The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1918-04-19
British Lines Stand Firm Under
Repeated Shocks Though
Give Ground.
MAY SHIFT BATTLE SCENE
Indications Are That AustrO-
Hungary is Preparing for
Drive Against Italian Forces
Near American Sector.

Washington, April 1S.-Hope that
the force of the German stroke to-
ward the channel ports has largely
spent itself is growing as the British
lines stand fast under repeated
shocks. The days advices indicated
against that Field Marshall Haig's
men were obeying to the letter his
call for unyielding resistance.
The weekly review published by
the war department, although it car
ried operations only up to last Sat-
urday, showed that war college opin-
ion saw then indications that the
German wave was reaching its crest.
In allied diplomatic and military
circles the same impression prevail
ed today, strengthened by more re-
cent reports from the front.
Dispatches indicate that the
fiercest fighting is on the northern
line of the new salient driven into
the British front north Of Arras.
The struggle for possession of Neuve
Eglise and towns in that region
looks to observers here like an effort
by the enemy to force way behind
Ypres and consequent abandonment
of that place and a withdrawal of 4
large section of the British line.
The Germans were in possession OF
Neuve Eglise at last accounts, but
they had previously captured it only
to be driven out again. The situa-
tion has not stabilized on this par
ticular front further than to show
that the enemy is meeting with stub
born resistance in trying to widen his
fighting front to the north.
Every hour gained by the British
in holding this ground means in
creased probability that they will
hold il permanently. Time allows
the assembling of supporting forces
in sufficient strength to meet any
shock Or should a withdrawal and
realingment on better position be
judged desirable time will give op-
portunity for the preparation Of
these positions.
1t is possible that the plans of
General Foch hinge upon develop
ments in this narrow sector. Such
moves as he may be contemplating
may well depend, it is said upon the
stabilization of the allied left flank
On the right the French appear to
have succeeded in effecting such a
stabil.zation. Presumably any plans
for a counter offensive would be de-
pendent upon these two positions.
There is no question but that
many officers here view the situation
as serious. They do not all share
the hopeful outlook indicated by the
war college review for last week.
Even if the present thrust toward
Bethune is checked. they believe a
third assault at. some other portion
of the British front is to be eX>
pected.
There have been many reports in
dicating that the Austro- Hungarian
forces were preparing for a drive
against the Italians. When it will
be started cannot be foretold. but
some observers think that in case of
definite check TO the German move
ment the Austrians would launch
their effort.
In that case the scene OF the op.
erations on the west front might
shift far to the south to the area
where American troops are on the
front. The railway junction through
which French or British forces sent
to Italy naturally would pass. lies
behind that sector. 1t is believed
possible that the Germans might
throw their weight in that direction
in an effort to prevent any support
reaching Italy.