Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-29
GREAT ALLIED OFFENSIVE Gains IN Momentum
French and BRITISH
RETAkE CITIES LOST
In PlCARDY BATTLE

There was every indication today that the
Anglo-French counter offensive against the Ger
mans in the giant battle of Picardy is gaining mo-
mentum The British have recaptured some or
their lost ground north Of the Somme river taking
some prisoners and capturing machine guns.
The United States was thrilled today by in
formation from Paris that General Pershing speak
ing in the name of his country had placed the Am
ercian army at the disposition of the French for use
in this large battle against the leutons.
General Pershing's offer was made to General
Foch, who is now being talked of as the new SUI
preme commander IN chiet OF all the allied forces
on the western battle 'front.' if such post created
Violent fighting continues along the whole bat
tie front which has now been extended until its
width may be roughly estimated at from eighty to
ninety miles.
/ In his official report to the British war office
Field Marshal F1aig made special mention of the
heavy new losses which were inflicted by the Bri-
tons upon the Germans in the past twenty-four
hours.
North of the Somme river the Germans flung
masses of reserves into the battle but they with
cred away under the murderous machine-gun, rifle
and artillery fire Of the British.
! South of the Somme after a series OF savage
German thrusts the British lines were withdrawn
Il
The French have advanced as we'll as the British
and have captured the village of Mouche in the
Montdier sector The French war office also en-
phaszed the enormous losses inflicted upon the
Germans
Foch Heads Allied Forces
Washington March 29.-That Gen. Foch has
been named to the supreme command OF the hight
ing forces on the western front indicated when
the whitehouse this afternoon made public the fol-
lowing cable addressed to him by President Wilson
from the cabinet meeting: May | not convey to
you my sincere congratulations your new auth
ority Such unity OF command is most hopeful
aupllry Of an ultimate success We are following
with profound interest the bold and brilliant action
of your forces.
French Take Mouche
Paris, March 29-The French army fighting
shoulder to shoulder with the British in the Picardy
front have taken the village of Mouchel, the war
office announced today.
We have held. the village captured from the
Germans Yesterday the official statement said
We have completed our success by taking Mou-
chel in the Montdier sector In the fighting in that
district the enemys losses were exceedingly heavy.
/, The allies have victorousy held the Avre line
north of Montidier The Ave line lies before Neu
Vile Bernard and IIameI.'
(The foregoing indicates that the French line
extends nearly to the Somme river now)
Bell Praises British. 1g&H
4 Washington, March 29.-Major General Bell,
a lust back from France told the Senate Military At
fars committee today the British Withdrawal in
the face of the German drive was pre-arranged.
q The general stated there was no objections to
it The publication of his statement because the plans
= had already been carried out
n You may have seen that General Ludendorf
said that it took two months to prepare TOR the
drive" said General Bell 1T took longer. There
seems to be an impression that the British par
n TALLY ignorant of what was going on That is not
true. personally know that the British made the