The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-24
Austrian Retreat Continues
From MOnteIIO to Sea.
Great Numbers of Austrians
Have Been Wiped Out.
ITALIAN HOPES RISE HIGH
Think War Can Be Finished
This Year.
Ask Full Measure of Support of
Allies.

Washington, June 24.-Cap-
ture of $4,000 prisoners and
enormous stores of war material
by the Italians in their counter
offensive which has driven the
Austrians across the Piave, is
announced in a nofficial cable
gram received today by the
Italian embassy from Rome.
London, June 24.-The Ital-
ians have crossed the Piave at
four points on a front of more
than twenty miles, it was learned
from an authoritative source
this afternoon. Bridgeheads
have been established on the op-
posite bank at Falze, Nervesa,
Ponte di Piave and Capo Sile. -
Italian cavalry is pushing
across the river between Cone
gliano and Oderzo "a twelve-mile
front northeast of Treviso).
Rome, June 24.-The Italians
have crossed the Piave in pur-
suit of the fleeing Austrians.
Infantry and cavalry forces
have crossed flooded rivers in
the region of Capo Sile, it was
semi-officially stated today.
The western bank of the river
has been practically cleared of
the Austrians. Montello has been
entirely retaken.
Only a few points on the right
bank, from Zenson southwark to
the sea, are now occupied by the
enemy. The Italians have taken
thousands of additional prison.
ers.
Capture Thousands of Prisoners.
Great quantities of material
have been abandoned.
Might End War.
Washington June 24.-Confidence
at Rome that the war may be brol Sht
to a victorious close this year, If Se
allies give the Italians full meas Je
of support in the offensive which las
been launched against the Austrians
is reflected in official wireless dis
patches received today from the
Italian capital
Entire West Bank Cleared.
London. June 24.-From the Mon
tello southeast to the Adriatic the
Austrians have been cleared from the
entire west bank of the Piave with
the exception of "a small section in the
vicinity of Musile, nearly opposite Sar
Dona di Piave, where the struggle is
continuing.
All but one of the bridges left fol
the Austrian retreat across the Piave
have been destroyed by the Italiar
artillery according to advices received
here this afternoon. 1t is added thai
enormous booty has been taken by
Italians.
After recapturing the Montello from
the Austrians, according to news re-
ceived in London this afternoon, the
Italians began making bridgeheads a
FaIze and Nervesa. The Italians me-
with little resistance.
The retreating Austrians. crossed
the Piave by the only bridge remain
ing to them north of Zenson. Other
enemy forces were forced to wade
Between Motello and Zenson thu
Italians are on the river for the en-
tire distance. They are sending ovel
cavalry between the Conegliao ant
Oderzo railroad to clear the country
Retreat Began Saturday Night.
Try the Associated Press)
Italian Army Headquarters, Sunday
June 23.-The great ~etreat by TIL
Austrians along the Piave front be
gan under cover of darkness on Satur
day night. The retreating troops lei
their cannon behind them.
Retreat Becomes a Rout
These MESA ges say the Austrian re
treat across the Piave, in which thu
Italians already have taken 45.00t
prisoners. has become a verita bl
rout, but that infot nation from secre
sources show thai many divisions o
German troops have been detached
from the front in Fra nee and are be
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