The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-04-25
Welcome News Is Hailed in
Washington Today.
Yanks Taking a Valiant Part in
the Struggle.
STILL MORE ARE ENTERING
Army Men Have Full
Confidence in FOch.
Yanks Were in Thickest of
Fighting Yesterday.

Washington, April 25.-Fighting
Americans are in the storm center
south of the Somme.
Brigaded with the allies, they are
taking valiant part in the struggle
that RACES there, according to advices
today. The dilution of the allied ar
mics with Americans has proceeded
so far that now the United States has
a considerable representation in the
battle. This strength is being con-
stantly increased.
The fact that our men are with
standing the Teuton blows in the ma
jor struggle was hailed as welcome
tidings here. With it came the thought
that the American casualties will
swell but that with every list there
will be a vaster one in Germany.
The brigading process is still under
way. At some points the addition of
American forces to the French and
British has been heavier than at 9TH
ers. it was officially stated. tho the
war department declined to indicate
how much of a strength we have in
jected.
The Teuton smash south of the
Somme, is likely to go the route OF
Germany's other blows to date-ad-
vance for a time and then come to a
complete block.
This was how military men sized up
the prospects today in the wake of
news that the offensive had netted a
mile about Vi1lers- -Bretonneux and had
taKen that place.
Blow Aimed at Amiens.
The fact that the retirement else
where was small, as far as reported.
was taken as hopeful, tho by no
| means conclusive that there would
not be some give in the allied ssruc-
! ture.
The new drive has the actual cap
ture of Amiens as its main objective
apparently. The first objective, Viii
| lers Bretonneux, has been taken, but
| behind that place the terrain is such
as to give the defenders an advan-
tage; and unless the line elsewhere
recedes too much, the Teuton will
find his progress beyond Bretonneux
| anything but easy going.
| American army men are disappoint-
60 that resumption of the battle
found the allies still on the defen-
sive. But they rely so thoroly on
General Foch that they believe he
| has some surprise strategy in store
which makes an allied stroke inad-
| viSable al this moment.
Meantime, there is strong urging
of the allies to pursue the aggressive
| OIL the seas, SO valiantly undertaken
| in the Ostend and Zeebrugge raids
The results are considered worth the
sacrifice if similar daring and initia-
tive are used henceforth in a follow
| up campaign.
Yanks in Heavy Fighting.
London, April 25.-American troops
are aiding in the defense of Amiens
These units, the French night COM
| munique disclosed, are holding posi-
tions south of the Somme and along
| the Avre, in conjunction with the
French.
1t was against these positions thai
the Germans directed their heaviest
attacks in the resumption of theiI
offensive yesterday. The fighting il
= continuing along wide front there
according to the latest official re-
ports.
| AN intense bombardment of the
| Franco American positions south OF
the Somme and on the Avre was fol.
lowed by a German attack along thi.
whole front by considerable forces al
a. m today" declared the night of.
fetal statement from Paris
| Battle Lasted All Day.
The enemys efforts were directed
against Hangard-en- Santerre, the re.
gion of Hailles and Senecat wood
South of the Avre. the battle
which last all day, continues. 1t wa.
particularly stubborn in the region o.
Hangard- -ed-Santerre. After a series
of furious assaults, the enemy sue
ceeded in obtaining a foothold in the
wood north of the village. as well a.
(Continupu on paoa Tue