Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-28
C0UNTER0FFENS|VE |MPENDS; 800.00OARE READY
| 10000 AMERICANS
WILL TAKE PART
IN ALLIED ATTACK

Washington, March 2S-The allied offensive
is well under way and most important news IS eX-
pected from the battle front in France within the
next twenty-four hours, war department officials
declared today.
1t is understood that not less than one hundred
thousand American troops will participate in this
counter attack.
According to the latest information reaching
Washington the allies have placed 100000 fresh
troops along the Picarcy front 1t is these who
will be sent against the Germans in sweeping
movement which is expected to turn the tide OF bat
tie in favor of the allies.
The very fact that the officers here now say that
the counter offensive about to begin OF the very
greatest Importance. 1t means, they make it plain
that the German grand offensive has definitely tail
ed of its object and has been checked
Battle on French Front
Paris. March 28.-French forces holding the
battle line north of Disc river have retired in order
ly fashion to the heights west OF Montdldler mean
while nhicting enormous losses upon the Germans.
the French war Office announced today.
French troops fighting foot by foot inflicted
heavy losses upon the Germans and retired in or
derly manner to the heights west of Montdidier.
the official statement said.
The enemy suffered heavily when he concen-
trated his efforts against the French left flank where
fighting Of unprecedented herceness has taken
place
The War in Summary
Without rehnquishng any Of its violence the
vast battle raging in Plcardy has extended fartt T
northward to the distance east of Arras.
The announcement by the British Office
that number of German prisoners and machine
guns have been captured was a strong indication
that the allies have launched their counter often
sive and tha the counter assault against the Ger
mans are growing in force
The fighting along the southern end OF the bat
tie line which the French now hold, was described
by the French war office today being OF unpre-
cedented herceness.
Under the blows of the Germans the French
made slight retirement north of the Disc river
A violent bombardment of the British positions
east of Arras was commenced this morning by the
Germans and at the time Field Marshall l1ag made
bis morning report an attack IN the process or
development
Americans Of all branches Of the service
now said to be taking part in the battle.
Spies Infest Aero Plants
Washington March 2S.-T break down of
America greatest aviation program has been due
to tanperlng OF German spies who ntest the ar
craft plants Senator Overman speaking tor the adj
ministration announced IN the Senate this after
noon.
Overman declared that there are 400 600 spies
in the United States
He charged that German spies are in the Curtiss
aeroplane plant and urged the president to com
nandeer the plant
Senator Overman exhibited to the senate ali
aeroplane part used in the construction of ma
chine He said that the part had been cut in two
and filed with lead, 50 that when the first machine
went up it fell to the ground.
As result said the senator, every machine
had to be examined and delay Of two months in