Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-06-25
IRy Annotated press.l


WASHINGTON, June 24.-Germany's
entire offensive program may have been
upset III the opinion of some officers
terc by the crushing defeat of the
Austrians along the Piavc River.
ofhcia; reports reaching Washington
bear out the picture OF the Austrian
disaster given in press accounts from
ltalE. although the full extent of the
Italian success Is not yet apparent.
IL Is regarded as certain, however. that
the central powers have been dealt
blow that will further shake the
morale OF their people and probably
VIII compel the German high command
TO make complete REIMBURSEMENT of its
plans i'm France.
secretary Baker showed tho signif-
cancc attached here to the defeat OF the
Austrians when he dispatched !, tclc-
gram to-day to the American ambas-
sador at Rome for transmission to the
Italian Minister Of War, in which he
congratulated Italy upon the splendid
exploits of the army.
Mr.. Bakers message was prompted
by the fact that the enemy was in re-
treat across the Piave and before the
news came that the Italians had
smashed up the rctreatinE foe. making
the retirement a disorganized rout.
There is no doubt here now that the
victory will prove to be one of the
most decisive in character of the whole
war.
MAY HAVE LARGE PART
IN AFFAIRS IN FRANCE
Army officers agreed with the view
expressed by MIR. Baker that the de-
feat could not help but influence greatly
inc course of events In France. 1t is
regarded as vital from the German
point of view that the Italian front
| may be made secure before German
designs in France can be prosecuted to
their fullest development While there
Is imminent danger that the Austro-
hungarian government may COLLAPSE
Germany cannot devote herself wholly
to the task she has undertaken OF
forcing victory in the west before
american man power can swing. the
scales finally against her
For this reason both at the War De-
partmcnt and in diplomatic circles.
there was much speculation as 10 the
moves to support Austria already taken
by the German high command There
is little doubt that reports of large
German troop movements to Italy are
"ell-foundcd, as ii is believed the stu
alton there must be restored at all
costs unless the whole great offensive
III France is to fail OF it's own weight
me German problem in rushing
troops to Italy is a different one Not
only VIII the withdrawal OF men from
france "eakeh the whole offensive eff
tort there at time when American
AID, the arrival of Italian divisions and
other measures are beginning to place
at General Foch's disposal enough re-
serves to enable him to strike hard at
any weakened point, but the Transport
l,aiian victory must necessarily be
slow
THINK FLOWER OF ARMY
HAS BEEN BROKEN UP
secretary Baker pointed out to-day
mat the Italians under General Diaz
N oh aNt, -.
TRAN advances. took quick and full
advantage of the rise OF the Pave be-
mind the enemy. Indications are that
the flower of the Austrian army, en-
p!oyed In forcing the crossing. has
been virtually annihilated and the
Italians are driving home their victory
relentlessly. Every day means further
INSTRUMENTATION among the Austrians al
the present rate. German re-enforce
ments must arrive quickly and in force.
many officers beaeve, unless the Aus
trian war machine is to be crippled for
months to come, at least
Meanwhile, official reports show the
growing seriousness OF the food riotinr
IN Austria. The people apparently are
IN no condition to stand great mill
now face.
mere have been many signs recently
mat General Foch was rapidly getting
! INTO shape strong reserve force The
employment or the American and Ital-
ian divisions has served to release
French shock troops for rest and re-
haoiiitaton There are Indications,
also, that the effect of British man
| power legislation Is being felt at the
front The divisions which suffered
severely in the German assaults appar-
entity have been out of the line for some
time. The recent successful resistance
or the Italians near Rheims was in
positions formerly held by these Brit
| ish units.
MAY HIT HARD IN FRANCE
TO COVER REVERSE IN ITALY
Some officials here, however, expect
the Germans to hit hard in France in
| order to cover whatever other stems
they are compelled to take for the
relief OF Austria. Repeated blows
along the allied front. It Is argued,
would tend to keep General Foch from
inauguratlng an intcrallied offensive
in Italy and might impede plans for a
great counterdrive in France The ac-
| celebrated movement of American troopa
1