The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-09
ALLIES ARE ABLE TO WITHSTAND COMING
 TEUTONIC OFFENSIVE
 OPINION OF BAKER
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ish and Germans. Numerous patrol encounters were also reported
 Intense artillery bombardments in the Lens and Cambrai sectors would indi- cate that the enemy has selected this terrain for concentrated assault.
 "The French front remains relatively quiet Severe cold prevailed. Spirited artillery duels were reported in Cham pagne and in the region of the right bank of the Mouse.
 Hostile infantry activity was noted in the region east of St. Mihiel and near St. Quentin, but the effort to set in mo- tion an attack against the French lines were in each case readily dispersed.
 After fighting on the defensive for 10 weeks the Italians, firmly supported by the Franco-British forces, have been able to reorganize their Dispositions in the field. Thereupon the French, seiz- ing a favorable opportunity, passed to the offensive in the neighborhood of the Monte Tomba. The outcome of their undertaking was singularly fortunate. This vitally strategic point, which, had 1t remained in the hands of the enemy, would have afforded him great advan- tage, was retaken by the Fernch as the climax of a dashing assault against very strong and difficult positions. Nearly 400 Austrian prisoners were captured
 SoSSScc scale. The Italians, encouraged by this victory, at once set about driving the enemy across the Piave. The Austrians sought to effect cross of the river in the vicinity of Intestadura, about 15 miles from the Adriatic. Large contn- gents were gathered together for this operation. Owing to the vigorous nature of Italian resistance complete failure at tended the undertaking and the enemy
 vas driven back with serious loss. The Austrian attachments which have held the bridgehead at Benson on the right bank of the Piave for the past five weeks-were also driven out by an impet- uous attack and forced to retire across tho river, so that no hostile units now remain on the west bank of the Piave.
 ''The British lead in raiding enemy positions across the river. Their sallies achieved excellent results, as they were able to inflict much damage on hostile outworks, and took number of prison CTS. Heavy snow has at last fallen in the Alpine regions, which greatly hamp- CTS the Austro-Germans. It will be a tremendous task for them to keep their lines of communication open in the mountain area. Transport problesm are at all times peculiarly difficult in this theatre, and under the added burden of unfavorable winter weather the practical advantage which the enemy has hitherto enjoyed by holding the higher ground will be neutralized by his transportation difficulties. The Italians remain in se- cure possession of their offensive posi- tions along the Monte Grappa and the Asiago sectors.
 "The interallied war council, not rely ing on undertaking counter offensive In the west, in order to relieve Austro- German pressure in Italy, smoothly and quietly transported an important number l..tAt to the Venetian battlefield. Some time had of necessity to elapse before the closest coordination and harmony could be secured between the mixed contin- gents fighting in a new terrain. This pe- riod of adjustment has now passed and we may anticipate that the French, British and Italians. fighting side by side. will be able to master the situa- ton. Cooperation between their forces has been secured. Military operations are now being conducted with unani- mity of command and purpose which pre- sages the best results.
 "In Palestine hostile reaction following ] upon the fall of Jerusalem, as was to be expected, took place. The Turkish forces delivered a series of very well concerted and powerful thrusts in the neighbor-
 hood of Bir-Nebiala. These assaults were evidently launched for the purpose oi retaking the Holy City. But owing tc the superiority of the British, not only did the Turkish counter offensive fai utterly. but the British were able te push forward for a distance of sever miles.
 | "The British are continuing their sue cessfu! operations and have been able tt extend their lines nine miles north o Jerusalem. Indictment weather has i'm peded operations.
 Prom various sources. information reaches the United States that undel German supervision large number o
 fresh battalions withdrawn from Meso potamia and the Caucasus are being rushed to Palestine Damascus is thu centre of much military activity.
 Tt is believed that in order to attempt
 to regain their prestige the Germans
 will afford the Turks whatever assistanct
 possible in an effort to check the British
 and retake Jerusalem