Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-10-03
FOE FACES DEFEAT
|NF|ELD AND HOME
Allies Break Lines and Civil.
Situation Threatens Mill
tary Control.

Information reaching Washington
today from various sources and
through different channels renders it
possible to summarize the numerous
conditions which are making surely
and, in instances. swiftly for the nlti-
mate victory of the allies. The forces
working to this end are military in
the main, but there are also political
and civil conditions which are con-
tributory.
From Verdun to the North sea the
Germans are facing front of steel and
fire put up by the allies which is stead
lily forcing them back eastward. For
the present, at least, this moving 'front.'
age appears irresistible. 1t has crashed
through the celebrated Hindenburg line
of defense in many places. so that it
cannot be said there is any longer q
Bindenburg line except in sections.
~Ppsh" Causes Withdrawal
The retrograde movement OF the Ger
mans Is recognized as being far from
voluntary, although their reports would
seem to seek to give it this impression.
They are going back because they are
being pushed back. They are leaving
behind them such supplies as they can
not destroy and large numbers OF great
pieces of artillery, too cumbersome 10
move rapidly.
Their line of retreat is being pene-
trated at several points by the forces
of Field Marshal Haig, the British
commander. This is on the northern
end of the battle front, in Belgium
mainly, and in northern France.
Southwark in the Champagne district,
in France, the French and Americans
retreat and the supply lines OF the
Germans.
Jaws of a Great Trap.
These two movements of the allied
forces constitute the jaws of a great
trap, designed, if all works WELL to
close and crush an important unit of
the German army. In the face of this
menace the Germans before Rheims
are giving signs of preparing to tall
back.
This nay be frustrated by the oc-
cupation of st. Quentin by the allies.
1t is classed as stupendous feat to
move backward a battle front Of 250
miles with the enemy charging into
it at many points. This condition is
what the Germans are dealing with
today. Always there is the possi-
bility of the orderly retreat de-
generating into rout.
May Quit U-Boat Bases.
There are indications of the evacua-
ton of the submarine bases on the
Belgian coast, the nests of the Hun
underseas pirates. This maneuver is
analyzed as prompted by the German
thought that it may divert the atten-
tion Of the French and English from
Lille and give more freedom for the
retreat from that region. where the
Germans are now being hard pressed
and threatened with inclosure in a
pocket.
Omitting details of localities and
scenes of local effort it can be said, in
a general way. that on the entire front
of ESQ miles the Germans are at this
hour in a broad position of disadvan-
taee, which is marked by acuteneSS in
places. The allies threaten attacks in
new quarters constantly and any hour
NAV bring reports of their develop
ment-
From diplomatic sources come re-
ports of interesting conditions in the
civil and political affairs of Germany
and Austria-Hungary, showing the
weakening of the deSpotic hold the
military governments have exercised
over the people up to this time. There
are indications that the imperial rulers
are being compelled to offer ameliatory
measures looking to larger participa-
tion of the people in the government.
The importance Of this bears prin-
cipally upon the future. when the
summons to surrender may be made
upon the central powers. The mill
tary rulers have been able thus far
to impose their will upon their people
by their assurances of certain victory
by force of arms.
That prospect is being dissipated by
the success of the allies and proven a
false hope. The military rulers are
not fulfilling their promises and the
people are clamoring for a share in
the councils which shall direct the fu-
ture of their country.