Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-07-23

hting between the Aisne,
mmered down to savage
artillery duels last night.
The French however em-
ployed their infantry to
good advantage elsewhere, making the
German positions along the southern
end Of the Pieardy front series Of
sharp local blows, which wrested
three villages from German posses
sion. These villages all lie between
Montdidier and Amiens, near another
zone where Americans have given
good account OF themselves in battle.
The temporary slowing down OF the
infantry fighting on the Aisne-Marne
front was to be expected
Fresh reserves have enabled the
Germans to stffen their resistance and
in addition to this the advance of from
five to ten miles by the Americans and
French forces compel them to halt in
order to move up their artillery.
When the big guns are in position
another series of advances may he
expected.
While the French war Office today
told of no infantry actions south Of
the Aisne it is more than likely that
minor operations have continued in
progress with the allies biting OF
small German salients, wiping out ma.
chine gun nests and creeping forward
in vital sectors Of the front.
| While the German armies fall back
northward preparations are being
made for evan greater retirement.
This is made evident by the Ares rag.
ing behind the German front where
villages and stores of munitions are
being burned to prevent their falling
into the hands of the allies.
1t is now estimated that the Ger
man captives total nearly $4,000 and
that nearly 900 German guns have
fallen into the allied hands.
Use Ruprecht's Reserves.
London. July 23--4 30 p. M.-The
franco-American forces who are on
the Aisne-Marne front have advanced
from one-half to two miles between
Oulchy Chateau and BezL.St German.
north and northeast of Chateau Thier-
ry.
| Cakelet woods was recaptured
from the Germans.
Part Of Prince Ruprechts reserves
from Flanders have been used in the
fighting
The Germans are evidently try.
ing to uphold their prestige by refus.
ing 10 eyacuate the Marne salient, de.
spite the heavy losses entailed by try,
ing to hold on.
Gen Foch is conserving his re.
serves.
4 y. S. Lines United.
p With the American Army at the
/ Marne July 23-S:40 a. m. American
: troops advancing east Of Epieds have
; formed a contact with the Americans
, that struck northWard from the Mont
r st. pere sector
: The Germans are being cleared
from the Barbiilon Wood and the til
/ of the Chateau Thierry salient is be
+ ing wiped out
: German resistance is getting stiff
i fer.
: Low clouds that threaten rain ar,
s hampering aviation work.
e Rages With Great Violence.
: Paris, July 23.-With both sides re
nforced, and the Germans Offering
strong rear.guard resistance at man
points, the great battle develops wit
the allied counter offensive on tn
Aisne-Marne-Champagne front Wa
raging with great violence today.
Americans and French troops hav
advanced beyond the heights east 0
r. Lecroix and Glisoles. which fan
II The Chateau Thierry -Sossons road
:. Sink Two Torpedo Boats.
! London. July 23.-rwo German to-
a pedo boats were sunk by bombs du
ing the last British air raid over De,
), brugge, said a Central News dii
"A patch from Amsterdam today.
- British airmen have been bombin
~ Zeebrugge at close intervals for SCI
hi. eral weeks.