Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-07-31

On either side the French also mov- ed forward, while steady pressure was maintained against the east and west Hanks
 Sacrifice Bavarian Guards.
 Information early in the day indi- cated the withdrawal of the Fourth Guards, but it is believed that that renowned organization and the Ba- varians were still on tie front and the strong opposition they offered testified to their reputation. But their sacrifice was in vain.
 The American withstood two heavy attacks during the night, and at day light began their operations, which left them tonight well to the north of Sergy on the long slopes approach in~ the heavy woods beyond Nesles, little town directly east of Serignes- et-Nesles, whose retention the Ger mans batterly opposed.
 Ourcq River Far Behind.
 The east end of the line swings northeasterly opposite this point and then drops off sharply in the direc- tion of Cierges and Roncheres. The Ourcq river has been left far be- hind, the line being pushed forward across the zone to the northwest.
 The Germans are holding positions in Nesles forest, from which their guns are shelling ineffectively. It was late in the day before, Serignes was wholly cleared. The Germans clung to the norther.>caft of the town ten- aciously and used their machine guns murderously.
 Neither side used artillery in this particular battle. There was hand to hand fighting in the streets in which the Americans proved the masters, driving the enemy before them.
 Yankees Masters at Close Battle.
 The story of the fight for the pos- session of Meurcy farm, lying directly south of Seringes, will long be re- membered in the history of the divi-, sion. The Germans on their with drawal, left behind a strong force of machine gunners and infantry. The Americans moved forard through the yellow. wheat fields which were sprayed ad torn by bullets. But they advanced as though on drill ground.
 The American guns laid down al heavy artillery fire, but notwithstand- ing this, many of the Germans remain ed when it came to hand to hand fighting.
 In group of farm buildings the enemy had set up a strong defense. Here the Germans stuck to their guns, and the Americans rushed them and killed the gunners at their post.
 Battle Without Mercy.
 It was a little battle without mer- cy, the typical of similar engagements occurring along the whole line. The Prussian Guards and Bavarians ev- anywhere fought in accordance with their training, discipline and tradi- tions, but were outwitted and our fought. !
 To the north of the farm, up the long slopes leading to the woods. the Americans encountered the fiercest exhibition Of Germany's war science. The Germans laid down barrag which 1t is said. was as heavy as ever been employed The Americans guns replied heavily.
 Went Thru Barrage.
 The order for the advance came, ! and the line moved forward across ! the grain fields directly through the barrage On a nearby hillside the chief staff officers watched the op- aration. They saw shells fall, in some cases, leaving long gaps in the line, but the troops never halted.
 On through the barrage the Ameri- 7 cans went into the German positions. attacking dercely the machine gun