New-York tribune., 1918-06-20
5000 Austrians
aiken Prisoner in
Offensive in Italy

PARIS, June 19-The battle on the
Italian front, now in it's fourth day,
presents a favorable aspect, accord
ing to dispatches to the Havas Agency.
The Austrians have gained ground
on q line one and seven-eighths miles
in extent on the Montello plateau and
on a line one and seventh-ei eighths miles
long on the west side of the Piave
River.
The Austrians have lost 5000 prison
ers and the losses of the enemy show
that he is using his reserves. while
the Italians are protecting theirs.
News of the Austrian repulse on the
Italian front, the comparative quiet
on the French and British lines, silence
on the part of the long range guns
for six days and the inability Of the
Gothas to cross the terrific defensive
barragc in their last three attempts
to reach Paris, only one German hav-
ing succeeded in flying over the city,
have caused the taut nerves of Paris
to relax. The city has assumed an
appearance nearer that of before the
war than at any time since the OPEN
In9 of hostilities.
'The Germans have attempted four
teen air raids upon Paris since Janu-
airy 81. but only twenty-five of the more
than three hundred machines which
took part in them have succeeded in
flying over the city, according to a
record of the enemy efforts published
in the Excelsior" this morning.
Nine of the twenty-five machines
which penetrated the barrier. it adds.
We're brought down.
With the Germans less than fifty
miles from Paris, the sole topic OF
conversation is the victorious stand
the Italian armies are making and
their successful counter attacks, which
cause keen delighe here.
The announcements in Swiss news
papers, attributed to the inspiration
of the German General Staff, predict
ing that Paris will be subjected to
an intense bombardment within a few
days, are meeting with cynical COM
ment untinged by any toucn of per-
turbation.
"The Germans have as much chance
10 enter Paris as | have to occupy
Du Barry's apartments or the Ver-
sailles chateau" was the remark of
"a girl worker, given as an indication
Va tHc tcHiptT oi the rank ana ME.
"But if the Germans should get with.
in bombarding distance of Paris and
she'll the city. would you go?" the
young woman was asked
Yes; go to work as usual" she re-
piled.
A somewhat different view of
eventualities is taken by Louis
Puech, Paris Deputy, who is
taking prominent part in the work
OF the Committee of Deputies for the
defence of Paris. He writes to the
"M&tin" advocating the taking of Ger.
tain precautionary measures.
Nj. Puech argues that guns with q
greatly increased range may some day
hold Paris and its suburbs under fire
when panic and serious disorders might
develop among the millions Of inhab-
itants, while there certainly would be
considerable destruction Of supplies
and valuables in the city, the material
wealth of which runs into many bill
ions.
The exodus from Paris would imme.
diately become general if Paris be-
came the target for an intense bom-
bardment, the Deputy predicts. and il
has been decided in that event to make
transportation available for every one
and to extend it wirnout cost to those
unable to pay. Persons to the num-
Der Of $4,000 could be taken out daily
under this plan, ana measures have
been taken to raise the number to 150.-
0o0 daily in case Of an emergency.
The accumulated wealth of the cap
ital. the Deputy adds, would be re.
moved progressively. with everything
affecting the national defence taken
first, and then all things affecting the
national interest otherwise, such as
srt collections. private property, raw