Republican farmer., 1918-07-19
(By the Associated Press)

, Associated PreSS)
 After a wait of B days since they halted in their plunge toward COmpegne along the western bank of the Oise the at dawn today launched phase of their mighty by attacking Chateau Therry to Mai Champagne Massgnes and far east of Rheim front about 65 miles in length.
 Latest reports say the Geemans have crossed the Marne places This probably refers to the reaches of the Marne between Chateau Therry and DOrmans.
 troops engaged in the battle in this partcu lar region and reports say they handling the we'll They broke up the German drive the Vaux region west of Chateau Thierry by flashing counter attack
 Reports show ha far the length of line is present drive the greatest of the year. At first it believed from the French office statement that the line about 50 miles in extent but apparently the report from Paris told simply of the length of the French lines under at Measurements of the line where fighting is known to be going on however show that klometers or 65 miles long, The attack against the Cambrai front March 2 a front of 5 miles.
 night terrible artillery fire loosed against the Allied lines Chateau Thierry the west to Mason de Champagne, north of Massignes the east.
 For hours the Enent allied lines under tempest of the tremendous character Not only the actual battle area bombardmen but and cities lines made targets for great 10 and 2 inch proectes from what appears be naval siege brought behind the German positions.
 During few weeks it has been rmored that the sumption of the German offensive would witness long range bombardmen places that had heretofore been regarded distance from the front. These proved to be
 The lay world had expected the German main effort be against the line from the Mane to the Asne north Chateau Therry in the Pcady sector toward Abbevle farther norh in the ys sector against the channels ports Along this line the Allies have been daily improving and preparing for the drive.
 But the Germans chose sector that except for surprise attack around Rhem late in June has been quiet since offensive launched the Asne May 27 to stand still East of Rheims and north of Chalons there but little fighting of significance for long time.
 This line, of which Rheims may be regarded the key stone chosen for the that information might been received by the Germans that less strongly heC than sectors along the front Paris This it might onabe expect that greater territory could be at smaller of and materials than the lines where the Allies known to be very strong
 The Germans hold the northern bank of the Marne distance of 20 miles east of Chateau Ther Their line the Mane the village of Dormans and off northeast of Rhems where turns abruptly to the souheas and down the valley of the Cese river to the village Pompele, where it turns eastward and relatively straight line to Verdun. Maison de Champagne easter limit of the present battle is 3l miles west of Verdun.
 Located back of the Allied line east of Rheims rail road which supplies the French forces in Verdun tn in St. Mihe with food supplies this sector the important cities of Chalons Epernay and Bar all three of which important supply the Al lied forces The railroad interrupted to by tn advance to the Marne between Rheims Chatea Therry but it is still verey important artery the Allie forces
 only other fighting of moment reported from the ror has occurred the VilerBretonneuX sector in Amens. where the British have improved their positions