Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-04-23
QUIET IN FLANDERS
Is ONLY TEMPORARY
.LULL BEFORE STORM
Both Sides BuSiIy Engaged in
Bringing Up ReinforCementS
to Relieve or Replace Shat
tered BattaIiOnS

WASHINGTON, April 30.-Compara-
tive quiet on the western battle line was
regarded here today as merely a tenn
porary lull before another great storm.
Both sides are undergoing some re-
adjustments and the battle has been so
severe and so telling on botlt forces that
a let-down at this time was anticipated.
In this periord of transition, rein
forcements are being brought up to the
British and Germans to reform some of
their shattered battalions or to relieve
them entirely. TIE battle is by no
means ended.
The British are holding firmly and
will continue 10 check the Eosche, 1t is
felt, though troublous days are still
ahead.
Italian aid on the right wing will fur
Their relieve seasoned troops from tnat
region for fighting farther north, and
it is likely that Foch has plans for use
of the reserve at an opportune moment
American and British authorities here
relv absolutely on his wisdom. His plan
is not even being trusted to the cables
in military codes.
Months of lighting are still ahead. The
German is stalking everything, ana
though baked and halted now, ne Is
going on with the conflict, all authori-
ties agree. This means more and more
American troops must be sent across
constantly and hastily.
To this end Secretary of War Baker
is now giving the most serious consid-
Grafton to the man power problem. He
has consulted congressional military
leaders and talked several times with
Lord Reading, British ambassador.
These conferences may be forerun-
ner of plans to increase the United
States army beyond the 100000 which,
il is estimated, will be in the field or
in training here at the close OF the
year.
The seriousness of the man power
problem is emphasized by the sending
of Italian troops to the west line. Eng
land will soon have more of her men
from home in the struggle, released by
the arrival of American forces in Eng
land.
Baker Is Optimistic
An optimistic view OF the military
situation in France was given today by
Secretary Baker and war department
officials at their weekly conference with
members of the senate military commit
tee. Members of the committee were
told that the military experts believe
the German drive has been stopped, with
every prospect of permanence, both on
the French front at Amiens and also in
Flanders.
Another attack of considerable force
is expected from the Germans shortly,
the senat tors were told, at some new
point not yet disclosed, but with the
allied fighting forces confident of hold
ing the enemy.
Dispositions of the allied forces, par
ticularIy General Pershing's, were dis
closed confidentially 10 the committee
men, who expressed pride in the part
so far taken by the American expedition.
The progress of brigading American
troops with British and French units
was not made known, however.
Progress of production of war mate
rails was detailed to senators. Some of
them said afterwards Improvement In
the aviation program was indicated.
Much Improvement. it was said, was
reported in Atlantic transportation and
in the quick handling of ships, especial
ly at French ports.