The Washington herald., 1918-07-30

ENERGY DRAWS
ALLIED PRAISE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
their rear guard forces are made up
largely Of Prussian regiments. men
taught from early manhood that the
German war machine IL invincible
and that they and their fellows are
unequalled among the warriors OF
the world.
According to reports received
through diplomatic channels, the
new light French tanks are play
ing great part in carrying the bat
tie steadily to the enemy. who in re-
treat has stopped at nothing to raise
every barrier possible.
Tanks Went Forward.
II Is recounted that the tanks went
forward with all the dash of the
French cavalry. never retiring in the
race Of any obstacle and attacking
centers OF resistance and enemy bat
teries under a terrible FIRE from ma
chine guns and special cannon, which
the enemy turned on them.
Each squadron OF tanks reduced an
average Of from fifteen to twenty ma
chine gun nests. Often in the attack
certain tanks were driven to the ficnks
where their crews leaped to the
ground and made sure that no enemies
were left lurking in any Of the cement
pill boxes.
The tanks were In action steadily
from July Is to July "A. The tank
crews refused to 60 to the rear for
rest and every day led In the assaults
Often they returned to the combat
four and five times in a day. Each
company fought three full DAYS and
some Of the drivers were at their
posts for thirty hours without sleep.
Swarms Of Tanks.
American officers who studied the
reports Of the successes achieved by
the tanks stated unreservedly that
next year will see swarms of tanks
on the Western front. 1t il stated
that American tank units will be
given a prominent part in the work
which may be set for the assauItins
units chosen for the fighting in 1918.
Although there Is much unofficial
discussion Of the possibility of a new
allied offensive on the Picardy or
Flanders front, military officers de-
cline TO predict that such an offensive
Will be Forthcoming soon. 1t Is point
ed out that every effort must be made
at this time that the victory on the
Marne may be fully exploited. Odicers
insist that too often in warfare the
enemy has escaped a disaster only be-
cause his foe failed to press for a
decision until the very end.
At this time. 1t is said, there ia
little doubt that the allied forces are
busy replacing wearied forces with
fresh troops.
Baker Says "RedoubIe Effort,
These new troops came from re-
serves which have been in a position
to support the other salients, 1t is
pointed out that by using every mode
and means OF attack, the allies now
can infiict upon the enemy far greater
damage than might be ACCOMPLISHED
by an attempted drive at another
point. 1t Is the hope of some critics
that the army of the crown prince
will be so bruised and battered in the
retreat from the Marine that Germany
WILL for all time be placed on the
defensive.
Secretary Baker today said:
The progress Of the allied armies
In the Soissons-Rheims salient is con-
tinuing. Substantial gains were made
on Saturday and Sunday. It Is fortu-
nate that our people are accepting
this success with a true measure of
It's significance. 1t Is, of course, a
cause for congratulation and rejoicing,
but would by no means justify any
relaxation Of our effort. It means
that we must redouble our effort"