The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-01-15
AUSTRIAN ARMY UNITS
ARRIVE AT WEST FRONT

washington. Jan. 14.-Austrtan army
units are arriving on the western front
In preparation for the coming Ger
man offensive. Giant Austrian howit-
GERS and other artillery units have
been moved westward from the Italian
front.
These features Of the most recent
developments in the war theater are
announced tonight by Secretary of War
Baker in his official weekly war sum-
mary
There were no new DEVELOPMENTS
in the military situation during the
weeks just closed. On the active fronts
in the west and in Italy the equilib-
rum of battle has been maintained.
The usual engagem so repeat
eddy recorded during the past weeks
which are merely every day occur
rences in the normal course of modern
warfare raid. reconnoiterng TRUSTS,
patrol encounters. artillery duels and
disturbing fire. are operations of no ul-
terror strategical value and can have
but little influence on the general sit
uation.
Amy discussion OF the military posi-
ton in west must be confined to the
analysis of minor engagements. which
amounts to speculative discussion as
to their significance.
This in the present stage of war OF
Value
THE preparation of our forces in
France for the ordeal of battle is be-
ing steadily pursued.
General Pershing reports the health
and lighting spirit of his men extremely
good
owing to the intensely cold weather
which has prevailed along the entire
western front. operations have been
impeded. though the terrain in Flan~
nd Artn he
and weterIegged. has ben frozen, which
will facilitate operations as soon as
clear weather returns.
Beigians Strike Rack.
Opposite the sector of the front in
Flanders held by the Belgian forces
hostile artillery has been particularly
active. The counter battery work OF
vented any further extension OF the
German effort .,-.4
The Germans attempted "A blow
in the yerdun area. W tch was frus-
trated by the French. The onslaught
OF the German infantry failed to make
any impression on the French lines.
THE Identification of Austrian units
along the western front Is of Interest
For some time past we have been
receiving information to the effect that
Austrian howitzers which had been
participating in the offensive in Italy
were being detached from the italian
theater and transported TO the west
Despite unfavorabie atmospheric
conditions French and British aviators
were very busy along the whole front,
and brought down number of hostile
planes. Air raids into the interior of
Germany were crowned with success.
"A French bombing squadron exc
cuted an important raid covering the
Industrial cepters of the Baden and
Alsace districts. Considerable military
damage was done to munitions works
In Italy the enemy has been ifnmob-
ilized by the deep snow in the noun
tain zone. Fresh snow has fallen
throughout the Alpine region, block
ing the passes and rendering active
operations impossible.
Nevertheless. the AustEo Germans
are endeavoring to continue their bonn
bardments of the italian positions
along the Asiago Plateau and the Monte
Tomba-
THE Val Guidicaria was the scene
Of harrassing fire. On the Piave the
British have continued to carry out
successful raids across the river Along
the. lower Piave artillery duels are
also reported.
West of Cava zuccherina. In the
Piave Delta. the Italians forced the
Austrians to abandon a part of their
entrenchd positions.
While information reaches as that
! the Autsor- Germans propose to I'M
dertake simultaneous offensives IN
Italy and in the west, IL Is to be noted
that within the central empires great
efforts are now being made to spread