Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-08-05
It is a great strategical failure. Re-

It is a great strategical failure. Re-
trieved by various tactical successes
and it may not be too soon to say
that the failure even retrieved as II
has been, probably spells ruin to the
German offensive for this season at
least against Paris.
True, they have an attack they
may deliver in Flanders almost any
| moment they please. if Crown Prince
| Rupprecht's reserves have not been
drawn upon too largely in the Ger
man crown princes interest. But Oc-
| tober is likely to be the earliest date
| for any vital operations here and 0c-
tober means some half million more
! of these excellent Americans in the
line.
| The extreme weakness of Luden-
F, dorff's strategical success was expe-
dited yesterday. A great general
| with a strategical success on his
hands had an opportunity yesterday
! for a big tactical blow which sure
! ly would have tempted him had not
some serious reason INTERVIEWED. The
German retirement was rapid and
the allied pursuit, in order to keep
pace Win II. WAS lOICSO 10 QUIZ III the
protection of its heavy guns,
The roads, which have been ankle
deep in dust, were churned by the
passage of the troops into mud. which
slowed the progress of everything on
wheels. The day with its heavy
clouds and thunder showers was diff
! ficult for aircraft observation and
our cavalry patrols were far from
numerous.
| 1t was a most tempting moment for
"a counterstroke which would have been
certain to inf1ict heavy losses and put
a pretty political finish to that strategic
retirement which has so depressed Ber-
lin
Yet Ludendorf refrained Why
Well. two reasons suggest themselves.
Either he had never the needful force
at his disposal. or a defensive attitude
to the north of the Aisne having been
decided on. the TROOPS retired to cover
the retirement had been cut down to the
| lowest possible numbers. ard every
available division was being turned
round to Flanders for the long-deferred
attack on the British front for which
all things had been in readiness since
the end of June. A success there would
have important consequences and would
cover up the failure here. And, once
! back on the Chemin- Des- Danes. Won
Boehm's defeated army would have
time to recoup itself
The key Of Yesterdays interest was.
of course, scissors, ard Scissors pre-
sented a sorry spectacle when the Allies
entered il. The Germans had. as usual.
wreaked their spite upon it, DESTROYING
with the same deliberate intensity of in
sane spite which they exhibited in so
disgraceful manner at Chateau Thier-
/ ry Houses had been despoiled of all
/ that had made them homes. Every
thing had been flung into the streets. the
western suburbs had been RACED to the
ground and the cathedral was bun a
f! phantom Of its former beauty.
| And what has happened to SCISSORS
has happened everywhere on the track
Of the Hun. The crown princes proud
boast is amply justified His shameless
troops have devastated another region
of France. They have left flames and
ruin everywhere behind them, proving
themselves worthy of tn cir worst ances-
| tor and no whit altered by thousand
years OF Christendom''