The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-24
ITALIANS PURSUE

ing rushed to the aid of the Austrian
army. ~,
Italian detachments are pursuing
the enemy east of the Piave.
When it was observed that the Aus
TRANS had beCun a retrograde move
ment, the Italians began to attack
virtually all along the Piave line from
Montello on the north well toward the
mouth of the river. The attack was
quickly pressed and became more in
sistent. accompanied by violent artil-
lery fire.
The number of guns left behind by
the Austrians as they retreated has
not yet been computed, but is said to
be very great.
Rome, June 24.-The Austrian re-
treat across the Piave continues on
the whole forty-mile front from Mon
tello to the sea.
The Italians are closely pursuing
the enemy, cutting them to pieces.
Infantry, cavalry. airplanes and light
artillery are cooperating in defeat
ing the Austrians' attempted rear
guard actions. Great numbers of the
enemy have been wiped out and an
nouncement of huge hauls of prison
ers is expected hourly.
italian Guns Recaptured.
All the Italian guns lost on this
front last week are reported to have
been recaptured Nine Austrian divi-
sions G0s,J00, mem have been COM
pletely annihilated. Fifteen others
have been worn out in the San Dona
di Piave region, where entire regi-
ments have been destroyed.
Austrians Lost 100000.
The total Austrian losses in the
drive are now estimated at 100000.
The Italian losses, in killed. wounded
ing to a semf-official statement.
The reports indicate that General
Diaz seized the psychological moment
for renewed and vigorous counter-at-
tacks along the whole river line when
the Austrians had only two bridges of
any size. The others had been swept
away by the flooded waters, leaving
the enemy attachments on the west
bank short of food and munitions and
without means of obtaining reinforce
ments.
Will Affect Conditions at Home
The retreat will leave the Austrians
in a worse position, both militariIy and
politically. than before they started
their drive week ago yesterday. If
they yield all the ground they cap
tured, they will have to face their
enormous losses in man-power without
any concrete objective having been
obtained. This not only will have a
serious effect on the army's morale
but will add to the already serious de-
preston at home.
Drive in Mountains Uncertain,
There is considerable speculation as
to the effect the retreat on the Piave
Will have on the impending renewal of
the Austrian drive southwark from
the mountain area. Il has been known
for several days that the enemy had
massed heavy forces in the mountains
prepa. atory to another effort to reach
the Venetian plains. Whether the
Piave defeat will hasten this drive as
diversion or viii cause its indefinite
postpcnement is problematical.
British troops. in a surprise attack
south OF Asiago. penetrated the Aus
trlan lines, killing more than 100 and
bringing back thirt lone prisoners.
Austrians Lose Ninety-Five Planes.
Ten enemy machines were brought
down, bringing their total of aerial
losses during the drive to ninety five
alrplanes and six balloons. The allies
nave lost eleven planes.
Numerous squads of our bombers
nave crossed the river, where our ar
tlllery and aircraft are hammering
the enemy.
a tr otic demonstrations. were