The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-02

tack with only 16 divisions 1t woNld ap- pear that it has been moro successful than anticipated. It is probable that II was at first intended either in the nature Of a secondary operation in order 60 draw allied reserves from the well pro teeted Amiens salient or to strike heavy blow for the Marne, in order to cut the main communications between Paris and Chalons and to widen the too narrow Amiens salient by fresh operation
 "The German higher command prop ahly considered in this case that ihe presence of large forces in front of sueh vital points as Ypres and Amiens had pinned the bulk of the allied reserves to these positions. While they are al present in a narrow and dangerous salient, tho Germans, should they oe successful in pushing out the west reg of it and up to the Aniens salient which appears to be their intention, will be in a favorable position Tor an advance on Paris The allied com- mand. however, has not been idle ana so far the Hanks of the salient seem to have held we'll and reserves arc joining up. As far as penetration goes the Germans may be expected to call halt at the Marne.
 TWO THINGS PROBABLE
 we must now be prepared either to see the offensive resumed Tn the north at no distant date or else 10 see German divisions from the north sent down to exploit the new success. uh- til the movements of reserves have been established it is idle to forecast The battle is likely to continue TOT weeks and will become long drawn ous struggle of man power.
 The allies first duty, will be to econ on,ize their reserves and husband their resources to give ground for men where possible, for the final decision will go with the last reserves. Tt is doubtful if more than half oi 1 the so divisions which we estimate | the enemy had in general reserve nave been absorbed in the present oattie This means that half the effort Is spent l It is to be hoped that divisions engaged have been duly punished as they cer- tainIy have been around Rheims and Soissons.
 l I've hear much from London that thu British divisions. the Eighth, Fifteenth I and Fiftieth. which held the line north
 west of Rheims, put up magnificen | ifs ht and even counter attacked agafns vastly superior forces, maintaining al their positions on the first day unti darkness fell, when they were obliged to throw back their left to conform 1 These divisions had been sent to this part of the line for a rest and 1t is
 understood they are now being replaced by fresh troops.
 AMERICANS ARE FACTOR
 .The allied staffs have recognized 1 for a long time and it Is now obvious | to all that the American troops have become a vital factor in this battle ano l may hold the balance between defea'
 and victory and that ir is only py l brigading them for training with the French and British that they will be
 ready in time to take their part in any numbers this year. The cry is and will be for men, for more men, and fol bayonets and yet more bayonets
 "We are told that the morale of thf people, both in Paris and in London is unshaken by this somewhat spectae- ular thrust of the Germans and its possibly far reaching consequences. Il is at such times that the spirit Of the people at home means great deal te the armies in the field. There are nc criticisms and no recriminations, but united front and a determination tc come ont on top whatever happens.