Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-03-25

anticipated. But, unless one knows the
inside of the allies strategy, it is i'm
possible to judge fully it's meaning.
1t may be, some suggest, that the
British are drawing the enemy on and
that open fighting will be the outcome
of this struggle. Open fighting is what
many Officers would like to see, for
they believe that only with it can the
struggle be decided. The line to which
the British have retired, has long been
prepared. France and England dug in
during the winter months when the Ger
man offensive was being advertised and
it was realized that such vast numbers
would be used to make some retirement
probably inevitable.
Defense Strengthening
But the retirement, according to all
reports has been in order, without panic
and with heavy casualties for the on
coming Teuton hordes.
Perhaps, it is suggested, the allies un-
derestimated the reserve strength of the
Germans. But enemy employment of one
million or more men meant to military
men that he was bound to press back
the allies. Yet it did not mean this
advance would mean a break through
followed by an enveloping movement.
The British resistance now apparently
is stiffening and it is felt here that
soon the boche will suffer fresh losses
from counter assaults.
. .he war department regards the Ger
man offensive as a gigantic gamble by
~ 20
tiou confirms to us that the German
higher command is unable to control the
strategic situation through political
agencies,'' says the weekly war sum
mary ."as has been increasingly at
tempted during the past four months
and has been forced to engage IN 8
desperate military venture in an effort
to retain its domination over the peo'
rlcs Of the central empires, and II pos
sible. force q victorious peace by the
fortune of arms.
Tide VIII Ebb and Flow.
emo definite enveloping movement Is
as vet outlined, the statement added
e1It would be premature to express an
opinion regarding the tactical phases OF
orerations now taking place. We must
cxnect further changes in the combat
situation, which arc inevitable IN
battle Of such magnitude"
Germany is paying a frightful price
for her gains, as evidenced by the offi
cial statement that her losses have
been exceedingly heavy"
The conflict has not yet developed
10 a point where authorities can deter
mine whether the Germans intend &c
turn toward Paris or toward the chan
mel ports. However, there is a prospect
tLat the battle front will be extended
northward. This was limited in the state
uent that ARTILLERY duels are reported
in Artois and Flanders and the exten
sion is possible. !" - a..
/ The American forces in action the
1ast week against the boche in the Am
trican sector gave good accounts OF
themselves.
/ The German general staff is now ap
perently determined to smash on regard
| less of costs Hindenburg's boast that
lie would be in Paris by April l, IS re
called, but authorities here say 1t WI
not come to pass.
The possibility of some naval act On
supplemenring the terrific land battle
was seen in come quarters today. Thai
the German navy would not venture
| forth has long been the feeling here
but whether Lew aggressive action Wi
be taken by the allied fleets at ths
/ time is a question discuseds as a side
Issue.