Le MeschaceÌbeÌ. [volume] ([Lucy] La.) 1853-1942, 1918-06-01
AMERICANS PLAY
IMPORTANT ROLE
ENEMY CONTINUES PREPARk-
TIONs THAT MAY MEAN AN
OTHER OFFENSIVE SOON.
SUB SINKS TROOP SHIP
British Troop Ship MoIdavia Was Al
most in Sight of Destination
When Destroyed-AmerI-
can Soldiers Lost

AS yet the Germans have not begun
their expected new offensive in FTaH-
ders and Picardy. And, as yet, there
is nowhere any indication that it is
the early intention of the enemy again
to try to break the battle front and
reach the channel ports. 1t is not i'm
probable, however, that the blow will
be launched at any moment. AyiatoTs
| going behind the German lines report
a continuation by the Germans of their
work of bringing up fresh troops, guns
and stores.
The allies have utilized every power
| to strengthen positions. The morale
of the troops is of the highest and
| confidence reigns.
| In strengthening the battle front
the Americans are playing no second
ary role. The steady stream Of lads
from overseas to the fighting line has
served greatly to reassure the British
and French contingents that have
heretofore so valiantly held their own
against odds. Those of Americans al
ready in the trenches have given and
still are giving a good account Of
themselves, harassing the Germans
with their artillery and outgaming
them in combats in the open.
Even the Germans at home, previ
ously adopting the tactics of sneering
at the Americans, now are becoming
aware Of their strength and virility-
No less an authority than the semi
official North German Gazette is re-
marking on the maturing" American
reinforcements behind the allied line
and wondering how the lightning
trained yankees will hold his own
against the German lads who have had
military training from their youth"
Nowhere has there been fighting OF
any great moment. Several new raids
have been carried out successfully
against German positions by the
Americans, British and French and
raids by Germans put down. Heavy
artillery duels have been in progress
in various sectors by the Germans and
British and French. The shelling by
the Germans of Field Marshal Haig's
positions east and northeast OF
Amiens has been particularly heavy.
gas projectiles being used.
The Americans in the Montdidier
sector have carried out a raid, leaE-
ing their trenches without artillery
support and overwhelming an enemy
trench. Six Germans were killed and
one soldier made prisoner,
The British near Bucquoy in a sim
liar adventure captured fourteen Ger
mans and two machine guns and in
two other raids took fifteen prisoners
and a machine gun. In the Ailette
River region the French also brought
in captiyes.
There is aerial activity over and be-
hind the battle line and fighting in
the air occurred
The British armed merchant troop
ship Moldavia with American troops
On board en- route Europe was tor
Dedoed and sunk Thursday
The vessel was struck below the
bridge. The attacking submarine was
lot sighted before the torpedo struck,
Tor afterWard.
With the exception of fifty-three
American soldiers, all the persons on
BOARD the Moldavia were saved and
lave been landed at a southern Brit
sh port. No officers names are
.mong the list of missing and it CON
aims the names of only two noneom-
aissioned officers.
The Moldavfa was almost within
light of her destination when hit. The
essel listed sharply. Destroyers
ushed alongside in an endeavor to
ind trace of the submarine. It is
OF known whether hit was scored
y the depth charges.
Six officers, who commanded life
nd motor boats which entered the
rreckage. to rescue men who were
adly burned about the head and arms.
"o surgeons and chaplain and for
weight seamen who were with them.
re mentioned for commentator.
Besides Lieutenant HaisIip. those
included:
Offlcers Passed Assistant Surgeon
asse A. Flautt, Midland, Tex.
Enlisted men-William J. Begin, no
1dress given; Haden Harris Jones.
ernWood, Miss; James Polk Carter.
uskogee, Okla; William ]. Brandt
ew Orleans; Charles F. DonIey. ad
'ess unknown; Frank T. Burns, Hum
e, Tex; Frank NJ. Mathis, Waxa-
lchie. Tex; Charles E. Jones, Della
are, Okla.