The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-08-14

al 49, aug Ii W "1O =. 11A')
"Our methodical pressure war
rants the hope that the whole
triangle formed by Lassigny,
Ribecourt and Noyon soon will
be occupied" an official state
ment declared this afternoon.
London, Aug. 1.-THE town of
I.assigny. on the southern part of the
Picardy battle front, for which the
French have been struggling over the
hills TO the west and south. has been
captured by them. the Pail Mall Ga
zette today says it understands
The capture is reported to have
taken place this morning The news
OF the fall of the town has not been
officially confirmed.
Press on Toward Noyon.
Paris, Aug. II (1:O5 p. m.) Cen
eral Humbert's army operating on the
southern end of the Picardy line is
reported today to be progressing
steadily toward Noyon. The desper-
ate German defense of the Chaulnes-
Roye rodd has caused delay in the
storming of the Noyon position, which
is now said to be impending.
The army of General Rawlinson,
which is holding the line just to the
north of the French positions, is meet
ing most desperate resistance along
its whole front. The Germans seem
determined TO retain the Chaulnes
heights at all costs.
Germans Use Many Machine Guns.
On the French Front i'm France,
Aug. IA The Germans are combat
ing the French in the Lassigny region
generally with machine guns, which
are as numerous as soldiers. The val
leys and woods which the French
Elust traverse are being flooded with
mustard gas. The FRENCH, however,
are advancing thru the valleys by in
filtration. The German tactics indi-
cate that the main enemy force is re-
tirins upon a defensive line not far
distant.
The French success today in gain
ing important local positions south
east of Lassigny gives prospect of
complete success in overcoming the
ma-sf of Lassigny.
Huns Bring Up Guns.
(By the Associated PressJ
With the British Army in France,
Aug. IA (10:30 a. NO. There is no
Change in the situation on the new
SOmme battle front this morning ex-
cept for the fact that considerably
increased artillery fire indicates that
up more of his guns.
Various small artillery concentra-
ttons have sprung up during the last
few hours and are now active in firing
on some points within the British lines
such as Vauvillers, FramoivilIe, Proy-
art, Lihons, Dernancourt and the for
ward areas south of the Villers-Bre-
tonneux-Chaulnes railway.
The Germans have also subjected the
valley north of Morlancourt to heavy
gas Smelling and have similarly treat.
ed Harbonnieres and the Gressaire
wood region. No further counter Al
tacks by the enemy are reported
In the region of Bray, north of the
Somme, as well as Immediately south
of the river. the British have been ac.
lively strengthening and pushing for
ward their lines. Northwest of Bray
the British raided the enemy lines ant
found them unoccupied.
Except for a little increase in tbs
raiding activity by both sides, which
IS customary Immediately following s
battle for the purpose of ascertainins
possible changes ir dispositions, the
remainder of the British front is in E
normal state.
French Gained Two Miles.
tBy the Associated PressJ
With the French Army in France
Aug. IL Il p. m.)-The Germans nov
are in Plemont, about a mile south
east of Lassigny, to which they re
tired. following a new advance by thu
French. General Humberts arm!
moved forward two miles yesterday
and took the st. Claude farm, which
makes the hold of the French on th'
southern part of the Thiecourt plateau
secure.
AT Plemont the Germans found po
sitions all ready to receive them and
were able to off strong resistance
The enemy took P1emont during th'
fighting early in ,-u1e and their Ole
trenches there are still organized will
wire entanglements.
French Make Progress.
(By the Associated Press.J
While there have been no definite
reports of a resumption of the drive
against the German positions on tn,
southern end of the Picardy battl,
line. dispatches from Paris this after
noon " Nould seem to indicate tina
fresh progress has been made ther.
by General Humbert's army
It is said that the French are ad
vancing steadily on Noyon and Will,