The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-08-07
United Press
War Summary

1,465th day OF the war; 21st day OF
the counter Offensive.
Vesie-Aisne front-German artillery
has been brought into play indicating
the enemy Intends to make hard
fight along this line. The French
repulsed attacks on LAGRANGE farm,
captured an important railway sta
tion and took hundred prisoners
east Of Eraisne.
Pseardy front-The British, by a
countsr attack early to-day racoferrf,
all the important positions they lost
between the Ancrc and Sonnns In
yeste rday's German assault.
The French made progress on
front Of about two miles, west and
northwest Of Montdidier.
Champagne front--An enemy local
attack south Of Auberiye was re-
pulsed by the French.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Won hertlins,
addressing the reichstag recently laid
down the most stringent peace terms
yet pronounced by Germany.
Hunsary-Austrian prison.
ers on the Italian front say nutinles,
assertions and riots are daily oe-
currence in Austr;a-Hungary. One
band of 10000 deserters Is said to
have turned outlaws In Moravia.
Must Shorten Line.
TBy J. W. r. Mason, United Press war
Expert.1
NEW YORK, Aug. 7!-Marshal
Foch's persistent DEVELOPMENT OF To-
cal attacks in the Montdidier sector
is for the purpose Of gaining advant-
aeeous positions from which to threat
an disaster to a German retirement
at this critical corner.
There Is no longer any question but
that sooner or later the German front
will have to be shortened to provide
Won Hindenburg with enough men to
defend his positions. One of the
chief lessons OF the second Marne vic
tory Is that German manpower is al
ready insufficient to hold the extrava
gantIy heightened German lines IN
France.
When the full retirement begins, the
angle at Montdidier will present tc
Marshal Foch the best opportunity fol
soue ezing Won Hiidenburg's northern
and southern armies. Just az Vor
iHindenburg tried to divide the British
and French armies along the southern
flank, SO Marshal Foch is preparin
/ in advance to retaliate in the same
measure. Along the Montdidier sec
/ tor the Germans facing west ane
those facing south have their meeting
points. When the backing up process
begins there is bound to be serious
| confusion, especially II Won Hinden
burg waits over-long before orderins
the double retirement. The situation
that will follow may then be setzet
by Marshal Fcch in an effort to breal
Through the German front and doubl'
Iup Won Hindenburg's southern
armies.
| The preparation Of this threatening
strategy will Of itself exercise an I'm
portant influence upon Won Hinder
burx,s plans. Instead of being lei
free to encourage public opinion a
home by offensive assaults, Won Hill
denburg must begin at once to al
range for gradual abandonments
Idangerous local positions In the Nom
ididier area. This is the only way
can answer Marshal Foch's ne'
thrust, These Withdrawals must IL
crease the pessimism among German
at home already SO greatly depresse
by the Marne retreat. 1t seems there
for to be Marshal Foch's present pla
to continue using the initiative nc
lonly north of the Marine. but at othe
lopportune places while delaying HI
major offensive. until America Is full
prepared to strike.