Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-10-23
Judged By Events,

There was nothing tonight to indi- cate that this expectancy was founded upon definite information and it probably grows out of number of happenings of a minor character in themselves, but possibly important links in a chain of events soon to be disclosed.
 Beyond doubt the German retire ment in Belgium has slowed down However, it is not yet clear whether this is due to the fact that the retreat ing forces are nearing on the whole northern front the line which ire quently has been selected by military critics as the first pausing place of the way to the Mouse or the border, or to the necessities of extending al- lied communication lines as the troops advance.
 Headed For The Mouse.
 There is little doubt here that the German army is headed for nothing short of the Mouse line and that any pause will be put temporary to per init readjustment of the columns and supply lines in order that the same orderly sequence of movements shall characterize subsequent retirements.
 Several halts of this character may be expected, it was said, in which the withdrawal project is carried out.
 The fact that the allied armies are hampered by extending communica- tion lines gives opportunity for such halts before Marshal Foch's forces can come up in sufficient force to compel resumption of the rearward move ment.
 Gave Up Strong Line.
 The line surrendered by the enemy from Lille northward to the coast, it was pointed out, was far stronger and no longer than that he now stands upon in Belgium. In addition by the evacuation of the Flanders coast, he has furnished the allies with means of setting up new and more direct communication lines from England via Ostend, Zee brugge, or other Flanders ports. Supply Avenues Open. Without question it is said, the av- enues of supply in the advancing arm ies are being opened to free the long CT lines back into France of that burden and consequently officers can not see any tactical advantage gained by the enemy unless he intends to fall back at least to the line of the Mouse.
 The first stage of the great retreat is almost complete. The German right flank has been swung back hike a gate all the way from Solesmes, south Of Valenciennes, to the Dutch border. Little Change Here.
 South of the pivot, however, there has been little change on the front from the Disc to the Mouse. It has been noted that heavy con Icentration of forces was made by the Germans on the Le Cateau-Oise-Serre front and also against the American pressure northwest of Verdun.
 Without question the retention o1 these lines unbroken was vital to the German plan of action. ~
 Now that the withdrawal in the north has progressed so fully, how ever it would cause no surprlse here if a retirement between the Olse ana the Serre were undertakn wlthou' delay to rectify the whole line.
 Upset Boche's Plans.
 To many officers it seems possible that events have so shaped the lines that a great drive may soon be un' dertaken. calculated to upset the whole German plan of retirement:
 Already the allied lines have beer shortened so that considerable forces must be available for the york; par ticularly British. ,1.,
 The time cannot be far away, wne1 the American second army, under Ma for General Bullard will be put m to play. :. .n,s me 1 sible that a wide attack may be mao, lby two American armies. both eas, and west of the Mouse. the tnrus being aimed at the great railway art cry passing through Sedan and Mont medy. r4
 A cooperating French assault wes lof the Argonre would naturally be part of such thrust. ..,.r To other officers, however recen