Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-04-08
Teutons Repeatedly Launch
Attacks to Gain Com.
manding Positions.
SEEK POSITIONS TO
BEGIN NEW DRIVE
Commanders Reckless Of Men in Ef-
forts to Gain objectives-Attho Out
numbering Allies Three to One En-
emy Fails to Win Points of Vantage
Assaults on British Front De-
iivered to Locate Weak Points.
[Ry the Associated Press.1

With the French Army in France
April Twenty five divisions have
been used by the Germans in the last
four days in an effort to break the
French lines and reach the railway
running south of Amiens
All the attacks have been checked
by the French, some fresh troops be-
ms thrown into the line as soon as
they arrive on the battle field. The
Germans are attaining only insignif1-
cant results considering the number OF
troops engaged, as the German force
is at least three times as great as the
defenders.
The cheerfulness with which the
French go into action is remarkable.
They feel they are better than the
enemy and make light of the German
superiority in numbers. The French
command continues to work on the
principle of using the smallest possible
number OF troops to meet the German
rush.
Powerful trench mortars have made
their appearance behind the German
infantry but have not influenced? the
situation to any extent.
Attempt to Establish Pockets. Z
On the other hand an enormous
inumber Of machine guns pour an in
tense barrage into the French line and
at the same time the German infantry
attempts under cover of this fire to
get close to the French lines in small
groups and establish pockets from
which to lead forward at the proper
moment.
This procedure was quickly neu=
tralized by the French and the Ger
mans now are resuming massed attacks
in which their men come under direct
fire of machine guns rifles and French
75's, which infect severe losses.
The enemy commanders appear to
pay little attention to this slaughter,
their aim being to reach the objective
whatever the cost.
German Attacks Break Down.
Late last night the enemy again at
tackled in the region of Grivesnes but
were repulsed sanguinarily and forced
back to their own lines with greatly
diminished numbers.
South Of Noyon they at first sue
ceeded in entering, French positions.
Later after severe fighting .theS were
compelled to retreat.
Mount Renaud, near Noyon, saw
repeated attacks from the Germans
thruout Saturday but all were equally
futile. The hill was the first point
where the French barred the German
advance thru the Disc valley toward
Compiegne and Paris.
When the Germans first swept to-
ward Noyon the hill changed hands
repeatedly. The number of German
nature of the battle. Since March 80
the Germans have not budged. The
Germans occupied two hills overlook
ing Mount Renaud which possess little
practical value.
Further eastward along the Disc the
French fell back Saturday from the
dangerous salient north Of Amisny.
Fighting all the way they retired to
better positions which had been pre-
pared along the Aillette river.
Cavalry Plays Brilliant Part.
No finer chapter has been provided
An the British defense against the Hun
attacks than that furnished by the
British cavalry. They have been here,
there and everywhere, filing in gaps,
strengthening the lines and covering
the retirement of infantry. Their work
has been brilliant.
The correspondent saw long lines of
cavalry on the road yesterday. They
weer battle worn. More than one
trooper led riderless horse, but the
mems heads were up and their lances
described defiant circles.