Evening star., 1918-07-17
Still Holding.

What German soldiers declare to be
"Germany's peace offensive" continues.
French, American and italian forces
along the battle line from the region
of Chateau Thierry to Massiges, east of
Rheims, are constantly busy warding
off the tremendous blows delivered by
the enemy. So far, in the main, they
have succeeded.
It becomes increasingly apparent
that the present battle is not pre-
Iminary to the "big German often
sive:" 1t is great offensive in itself,
designed to crush the allied line, some
thing other offensives of the year have
failed to do. Allied circles believe the
German command is utilizing more
than 100000 men in the operation,
: SOC, 900 being on the line Of contact.
These figures alone should be sufficient
proof that the Germans have set about
their present task with that determi-
nation manifest in previous efforts.
Instead of French and American ar
mics resisting feint they are in fact
engaged in battle of battles, strug-
gle in which every ounce Of allied
strength may be brought into play be-
fore the fires of conflict have cooled.
As a result of this the glorious resist
ance of French and American arms
is the more encouraging. They have
held the Germans in check except at
a few points in the Marne region,
where it appears the Germans have
been able to extend their hold on
either bank toward Epernay.
But the American and French SOL
+ diers today are masters of the Ger
mans by virtue of the very gains the
enemy has made. The German posi-
tions stretching on either bank of the
river are under deadly and continuous
artillery fire. The Germans would
have an exceedingly difficult time in
extricating themselves from the pock
cts into which they have thrust them
selves on either bank of the Marine
should allied counter blows succeed.
The Germans must gain. 1t is impera-
tive to their safety and the develop
ment of their plans looking toward the
evacuation of Rheims, the capture of
Epernay and Chalons sur Marne, the
latter two cities being important CEN
ters of allied communications.
The Teutons' hold on the southern
bank of the Marne is not factor to
be given serious consideration as long
as the French and Americans hold the
dominating heights. The Germans on
the south bank are in infinitely more
serious position than those on the
northern side of the river.
If the Germans had hoped to protect
their troops operating on the northern
bank of the Marne by aggression be-
tween Rheims and the river they have
failed, for the French are holding rea-
sonably firm, such advances as the Ger
mans have scored being local in char
acter and having no great direct bear
ing on tho general situation.
From Rheims eastward the situation
most certainly gives the allies cause
for rejoicing, for the Germans here, ex-
cept in the vicinity Of Prunay, where
they have advanced in slight degree,
have been repulsed. Their attacks
have only led to tremendous losses in
men.
The situation everywhere is reassur-
ing. Though every battle is serious
as long as the enemy continues tre-
mendous attacks, there is no reason for
gloom in the nations arrayed against
the kaiser. On the other hand, the
military situation on the western front
today should afford qualification to all.