Evening star., 1918-06-30
'LU[L IN BATTLES
BENEFITS ALLIES
Arrival of American Troops
Tending to Overcome In
equality of Numbers.
PARIS DEFENSE STRONGER
By JOHN p. BASS.
Cabiegrnm To The sunday star and
Chicago Daily News. Copyright. 1918.

Chicago Daily News. Copyright. 1918.
PARIS. France. June 25.--.Again n pc
riod OF calm overspreads France and the
general feeling is that each week brings
a fresh inspiration to the allies. For any
inequality of numbers tends to right IL
self through the preparations for the
battlefield of the American troops. who
with their energy and vigor unimpaired
by the shock OF three years OF war bring
enthusiasm and hope to the allies. II
would be folly to believe that this calm
can last long Aside from possible peace
propositions favorable to herself. Ger
many will renew her offensive blows.
This period OF calm gives an opportu-
nifty to the French TO calculate and meet
all attempts on Paris. The opportunity
is not being neglected. and any offensive
in this direction by the Germans
should undoubtedly meet with resis-
tance superior to that against the
previous German offensives.
May Strike at British.
For this very reason there is a ten
German blow will be In the north
against the British army, with the
aim Of getting a channel port or at
least of securing possession Of the re-
naming coal fields about Bethune.
However, the temptation for the Ger
mans to drive further on Paris must
be great in order to endeavor to obtain
positions from which they might bonn
bard the city with naval guns.
Another alternative presents itself
to Germany. That IL the reinforce-
ment of Austria in an attack on Italy.
The Italians' SncCesSftI1 at a IN
the Austrian drive is most satisfac-
tory from all points OF view. II
should re-establish Italy in the eyes
of the world and undoubtedly will
give renewed confidence to the whole
Italian people. depressed by former
reverses. 1t indicates the innate
strength of the Italian army II united
under proper leadership and gives the
Italian government an opportunity to
adopt a more vigorous internal war
policy.
The offensive of the Austrian army
on the Asiago plateau. but the fact
that II is now unable to hold its posi-
tions even when reinforced by troops
taken from the Russian front indi-
Gates the growing weakness OF Aus
tria.
Policy Winning slavs.
Undoubtedly Italys change of
policy in favor of autonomy Of the
Slav nationalities OF Austria has con-
tributed greatly to the weakness OF that
! country. Pressure on Germany may he
great to assist Austria in order TO
oounteract the internal moral deprss-
sion resulting from her present Itai-
ian repulse. 1t is POSSIBLE for Ger
mary at any moment to stabilize her
lines In France and turn her forces
against Italy. 1t seems inevitable that
before the end of the season the Ger
mans, having failed TO obtain decisive
results in Frnce. will try to Join Aus
tria in a mighty assault on the Piave
to try to put out Italy by capturing
the manufacturing centers such as
Milan. Such an offensive IL under
taken with large force would. how
ever. be the final great effort of Ger
many for this year. because of the
length and the paucity of the railroad
lines for German transportation be-
tween me French front and the yene-
tian plain. IT, therefore, seems prob
able that Germany may continue for
some time with diminishing results to
seek a decision in France
In the Balkans between the hetedi-
tary enemies, Bulgaria and Turkey,
there are Indications of dissensions
which Germany is finding II difficult
to control. The situation is being
watched by our official circles with
interest.