The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-07-23
Makes Important Progress All
Around the Salient.
Apparent Preparation for Re-
treat Still Continues.
MAY CHOOSE LINE ON OURCQ
Presence ofAllies North of River
Might Force Huns to VesIe.
Extent of Drive Near Mont
didier Not Yet Known.
(By the Associated Press.)

(By the Associated Press.)
French and Americans have crossed
the Marne over a front of IL miles
between Jaulgonne, seven miles east
of Chateau Thierry and Oeuilley near
where the German line crossed the
stream during the days when the Ger
man offensive was at its height.
On the western flank of the Ger
man salient the allies have taken
OulchyL a mile north of
the Ourcq and just west of Nanteuil-
Notre Dame, a dominating point in
the German line of communications.
They also captured the town of Bu-
which brings them up to a ravine
that stands between them and the
heights to the eastward of scissors.
British Advance Near Rheims.
On the front between Rheims and
the Marine, the British have taken
Petitchamp wood near Marfaux where
they took the places formerly held by
the Italian forces.
News of these successes by the al
Hes comes in unofficial London ad-
vices. 1t shows that in spite Of the
fact that only artillery duels were re-
ported from the French war office in
| its daily statement, the allies are max
ing important progress all around the
salient in which the Germans were
caught by the terrific attack of the
allies on Thursday morning.
A lull along the line might have
been expected at this time because OF
the stern resistance of the enemy re-
| serves and the necessity of bringing
| up havy artillery and supplies. 1t ap-
pears, however, that the allies are
forging ahead along virtually the en-
! tire battle front.
French Attack Near Montdidier.
At Sis o'clock this morning the
French launched an attack along q
four mile front in the Montdidier sec
tor. In three hours they advanced
mile. London hints that the at
tack was over a wider front than hat
mentioned in the dispatch. The
French occupied the villages o1
Mailly- -Rainsuval. Sauvi1lers and Auh-
vi1lers. west of the Avre river. Pris-
oners numbering $50 were taken
mere are indications that the Ger
man preparations for retreat north OF
| the Marne are continuing. Large
fires are reported burning at Fere-
En-Tardenois near the western flank
of the German salient, and also al
Willie -Tardenois, just behind the
! German lines southwest of Rheims
Likely to Retreat to Vesle.
! The enemy may choose a line aIons
! the Ourcq for further defense opera
| tions. but the presence of the allied
| troops to the north of this stream may
compel tircment at least as far a.
the Vesle liver. This is said to be in
dictated by concentrations of German
| troops at Fismes and other point.
along the Vesle,
The suc' ass of the French north O.
/ MontdiGier improves heir line there
| They h. now secured positions
| which dominat> the Avre valley fo
several miles along a vital sector.
Further Lorth, the British have ad
| vanced their line slightly south o
Hebuterne. South of Merris ant
Meter-n. il ! "nders. :he British line
also were improved, and local sue
cesses north of Albert and in front o
Amiens are reL orted.
Intense struggles marked the prog
ress of the allies in the face of furiou
German counter attacks probably de
signed to cover retirement on a larg,
scale within the Rheims-Soissons sa
lient.
Enemy attacks between the Ourc,
and the Marine have failed to checl
the French and Americans who con
tinue to advance. Between Rheim
and the Marne the allies maintain
their gains of the past several days
South of Scissors to the Ourc1 ant
in Champagne very violent artiller,
battles are taking place.
May Retreat to VesIe.
The Germans are reported burning