The Punta Gorda herald. [volume] (Punta Gorda, Fla.) 1893-1958, 1918-04-04
Combatants Pause to Make Prep
arations for New Assaults
AMERICANS TO PARTICIPATE
Seventy-Seven German Divisions
Preparing for Advance or Ami
ens.-Previous Attacks Halted
by Allied Armies.-Austrians to
Strike Blow on Italian Front

by Allied Armies.-Austrians to
Strike Blow on Italian Front
Infantry operations on a large
scale on the Picardy battlefield
have died down, while both sides
prepare for the next move in the
great conflict. The vicious local
fighting has continued between
Albert and Montdidler, but the
Germans have been checked in all
attempts to advance toward Ami
ems, while the Franco-British
troops have made small gains be-
tween the Somme and Demuin.
During the days of the desper-
ate and sanguinary fighting since
they launched their attacks on the
line between Cambrai-St. Quentin
and La Fere, the German COM
mand has apparently learned that
massed infantry attacks without
great artillery preparation are
fruitless and most costly. The
German fire is reported to be
weak, indicating that the enemy
has not yet been able to move his
big guns across the barren region
between st. Quentin and Albert.
Seventy-seven Gepman divisions
are on the battle line, waiting for
the guns before attempting anoth-
er gigantic effort to reach Amiens.
North of the Somme there are 40
visions, while 81 are on the line
between the Somme and Chauny.
1t is known that the German guns
have not all been moved forward.
Meanwhile, the allied armies,
under General Foch, are making
ready not only to encounter an
other German blow, which the en-
emy must make or concede defeat,
but probably also for counter-of-
fensive. American troops not un-
likely will participate in the ap-
preaching renewal of heavy fight
ing along most of the line, as more
than 100000 are moving toward
the battle lines. Some unseason-
ed American units will be placed
side by side with hardened British
and French veterans, according to
a decision announced in London.
The Germans are reported to be
massing troops before Albert,
where their attacks were beaten
back by the British Monday. The
British command looks for heavy
German efforts north of the Som
me, where it is believed the enc
my has most Of his fighting force,
but where there has been no mark
ed activity since the repulse at Ar
ras Thursday.
Except for the activity at AL
bert, the fighting has been con-
fined to the line between the Som
me and MOntdidier. The British
have reclaimed some ground be-
tween the Somme and Demuin,
while between Hangard and Mo-
reuil heavy German attacks were
beaten off with loss. German at
tempts against Grivesnes, north
west of Montdidier, were repulsed
sanguinarily.
Activities are reported on the
Italian front. Austrian artillery
fire on the line is moderate and
there are no indications yet that
the enemy is ready to launch his
attack with the many thousands
said to have been brought from
the eastern theater.
The Caucasus districts ceded to
Turkey in the bolsheviki treaty
with the Germans have become
new battlefield. Armenian and
Georgian inhabitants of this terri
tory are defending themselves a.
gainst the Turks, who are attempt
ing military occupation.