The Pickens sentinel. (Pickens, S.C.) 1911-2016, 1918-04-04

lea Is still unrcprcscntcd-and there
is reason to believe that it will decide
to take the offensive without waiting
for the Germans to strike, as was inti-
mated In these columns some weeks
ago. 1t is believed that the council has
ut its disposal an immense army made
up or reserves of the various allied
forces, and some wise observers think
the first great attack will be made in
Italy, though there will be enough do
Ing In France and Belgium to keep the
Germans busy and uncertain. Intense
activity by both the Germans and
French in the Ncrdun region, and GER
tain movements in the American sec
ton toward Metz Indicate coming op-
rrhtionS Of magnitude on those parts
of The line. The French made some re-
narkably swift and successful raids,
destroying enemy bockhouscS and
shelters that had taken three years to
construct.
-H-
On the Toul front the Americans
were subjected 10 continuous Smelling
and the enemy also sent over airpluncS
that dropped largo rubber balls filled
with liQuitird mustard gaS--a nc-y
form Of attack. The American artil-
lcry maintained its record for accurate
fire, driving the enemy from several
strong positions and ut times attacking
th" Germans heavily with gas shells.
Secretary Baker in the course Of his
visit to General prrShing'S forces was
I,
and one big shell exploded close to his
automobile, but he escaped injury.
On Tuesday General PcrShing ap-
proved the awarding of the first of the
new American military crosses for
bravery, the recipients being Lieut..
John @. Green and SergtS. William
Norton and Patrick Walsh. All of
them previously had been decorated
with the French war cross.
In Russia, despite the acceptance of
the peace treaty by the bOlShcviki. the
German armies have been steadily
pressing forward occupying town after
town In the south, moving up toward
Moscow and also approaching so close
to Petrograd that the seizure of the
capital city was said to he matter of
days or hours. All the allied diplomats
left Petrograd, riost of them retiring
to Vologdn, $40 miles east American
Ambassador Francis from there issued
an address to the Russian people,
warning them that If they submitted
to the peace imposed by the central
powers Russia eventually would be-
come n German province, and pledging
the support of the American govern
ment to any government In Russia that
would resist The German penetration
Mr.. Francis acted without specific in
structions from Washington, but his
utterances received the full approval
Of the administration.
The bOlShevik government has been
hurriedly moving to Moscow. TrotZky
Is there and says he will act as minis
ter Of war If there Is to be more fight
Ing. The new volunteer army is being
organized rapidly, with renewed dis
ciplinc, and the press and people, al
ready somewhat disllusioned cry out
against the predatory ruthlcssncss Of
the Germans. The Transcaucasian as-
sembly at Tiflis refused to ratify the
peace treaty and demanded immediate
war on Germany. The attitude of all
the allies toward the bolshevik soviet
is becoming more sympathetic, but the
hope of effective resistance is rather
faint.
The hand Of the conqucror falls
more and more heavily on ROumania,
which is now required to give up to the
central powers not only all of her own
war munitions. but also those left in
Roumnnia by the allies. If she yields
to this demand thc representatives Of
the allies Will leave JaSsy.
--Ea-
The supreme war council of the al
lies ut Versailles issued statement
dcnouncing Gcrmany's political crimes
against Russia and Roumania and re-
fusing to recognize the peace treaties
with them. "Wc are fighting. and mean
to continue fighting. in order to finish
once for all with this policy of plun-
der" said the council In reply Chan.
ccllor Won IIcrtling asserted Germany
had no intention Of robbing or dishon-
oring Russia and accused the allies Of
hypocrisy, untruthfulncss and brutal
ity.
There was no material change In the
situation In the far East, but the Opp0-
stion TO Jnpnn's plan to occupy Vludi.
roSt0k seemed to increase because of
the persistent distrust Of the island EN-.