Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-06-26
RISING Of PIAVE FINDERS PURSUIT 0f THE AUSTR|ANS Bridges Thrown Across River by Italians Are
 Swept by Flood.
WESTERN BANK IS
 CLEARED OF ENEMY
Gen. Diaz Takes Offensive at Numer- Ous Points, Gaining Ground and Capturing More TeutOn
 Prisoners.
Associated Press Summary.

i The Italians at last have cleared the remaining Austrian rear guards from the west bank of the Piave and now are in possession of the entire river front from the Montello plateau to the Adriatic sea-
 At last accounts their forces which crossed the stream in pursuit of the retreating Austrians were still 1 harassing them, inflicting casualties and forcing the enemy to continue his disorderly retreat. ! Fate, however, has turned some what it's balance in favor of the Aus trians for the Piave again has risen and some of the pontoon bridges the Italians had thrown across the stream have been carried away, making im- possible quick pursuit and the crush ing of the Austrians which General Diaz had counted upon. The Austrians are declared to be rushing up reserves from the east in an endeavor partly to retrieve the sit uation.
 Vienna Admits Reverse. The Austrian war office admits reverse along the Piave but announces that the retrograde movement has been carried cut in accordance with plans and without loss of material. It is added that the Austrians have talk len more than 5O,000 of the Italians since June 15 and that the aggregate losses of the Italians in the fighting at the lowest estimate is 15O,00O men.
 Holding the upper hand along the borders of the Venetian plains the Italians have turned on the offensive against the enemy in the mountain regions and are attacking on various sectors. Notable gains of ground have been made and in addition to heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy a large number of Austrians have been made prisoner and 16 machine guns have been captured, according to Rome.
 The Austrian war office, however, insists that all attacks in this region have been repulsed
 French Take Prisoners. On the front in France and Belgium bcmbardments and raiding operations the latter in considerable strength. continue. The French near Leport, north of the Aisne, have repulsed the German attack, but on several sec tors, notably in the Woevre and in Lorraine themselves have carried suc- cessful raids and taken prisoners.
 The Canadians near Arras have been successful in an enterprise which netted them 22 prisoners and six machine guns.
 The Germans are bombarding the front east of Amiens.
 Synchronously with the defeat of Ehe Austrians in Italy and the spirit of unrest prevalent in the dual mon- archy comes another acknowledge ment from Germany that that coun- try is desirous of peace.
 5000 More Huns Captured.
 Rome, June 25-Italian troops forced the west rear guard of the re- treating Austrians to surrender yes- terday and completely recaptured the west bank of the Piave, the war of flee announced today.
 On the mountain front between the Piave and the Brenta in the Monte Grappa sector the Italians vigorously attacked the Austrians, inflicting heavy losses and gaining considerable ground
 Nearly 5000 prisoners were taken bv the Italians on the Piave and noun tain front yesterday.
 Give Italian Losses.
 Vienna, via London, June 25.-The Italian losses since the Austrian of- fensive have amounted to 150,000 men, at the lowest estimate says the Austrian official communication is- sued today. Since June 15 more than 60,O00 prisoners, among them HOO officers have been taken, the statement adds.
 Americans In Italy in July.
 Rome, June 25.-American troops will be in Italy probably early in July, according to notification given to the Italian authorities by State Senator Cotillo of New York, who is here on an official mission. This announce ment of direct participation of Amer ican units with the forces now fight ing in Italy has produced an encour- aging effect.
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