The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-10-03
RMENTIERES

Continued from Page One.1
TANKS and should they be cut the Ger
man situation would be most desper-
ate. 1t would seem, however, that the
retirement, unless of great depth,
would be OF little ultimate avail to-
ward putting off a retreat all along
the line from the North sea to Alsace.
Italians in Offensive.
Washington, Oct. 3.-The italian
army in Albania has launched an Of
fensive against the Austrians there,
cables to the Italian embassy stated
today.
The purpose of the offensive is to
demoralize and destroy the austrian
armies in Albania, with a view to IA
cilitating the expected surrender of
Turkey, the cable explained. General
Serrero, operating three columns Is
advancing VIGOROUSLY with the object
of affecting junction with the Ie1t
wing under General Esperi. Fhe Aus
TRANS are resisting, vigorously, aiming
to hold the allies in check at all costs
until reinforcements arrive.
The advances already made by the
italians in the south, following close
on the heels of the retreating Austrian
army. is threatening the latter with
isolation from the north.
Premier to Front.
Rome. Oct. 3.-Premier Orlando
left for the Italian front coincident
with the Bulgarian armistfce accord
ing to the Idea National. This armis-
tice, it adds, has SO changed condi-
lions on all fronts that it creates pos
sibilities for activities by the allied
forces along new lines not heretofore
foreseen."
Limit OF Endurance.
(By, the Associated Press.)
With their lines broken in many
places ANDY held together only by SUI
perhuman efforts at nearly every
point in the active sectors from the
North sea to Xerdun, the Germans ap-
pear to have reached the limit of their
endurance and are beginning to re-
treat. This withdrawal is not limited
to any single sector but evidences of 1t
are reported at many points along the
battle line
Evacuation of Belgium, hoped and
fought for by the allies thru four bit
ter years. appeared to be under way
today.
Earlier unofficial reports from vari-
Gus sources stated that virtually a
complete withdrawal from Belgium
has been contemplated by the German
high command for some time.
There are reports of the Germans
moving their heavy guns back from
the western Flanders coast ana rumors
come from Holland that the whole
coast may be evacuated.
The fall of Damascus added 1000
prisoners to General Allenby's haul in
Palestine, making the total $1,000
British and Arab forces, after capture
of the city, pushed rapidly northward,
with Aleppo, nearly 200 miles farther
on, as the obvious objective Seizure
ofIthe latter city will give the British
control of the railways from Damascus
and Bagdad to Constantinople.
Paris, Oct. 3.-With the enemy
throwing reserves recklessly into the
center of the vast battle line in des-
perate effort to stave off the evil hour
of defeat, the allies continue to pro-
gress on the wings. Slowly but sure
" the splendid advance OF the allied
forces under King Albert of Belgium
has forced General Ludendorff to
withdraw his troops. On this portion
of the front-the position of the Ger
mans is getting dangerous and they
must find an effective way to defend
Lille. which with Metz is the pivot OF
the whole German system in France.
Now that the German first line in Bel
GUM has been broken. the line OF
communication between Ostend and
Thourout is in peril and the Roulers-
Menin railroad is cut, it can be seen
that the position of-the enemy. there
is grave.