Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-11-04
[By the Associated Press ]

[6y the Associated Press.1
Smashing blows are being dealt
tho Germans on tho western front
and collapse Of the enemy de-
fsnse positions appears close, at
nand.
Germany, deserted by her allies,
10 apparently facing a greater dis
aster on the western front. There
have been manytimes during the
last three months that it seemed
that their armies were in a critical
position, but they have always
managed 70 avoid a debaeIe.
Now. however, there is greater
possibility than ever that Cor
many's military doom may not be
far distant.This erieis has arisen
during the past three days.
American and French attacks
west Of the Mouse river, which
seemed to be gaining little, appar-
eneiy sapped the strength Of the
enemy. Tho break came Saturday.
It took on the aspect Of a rout
rather than an orderly retirement,
such as has been carried out on a
dozen fields since July 10.
On Sunday evening at S o'clock
American eontinsents were in Bel
val wood, six miles directly west
Of Stenay, a vital point in the Ger
man line along tho Meuse. They
were only fourteen miles south Of
Sedan, which is the center Of the
whole German railroad system in
EASTERN France. Il now appears that
the Germans who have been hold
ing the line running westward
thru the Champagne country can
not retreat eastward but must be
diverted northward thru Belgium.
This will add many miles TO the
length Of the journey that seem
insly must be begun at once
In Belgium the fall Of Ghent is
imminent, for the Belgian, French.
British and Americans arc rapidly
moving ahead. The Seheldt has
been crossed at Welder southwest
Of Client, while the selgians are
moving toward the ScheIdt north
east Of the city.
On the northern end Of the front
in France, Field Marshal Haig
this morning launched q new attack
south Of the ScheIdt in the region
Of Valenciennes. The operation be-
gan successfully on wide front.
The French army maintains its
pressure but fighting activity is less
than on Sunday and last week.
The German artillery has been &C.
tive along the Aisne front. prob.
ably protecting an ~enen,y retire
ment, which is inevitable in view
OF the allied success north and
east.
General Pershins's armies are
pressing forward east and west Of
the Mouse and tho Germans ap-
parentiy are not yet prepared to
make q stand. Stenay and tho gap
in which Il lies 10 being encircIed
and its fall would appear to be
near.
In the center Of the sector west
Of tho Meuss tho American First
mao OTbV0u tot"0IN ~ SSsV
mauthe, thirteen miles south Of
Sedan, the most important German
railway center between Mezieres
and Metz.
This advance, II continued,
threatens the whole German army
in France, since its retreat east.
ward thru Sedan and Montr,edy
seems about 70 be cut off.
East Of the Mouse the roads arc
crowded with reteeating Germans,
Il L. reported. This would appear
to indicate q retirement to the
Drisry defsnsss. north Of Mstx,
but the magnitude Of the retro.
Grade movement has not as yet
been exactly determined.
In the meantime Italian and al
lied forces have occupied Trent
and have landed at Trieste.
Udine, which was Italian head
; quarters during tho isonza cam
paisn two years ago and from
which General Cadorna was driv-
en- late in October, 1917, has been
recaptured from The Austrians.
On every front the resistance
sasmsd to collapse during the two