The Delta independent., 1918-06-28

Washington, June 24.-The Italians
captured $4,000 prisoners and a vast
booty, says the official Rome cable to-
day. The withdrawal from the west
bank of the Piave river was only done
with most tremendous losses. Many
battalions trying to ford the swollen
stream were swept away and the mud
dy river was choked at points with
Austrian dead. Our artillery destroy
ed all but one Austrian bridge across
the river. The Italians attacked and
broke through the reinforced lines at
Cella-Bella. The Austrians were re-
inforced here with german detach-
ments but the fire of the Italians cut
its way through without any particular
difficulty. A general retreat is threat
ened by the Austrian forces. The
Italian commanders have praised the
American aviators for their cooperat-
ion, according to the cable.
Experts here caution against the
hopes of a complete Italian victory.
germans are awake to the peril and
are rushing reinforcements. The river
may prove the same trap for the Ital-
ians who cross at this time.
| The Italian cavalry crossed the mid,
die of the Piave river besides bridg-
ing the lower Piave river. Two thous-
and Austrians have been captured at
Montello.
Rome, June 24.-The Italians cross
ed the Piave river and are pursuing
the Austrians who are making a dis
orderly retreat. The city of Montello
has been again retaken. Italians have
captured many thousand prisoners. to-
gether with great quantities of aband-
oned materials. Nine Austrian divi-
sions are practically annihilated. The
Italians have defeated the rear guards
killing great numbers. The Austrian
loss in the offensive totals 100000,
while the Italian losses are placed at
only 10000. General Diaz at the psy.
Geological moment counter attacked
along the whole Piave line when the
Austrians only had two comparative
ly small bridges to retreat on. The
floods of the past day or two have
swept out practically every bridge on
the Piave river. The retreat is consid-
cred TO be practically complete along
the whole line. as the Austrians seem
to have lost all OF their offensive
The superior equipment of the Italians
has had its effect upon the Austrians
even If they are generated by the ger
mans. The spirit OF offensiveness has
been practically lost by them.
The emperor OF Austria has been re-
hurried to the front He probably. the
report says. had gone hack to Vienna
in the hopes OF strengthening out the
internal dissatisfaction at the capital
resulting from cut in the food rations
and also the threatened food crisis
coupled with the cabinets threatened
resignation. 1t is said that Vienna had
paved the way for the people by say
ing that Heavy rains and flooded
condition along the Venetian plains.
together have resulted in many priva-
tions for our troops. Attempts to com.
municate with our troops at points Is
impossible owing TO the condition OF
Piave river being so high for hours
Great difficulty is felt in providing
our troops with necessaries such as
with the Americans at Lorraine)
June 25.-A number OF Americans
were taken prisoners in two german
raids on the st Die sector which has
been held by the Sammies since June
1st.
London. June i5.-After the capture
of an objective. party Of twelve ger.
mans attempted to move around the
flank OF British battalion and attack
in the rear.
Cory w. Jones of the British infantry
rushed at the party single handed.
killed the leading man, and captured
the remainder.