The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-06
first American Army Max ing Fine Progress Against the Enemy, General
 March States
ONLY IS MILES
 FROM IMPORTANT
 TRUNK RAILWAY
Despite Stiffening Enemy Resistance the Americans Are Pushing On- ward and Distance to Goal
 is Being Rapidly
 Cut Down
fBy Associated Press)

Washington, October B. The great trunk railway system near the Belgian border which feeds the whole central arch of the German lines in France is the, goal of the First American army, which, General March, chief of staff, said today, is making rapid progress. Off cial dispatches show the Amer jeans to be IS miles from the nearest point on the important railroad, General March said. Reports today have indicated that, despite stiffening German resistance, the American forces are pushing onward and the distance to the goal is beiug cut down rapidly.
 "The American divisions at that point" said General March, indicating the Mouse front on great war depart ment map, threaten the main railroad line of communication from Germany to the west front-the railroad coming through Germany and passing through Sedan and other places of historic mili tary interest. It is the most important single artery of supply of the German army. The Americans have reached q point IS miles in direct line from that railroad"
 1.S50,0OO EMBARKED
 To back up that American effort, Gen. eral March showed that the flow oi American troops to France continues al a rate of more than 250,O00 month. A total of 1,S50000 men have been embarked. he said.
 The chief of staff plainly showed as he indicated on the maps the progress be- ing made on all fronts, the elation that an unbroken series of successes has brought 10 all military officials here. He also made evident his great pride in the deeds of the American army in France, now vital factor in the stirring events which he described.
 "The news during the last week from all fronts has been excellent" he said.
 "The three drives began by the allies on Thursday, Friday and Saturday have moved our lines forward on a front wider than ever, affecting practically the entire line from the sea to Ver- dun
 DRIVE FORWARD
 Between the Argonne forest and the Mouse river, the American army has not only held the enemy's reinforce ments to that sector, but has driven its way forward on it's entire front to the Kriemhild positions, where the enemy is standing. The American divisions at that point threaten the main rail- road line of communications from Ger many and passing through Sedan and other places of historic military inter- est. It is the most important single artery of supply of their army.
 "The Americans have reached a point IS miles in direct line from that rail road, and as soon as the direction of the drive became evident Germany threw in its path a great many di' visions, withdrawing them from other points in the line, and they have been held there by the Americans when they are badly needed elsewhere.
 Just west of the Argonne forest General Gouraud's French army, with the Second American division, has like wise. fought its way northward eight to 10 miles to the enemy's line of de- fense west of Challerange. Hills have been captured which command the en- emy's supply lines south of Vouzieres.
 FORGED BEYOND LINE
 The British drive on Cambrai and St. Quentin developed into battle for