The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-04-22
ALLIED CRITICS
 EXPECT FRENCH
 TO SMASH HUNS
While Germans Brought to Standsdll Military Observers Believe French Preparing Deliver Great
 Counter Blow

Associated Press)
 WASHINGTON, D. C., April 19-A of opti- mism is sweeping alone Americans but military missions and attachees from all the allied nations the change in the situation in the west All military observers believe that the the front shaping themselves for great offensive by the French forces which may open the road to brilliant allied military victory
 There is difference of opinion as to when this offensive will Many think that it will be several days yet be- the French make the necessary troop dispositions for great thrust There others, however, who expect word be received any time that the opening blow has been struck
 It is conceded all sides that the allied lines in better condition than at time in the past five days There does be the slightest chance for the my make any extended gains The lines of the my arranged to be susceptible smashing blow which, if delivered with sufficient force, may cost the Ger mans many men and force general retirement.
 SITUATION UNCHANGED
 LONDON, April 1o.-Genera Hag reports to the war office tonight that there has been change in the o posing armies the Flanders bate6eds today The Ger apparently gathering their forces for another mighty effort smash their through the British lines There feeling of encouragement sweeping London night and it generally believed that the German offensive in the west has spent itself.
 BITTER COLD
 OTTAWA, April 19.-A Reuters dispatch from the Flanders front says that the bitterly cold weather which has suddenly descended the front is probably distressing the Germans, who have recovered from the repulse o their great attack yesterday between Gvenchy and Ro becq For five hours this battle ragged with intensity equaed before under of gigantic bombardmen The effort complete failure and the enemy repused with caamtous losses leaving hundreds of prisoners the hands of the English defenders.
 SITUATION IMPROVED
 OTTAWA April 1o-A Reuters dispatch this morning says that the British line is present than has been for the last four days After four days of rife battling the ys front and in the Messnes Ridge secton the Germans unable to break through suddenly switched their attack the Gvenchy region Here nendous assaults launched but weak spot found and the British lines are intact at all points.
 GERMANS REFUSED
 LONDON April 1o-The war office announces this morning that the Germans completely repulsed last night attacks around Gvenchy When the assaults ceased after heavy losses had been inflicted by the British fire the enemy had been able obtain only limited footing two points along the eeven-mile front. These gains in the advanced British defenses and did not effect the security of the main British line.
 The German artillery resumed heavy bombardment this line and will probably make another effort break through Behune whose capture is regarded by them being of prime importance.
 The British also repulsed number of German attacks in the northern section of the Lys battlefield No gains were made anywhere on the l-ys by the enemy
 ITALIANS TO FORE
 ROME, April 19.-Premier Orlando announced in the chamber of deputies this morning that large force of Ita troops already in France and will shortly be fighting shoulder shoulder with the troops of the allied This created great enthusiasm among the members and greeted with wild cheerng the demon stration lasting for several minutes.
 ON RIGHT FLANK
 WASHINGTON, D. C., April 19.-The Italian bassy announced today that number of Italian regiments already in France and form the right wing of the allied armies fighting the southern end of the ArraLa Fere These forces have just arrived and their weight has not yet been felt by the Germans.
 GERMANS EXHAUSTED
 WITH THE BRITISH ARMIES IN FLANDERS, April 19Exhausted by yesterdays attacks the Given abassee canal front the Germans made dur ing the night This morning the greater part of the Elan ders battlefront is quiet and the advance of the enemy believed to be definitely checked
 The Germans heavily bombarding Kemmel hill day. and believed that when fresh forces have been massed there will be another attempt made by them ad vance in the northern along the Messnes Ridge
 Yesterday the British forces counter attacked the my pushed them back of Robecq capturing ground at Rex Du Virage farm Despite several German as