The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-05-06
SECOND ATTEMPT ID BE MADE ID BREAK THOUGH INTO PLAIN AND TAKE VENICE Enemy Assembling Troops Brought From Russia
 and Rumania for
 Offensive
INTERNAL TROUBLES FORCED DECISION TO MAKE ANOTHER DRIVE
British Repulse Local At Jacks in Flanders-Gen- eral Situation Remains
 Unchanged
By Associated Press

Over the battle lines along the Piaye river and in the mountainous region in north ern Italy, where the allied forces have been holding thelr positions since last November after the great Italian retreat from the Isonzo, there is in creased tension and the long threatened blow at this front may be launched by the leu tonic allies within few days. For many weeks the Italian war office has been aware that the Austrians have been as sembling the legions with drawn from Russian and Rumanian fronts for a drive at the Italian armies, and 1t is be- lieyed that it will not be long before the central powers will make another attempt to reach the plains of Venetia, break through the allies lines and seek to bring about a decisive combat in that theatre of the war.
 Emperor Charles of Austria ac- companied by his chief of staff and high German and Austrian army of ficers, is reported on his way to the Italian front and the great movement of troops in Tyrol and Trentino would seem to indicate that vast bodies of men are being taken from other fronts to be hurled at the Italian po- Isitions.
 WHERE BLOWS WILL FALL
 The blow, il is generally believed. Will fall somewhere in the mountain oas section of the front, propably in the 1.aGarino and Astico valleys These sectors face the north and if broken. would permit the foe 10 penetrate into the lower foothills Of the mountains. or even reach the plaias. If this should occur the armies along the Piase river would be compelled to fall back, probably as far as the Adige river This would entail the joss of Venice and vast expanse of country to the enemy
 DECISION WAS FORCED
 The decision to launch an offensive of grand proportions in Italy was doubtless forced by political and eco homie conditions prevailing in Aus tria. An offensive campaign that yields gains of ground might serve to still the elements which are seethins lthroughout the dual empire and would postpone the day of reckoning that seems in store for the rulers of Aus tria.
 German domination of Austria is be- coming more complete as time goes on. Tyrol and Bohemia have been an nexed for food administration pur- poses, to Germany. but this move in the great game of statecraft has
  tween the racial factions of Austria. Bohemian troops have deseretd from the Austrian armies and have joined the Italians and if an offensive is not launched, demoralization of the Austrian forces may come sooner than the outside world expects.
 FRENCH FRONT QUIET
 In the meantime. the situation on the front in France and Flanders has remained fairly quiet. There have been local attacks by the Germans here and there along the line, but nothing ap- preaching a general battle has been reported; The allies are improving their lines and are awaiting for the Germans to make the next move. 1 POPE'S DENIAL Pope Benedict has served notice on the world that the Vatican will not be a party to any peace offensive" X at the present time. It is believed that Berlin will seek to bring about
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