
German Losses Heavy.
London, Aug. Herman prisoners
taken in the Aisne-Vesle fighting state
that the German war office has con-
coded the loss Of 1900 in prisoners,
but that among German soldiers it Is
a common report that the allies have
taken 10000 prisoners since July ID,
and. that the Germans lost 500 guns.
Foes Line StiHens.s
With the French Army in France,
Aug. 7.-German resistance along the
banks Of the Aisne and Nesl rivers is
growing more stubborn. Allied patrols
which have crossed these rivers have
met with the sternest resistance.
In the neighborhood Of Muizon, on
the south side of the Vesle, the Ger
mans fought fiercely before they were
forced back. The battle was especial
ly severe around the Vautes farm and
the adjacent woods. On the end of the
line nearest Reims heavy artillery
duel Is going on.
Gun Fire Is Heavy.
The machine gun fire in this region
is most severe. Similar conditions pre-
vail between Fismes and Sermois, near
the confluence of the Vesle and the
Aisne.
The enemy artillery maintained
steady fire on the valleys south Of the
two rivers in an attempt to catch allied
concentrations. German ayiatQrs also
were active, descending often to
harass allied infantry%with machine
guns.
On the front before Reims, French
artillery fire caught a body Of Ger
mails which had congregated near st.
Thierry, about four miles north of tho
city. The fire Of the heavy French
guns quickly dispersed the enemy.
Allies Pursue Huns.
Paris, Aug. 1.-THE allied pursuit of
the Germans continues, and latest re-
ports are that only a few enemy troops
remain south of the River Vesle, says
the Havas agency In reviewing the sit
uation. French patrols have crossed
the Vesle at Bazoches and Jonchery,
west and east Of Fismes respectively.
Allied troops hold the entire south
ern bank Of tR Vesle between Fsmes
and Reims. Stubborn resistance was
made by Prussian and SBavarian
guards between Muizon and Cham
pigny, but they were forced back suf-
ferirg heavy losses.
Definite Halt on Aisre.
The Germans, it is believed, will try
to stop at an intermediate position be-
tween the Vesle and the Aisne, but
probably will not attempt definite
malt before the Aisne Is reached ;
The enemy has suffered serious loss
es in men and material. Enemy dead
arc scattered along all the roads Nad-
ing north. !
British Announce aGain.
London. Aug. 1--WE have pushed
our lines forward at Pacaut woods,
east of Robecq,' says the British Off
cial report issued here.
Hostile artillery is active south Of
Ypres."