The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-04-16
BRITISH GIVE

Continued from Page One1
cent rumors of possible naval activi-
ties by the Germans to accompany
their land offensive, the news from
London today showing that British
naval forces have been operating in
the Cattegat. the strait between Swe-
den and Denmark, and have sunk ten
German trawlers there is significant.
Still more significant seems the
form of the British announcement
which comes in report from Vice
Admiral Sir David Beatty, commander
in chief of the Grand Fleet. This
would appear to indicate that the
Grand Fleet is out, and possibly pres
ages most important naval develop
ments.
The operation was undertaken yes
terday for the purpose of sweeping the
Cattegat of mines. the report shows
and may still be in progress. What
further British effort if any the oper-
alton implies, cannot we'll be forecast
1t is indicative of intensified British
naval activities a any rate if not pre-
liminary to far more important oper-
atoms on the part of the British naval
forces.
\ Main Objective.
Bailleul is located midway between
Armentieres and Hazebrouck on a
sharp bend in the railway between
half east of Hazebrouck and about
eight miles southwest of Ypres. The
MeSsines ridge, which is the strongest
defensive position in all Flanders. runs
westward from the village of Messines
past Wulverghem to KENNEL, a dis
tance of about three miles. 1t is about
9 mile and a half wide and on its
eastern face runs northward to Wyt-
schaele.
This ridge is practically impregna-
BILE from the east and only slightly
less difficult from the south or north
One of Hindenburg's main detectives
in the Flanders drive has been to work
around to the west of this ridge and
assault the British positions there
from the rear.
Opens Way Westward
In the event that Messines ridge
should fall, only a miracle of British
grit would save Ypres. which never
has been in German hands.
The fall of BailleuI also opens the
westward road to Hazebrouck the
most important railway and highway
center in Flanders. The Germans al
ready have reached Meteren, Merris
and NieuX-Berquin, three towns on a
north and south line, a mile and a
half apart. Vieux Berquin is only
four miles east of Hazebrouck Met
eren is a mile and a quarter due west
of Bailleul.
In addition to the fall of Ba:lleul.
Haig reported fighting in the neigh
borhood of Wytschaete and southwest
ofzNieux-B erquin.
With the capture of Bailleul and the
Isolation of Wulverghem bv the Ger
mans. Won Hindenburg has brought
his forces attacking Ypres to the very
base of the hills in which are located
the principal British defenses protect
ing the Ypres lowlands to the rear.
Mag Be Boomerang
: Hitherto he Germans have been
lighting along comparatively level
ground. They now enter upon what
ought to be the most difficult part of
their task. If Hindenburg continues
his effort to reach Ypres, the slaugh-
ter of his troops as they attempt to ad-
vance thru the hills may wei. become
nnprecedented even for the present
man killing drive.
Since Hindenburg has resolved to
continue his reckless slaughter of man
power in this sector of the front it is
better tactics for the British to retire
wholly to their defenses amid the hills
than to continue the bloody game on
level ground
The hills defending Ypres may take
their place among the mos terrible
death traps in history. There is nc
reason for present alarm in the slight
British retirement; while the situation
IS unquestionably serious for he allies
il is capable of becoming we'll nigh
fatal for Hindenburg.
Success for French.
Paris, April 6.-Successful French
raids in the Chemin DIES Danes and
Toul sectors (where American troop.
are fighting( were reported by the
war office today
French patrols took prisoners ir
the Corbeny sector (Chemin de:
Dames) in the Champagne nea1
Seichprey (oul sector) and in the
Nosges, the communicate said
There was active mutual artiller,
firing north of Montdidier
The French progressed slightly a
Noyon- Along the Disc canal Their,
were French reconnaissance Yves
of Pierremande, a French reconnoiter
ing party crossed the canal anc
brought back ten prisoners.
American Position Taken.
Amsterdam. April 16-North of st
Mihiel, on Sunday night says a Wolf
bureau dispatch from Berlin date,
Monday, the main part of the Ameri
can position situated to the eastwar,
and southeastward of Maizey on tn
Fight bank of the Meuse river wa
taken by storm
A large section of the main enem-
lines of defense on the high road from