Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-05-18
SATURDAY EVENING, MAY IS, 1918.
EVENTS OF WEEK

EVENTS OF A WEEK
The week has been passed in the expectation Of
another big German drive, presumably in the somme
district, but without the actual launching of any such
effort. Whatever may be the cause for delay, the allied
commanders know by their observations Of what is going
on behind the German front that there has been in prog
ress a great massing of men and guns which can have
only one object, the resumption of the attempt to cut
the allied lines in two. The physical facts demonstrate
such a purpose, and there is in support Of the theory
that such a purpose is entertained the other factor, the
absolute necessity that exists for a continuance Of their
offensive by the Germans. Germany has thus far been
unable to so forward after her initial successes, but she
cannot quit. Whenever she does quit she is lost.
All along the lines in France and Flanders there has
been a strengthening of the allied positions, and on the
main sectors there has been an increased tendency on
the part of the allies to take the offensive themselves.
The territory which they have regained is insignificant,
but the demonstration of effectiveness and resolution
which they have given is impressive. A diversion has
been caused by the sudden assum Of the offensive
by the Italians. In severe fighting they have made quite
important gains from the Austrians. in spite Of the fact
that the latter have been reported to be preparing for a
big drive of theirfown. The meaning of the Italian at
tack is not clear. 1t may mean that the Italians have
begun an ambitious effort to regain the territory which
they lost so disastrously a few months aso, ana 70 =
Rsffrs thhttaifcefGye ifffkeef1y:a It fa SEEMS more ntot ~, ~. =.
purpose is the dual one of dera nginr tho ~ MANS
for an offensive and of discouraging him from sending
troops to the aid of the Germans in their fighting in
France and Flanders.
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While Germany has been unable to make visible
progress in the field, she is overlooking. no opportunity
to improve her political position. At a conference at the
Teutonic headquarters the substance of an agreement
between Germany and Austria-Hungary was arranged,
and another coil Of the German tentacle has been fast
encd around her neighbor. The agreement, which is to
last for IS years, is directly in the line of the "Mittel
Europa ambitions of the Prussian clique, and includes
Specifications for both political and trade alliances. in
which, of course. Germany is to be the governing partner.
An Interesting light is thrown en- the feeling that crops
out among the various German states at times in the
mat the King of Bavaria and a representative Of
the Saxon monarchy, both unlimited, attended the con-
ference because, as stated by a Bavarian paper, Prussia
must not be allowed to monopolize control.
In another direction Germany has been giving evi.
dence of her benevolent designs in the smaller peoples
by demanding that the province of Lithuania, which has
gone through the form of separation from Russia and
the creation of a separate state, shall aid Germanv her
benefactor. in bearing the burdens of the war. Tn Rms
STA proper, or what remains of it, the Soviet government
specifically charges German violation of the recently
framed treaty, and has ordered the creation of a new
army. The financial and Industrial situation in Russia
is such that this may not mean anything in a strictly
military sense, but it may help to keep the Germans
busy on their eastern frontier.
One of the first developments of the adoption of a
unified control Of the allied armies was the brigadinr Of
American troops with those of France or Great Britain,
whichever was the more convenient A furthnr avo1on
ment is the decision that wherever, in pursuance Of this
policy, the Americans utnumber those Of the other
nations, the combination is to be under the command
-Of General Pershing. This announcement was received
with a good deal Of satisfaction here by many who had
felt that American prestige would suffer by the merging
OF the identity of American troops with those of the other
nations.
According to disclosures just made, the emperor Of
Austria some months ago made use Of that convenient
relative Of hia, Prince sixtus, to receive ana transmit a
letter containing certain peace suggestions directed to
the president and premier of France, with instructions
that It's contents be communicated in strict confidence
70 the king and premier of England. This was done
but in answer to q question Secretary Balfour said the
other day that no offer Of a bona fide character had
soone from Austria, but that when any Of the central
powers Wished - piaes real peace proposals before the
siIies they would ~ siyen q hearing.
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