The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-02-23
BAKER SAYS Big
DRIVE imminent
Teutons Train Shock Troops for
a Crushing Blow on the
Western Front.
Tells OF SUCCESSFUL RAIDS
Secretary of War Asserts kaisers
Chiefs Realize They Will Meet
Greater Resistance Than Ever
Before-Sammies in Battle.

Washington, Feb. 21.-After extern
sive preparations silently and sys-
tematically carried on, it Is apparent
that both the Germans and the allies
are ready for the long expected often.
sive IN the west, Secretary Baker said
fflfiI sssrss teNss iiffisstr sfattf6ns re
the week ending February 16.
'While there have been outwardly
no new developments in the military
situation In the west during the period
under review" says the communlque,
"yet 1t Is apparent that both the enemy
and the allies, after extensive prepara-
lions which have been silently and sys-
tematically carried on are ready for
battle. The Germans have recently
withdrawn a number of their veteran
west front units from the first line
trenches and are busily training them
in mobile warfare.
Germans Plan Crushing Blow.
According to advices received, the
German general staff hopes that by
massing large number of these pick
ed shock battalions, which have been
intensively trained, they may deliver a
crushing blow.
>"The bulk of the German forces is
now assembled in the west. But q
large number of these units are wholly
unframed in the method of western
front warfare, which differs radically
from that conducted along other
fronts. Furthermore, the German high
err command realizes fully that their
forces will meet with far more difficult
tactical obstacles than any hitherto
encountered by an attacking army. A
break through was possible In Russia
only after the morale of the Russians
had been undermined; the same was
true in Italy and we witnessed how
speedily the italian line was mended.
During the week there has been
much activity Of minor character
along the entire western front.
Americans In Encounters.
"As has already been announced, In
Lorraine segment of the line is en-
tirely under the control of our forces.
Along our front patrol encounters were
numerous. The Germans undertook
raid against our positions and succeed
ed in inficting few casualties. A
small American patrol while scouting
in No Mans Land was ambushed by
the enemy,
"The weather was very rainy during
the first part Of the week and our
troops were busy manning the pumps
in an effort to keep their trenches dry.
"In Champagne units of American
artillery participated in an engage
ment ldertaken by French forces
| This Jeration was the most impor-
tant the week in the west. After
yer areful artillery preparation dur
! In Inch our batteries co-operated use
f. French infantry advanced to the
lult southwestern the Butte du Mes
along front of about 1,4O0
/ yards.
"The French succeeded in penetrat-
ing the german positions, broke
through the second and reached the
third German line. During this brisk
| attack the French destroyed many
enemy shelters, inflicted much dam
age to enemy positions besides bring
Ing back $50 prisoners.
"Other successful raids were under
taken by French detachments In the
vicinity of the Chemin des Danes east
of Reims. in upper Alsace and else
where. In al! the French drove for