Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-09-14
Saturday, September "a, 1918.
St. MihieI Salient Punched.

The made in America pincers, just
closed on the St. Mihiel salient, were
watched with more than ordinary
war interest, not only in the United
States but in all the capitals OF Eu-
rope. The American army has begun
a drive that may be all-important IN
it's success or failure. The cruclal
test of the doughboys is underway
How will they acquit themselves, ana
what confronts them"
With natural confidence and hSh
expectancy many Americans. even IN
official circles in Washington, expect
an irresistible dash TO Metz; perhaps
a grand smash upon the crumbllnS
German front and a sweep that in a
few days will embrace Alsace ana
Lorraine. when France will joyfuliy
obey tho summons to come on in,
YOUR old provinces are fine,
Rut we must not indulge our en-
+husiasm and optimism too freely.
We can hardly appreciate over mere
the tremendous difficulties to be
o,.erconoe before Metz is in the hands
Of the allied forces. That the First
American Army, organized IN fu-
rome, under command of the Amerl-
can chief. General Pershins, mas
been highly complimented by Gen.
Foch in granting such a mission IS
evident. And in time the American
army will present to France her
stolen colonies.
But il l., not n holiday jaunt on
which thn American forces were
launched on Thursday, Sept. j..
Metz is one Of the most unassalaple
stron-holdg in the world IT stands
in the hills, Fashioned by man made
detenccs added to natures ready
CamouflaGed rock bound Businesses
To drive straight along the broad
hiehwavs from st. Mihiel Pont-A-
Nousson and Fresnes, to Metz looks
easy from this distance, because our
sight does not reveal the difficulties.
but they arc there.
Only long and terrific pound nS
forward rod by rod. can grasp the
coveted Metz by direct attack, after
the first few miles. But there are
other WAYS in use by the willy Gen.
Foch and no doubt, to be followed by
his generals whom entrusted with
missions Of such magnitude. Ii
pershing were supplied by flock of
thousands Of airplaneS they coulo
hardly pick out the numberless de-
fences of the black forests in the hills
surrounding Metz.
The st. Mihicl Y in the German
line was pnched off with compare
tive ease by superior force. but to
move straight on to Metz is another
story. and wild and woody story a.
that. However, we shall look to see
a pause when the line is Strengthened
or rather, a double drive on either
side the Metz defences; one to the
west between Verdun and Metz
toward CONTAINS and the other to the
east of Metz, on toward Falkenberg
You can't stop 'em. You can't
stop EN-" impressively said gen
eral of our Civil war. in Augusta or
Friday. That is the inner conviction
Of every American heart, but let us
not look for too rapid progress. Let
us give the high command a chance
to save, by approved strategy, the
lives Of many brave boys that would
be sacrificed by sledge hammer
blows at the objective.
The St. Mihiel salient was wiped
out in 30 hours. Twelve thousand
prisoners were taken and not vet are
We to know how many Huns were
ANOl NdhCu i'll litio Al 81 NS~ = 49,
First American Army.
London rejoices and Paris throw!
up its hat The Germans may have
at last found out that the 'idiotic
Americans" are over there cutting
hunks out Of Kultur.
The Americans have only began
the weather is good, the ground is
fine. with ammunition and deter
mination to burn. We are going tc
expect "doings" over there for q
time. You can't stop 'em" is right
If Alsace and Lorraine could be
cleaned up and presented to France
with Uncle Sans compliments, be-
fore movements are stopped by fal
rains and cold weather-wouldn'
that be gr-r-rand and gee 10 ri Gus
feelin'?
Yesterday we quoted the Kaisers
bleatins for peace and mercy Toda,
VIC ACo0 tuC IcIHudu AIupeTldl vice
chancellor's whine about the weigh
OF another war winter upon the
world.
Who sprung these war winters
anyway? II Germany has had
enough Of them and wishes to escape
NTH it can avoid it by two words