Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-07-16
WASHINGTON GETS
ASSURING NEWS
Pershing and Bliss Report
Americas Brilliant
Work on Marne
WAR OFFICERS SANCUINE
By The Associated Press
Wasbincfnp hilC

Official reports on the new German
offensive and the part played by Amer
lean troops in holding up the enemy on
the first day began - reach the War
Department early today from Generals
Pershing and Bliss. They confirmed
press accounts. and a depa rtnent state
ment said they described the situation
as satisfactory. thouss noting that the
first day Of such a battle of course was
a general advance guard action and
that the enemy reserves were yet to be
dealt with.
Tension was somewhat relaxed at
the War Department.. although the
course of the battle was followed with
as much eagerness for late bulletins as
on yesterday Officials. apparently. are
more than ever certain of the ability
Of the Allied and American forces to
chcckmate any effort the enemy might
make.
President Wilson again abandoned his
usual morning round of golf today and
remained at the White House. hearing
reports from the front as they came in.
He was up late last night, following
both Official and unofficial advices
closely.
Americans Regain Ground
4 clear picture of the full scope of
the German effort is becoming available
. EarlS reports on renewal of the fight
ing show that the American troops are
again engaged heavily, but have restored
their positions on the Marine even more
fully than during the counter-attack
which drove the Germans back to the
river last night. Two of the towns from
which the Americans were forced ir
the first German rush into the exposed
positions in the river bend opposite Jaul,
gOnne have been recaptured
To the east the Germans appear tC
! ave forced their way across the Marine
on a considerable front in the Dor.
mans sector. 1t is believed here. how
ever. that If the American positions Or
the hank are maintained the Germans
east OF them will be in great peril. j,
! Successful counter stroke along the rive
bank heading eastward from the Amcri
! can positions might cut them off from
the river and force the surrender }
whole organizations.
Franco-ItaIinns Holding Firmly
Farther east the French reports 'ndi
cate that Franco-1talian forces ale no d
ing stubbornly along a line general!
about two miles back of their origlna
positions.
officers here are inclined to look upo,
the fighting east of Rheims as more
diversion than as real attack. with
out doubt IL would have been presse
had 1t met with success; but its rea
purpose is thought to have been to draw
French reserves in that direction Will
the line from Rheims TO the Marine wa
pounded back.
The fact that the battle is going for
ward with increased intensity west o
Rheims today indicates that fresh Ger
man reserves we're rushed up to thi
front during the night in the EFFORT
! overcome the check administered yes
terday by the Franco Italian forces
Apparently this sector. including tn
Marne crossing in the Dormans region
Is the vital part of the German battl
: plan and no effort is being spared
: force the lines ahead.
War Department officials are please
: not only al the valor and dash wit
; which the Americans nave taken
; their work in the first great engage
: ment in which they have participate
but also with the indications that Ii
; American military machine held togetht
and functioned properly under strain.