The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-05-16
NAVAL FORCE OF

Continued from Page one.l
Of all the recent fighting and they
probably will see the strongest enemy
efforts whenever the Germans believe
the time is opportune to strike anew.
In Flanders the Germans have been
disappointed in their attempts to gain
Hill "A, as the French not only drove
them from the high ground. but also
penetrated the enemy positions.
Germans Are Quiet Now.
In Picardy the Germans have not
renewed their counter attacks to drive
the French from the wooded terrain
captured near Haiiles German and
north of the Avre. The enemy pom
bardment of the. French lines here
has been most intense for the past
two weeks but the Germans have at
tempted no attack except to react
against successful French local gains.
General Pershing has issued MS
fret official statement on American
operations since his troops took over
sectors permanently, simultaneously
with an announcement from Wash1ng-
ton that where American. British and
French troops are fighting together,
and the Americans are in the majority,
the control will be in American hands.
The Germans put down heavy bar
rage on the American lines northwest
of Toul Wednesday but no infantry at
tack resulted. In aerial fighting in
this sector two American aviators have
accounted for three German machines.
Increased artillery activity is noted on
the Lorraine sector.
Expect Action in Italy.
AS on the western front, the lull in
northern Italy remains unbroken but
with expectation that, as in France.
heavy fighting will break out soon.
Observers in London believe the her
aided Austrian blow will be against
the Italian lines from st. Elvio pass
to Monte Grapha just east of the Bren-
ia in the hope of breaking thru the
Italian defense and reaching Brescia
and Milan. Rome reports lively ar
tillery and patrol engagements along
the mountain front and the dispersal
of enemy troops at two points there
by italian batteries.
An attempt by enemy aircraft to
raid Paris Wednesday night was frus-
trated by the aerial and artillery de-
lenses of the city. The Germans,
however. dropped number of bombs
on the more distant suburbs of the
French capital. Aerial activity on the
battle lines continues at high pitch
with French and British air men drop
ping many bombs on the railway sta
tons and concentration centers be-
hind the German lines.
Mittel Europa Appears.
Germany's ambitions as regards
Austria Hungary's place IN the Mittel
Europa plan German newspapers in
dictate, were realized in the conven-
ton agreed upon by the two emper-
ors at their meeting. Vienna is re-
ported to look with apprehension on
the probability that the Austro-Hun-
garian army will be Prussianized and
believes such step is more impor-
tant than any other feature of the
new alliance.
Washington, May 16.-Austria's lat
est acQuiescence to German domina-
ton forecasts greater Austrian particf-
patton in the military effort. accord
/ ing TO Rome newspapers. The Tri-
bune, quoted in an official dispatch to
the Italian embassy. assumes that this
| effort will be directed at Italian fronts
while the Idea Nazionale points to
| the withdrawal of Austrian artillery
| from France as an indication thai
Italy may expect new attack.