The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-03-02

and are able to take observations and
make photographs almost without OPP
position. AS a result, the villages oc-
cupied by the Americans back of the
lines have been bombed repeatedly.
In other respects Pershing's men are
holding their own finely, both the in
fantry and the artillery demonstrating
their entire readiness to meet the
drive of the enemy If it should be
directed against their sector. This,
however, Is not considered like
ly, as the Germans, If they gained any
ground there, would place themselves
In a wedge where they could be at
tackled on both sides by the allies.
Some authorities have expressed the
belief that Hindenburg will attack not
only on the west front, but In Italy and
the Balkans as we'll at the same time,
making his strongest efforts on the
latter fronts. Others, and these are
supported by the statements of pris-
oners, are sure the Hun will make his
supreme effort at two points on the
west front. General Maurice, British
director of military operations, said
on Wednesday there had been no de-
velopments during the last two weeks
to indicate that the German offensive
was near. This is not in accord with
the information that has been coming
to America, but if anyone knows con-
ditions and what they indicate, 1t
should be General Maurice.
Ia
switzerland has become much exer-
cised over the massing of Teutonic
troops near her frontier, and fears that
her neutrality will be violated as ruth
lessly as was that of Belgium. This
might happen il .Hindenburg decided
to attempt to turn the right flank of
the French army, and the results might
be serious, for the French-Swiss front
Ter Is not strongly protected.
Tn Palestine the British are steadily
forging forward. To the east and
northeast of Jerusalem several adj
vances were made during the week, de-
spite resistance by the Turks, and at
last advices the British were within
four miles of Jericho.
Ia
Premier Lloyd-George weathered an
other crisis last week, maintaining his
position by frankness and firmness
combined and offering to resign If par
lament felt like refusing him a vote
of confidence. 1t all came about
through his adherence to the program
adopted by the Versailles council for u
more unified control of war operations
by all the allies. Gen. Sir William
Robertson, chief of staff, would not
hold his position in these clrcum-
stances, and it was given to Gen. Sir
Henry Wilson. Something of a storm
resulted, but the premier did not yield.
He said the extension of powers of
the supreme council was In accordance
with the proposal of the United States,
which was almost Identical with those
Of the other governments, and that the
policy of Great Britain In this mat
ter was the policy Of France. Italy
and America. This satisfied most OF
the premier's critics, though what the
program of the council is has not been
told to the people In Washington
military circles there Is belief that
the council decided to strike the en-
envy without waiting for him to make
his spring drive.
Two more air raids on London
occurred during the week. Together
they resulted in the death Of q per-
sons. Over on the continent the allied
aviators made repeated raids Oh
Treves, Thlonville and other towns, as
we'll as on Zeebrugge. Many tons OF
explosives were dropped on barracks
railways, airdromes and other targets
with excellent results. In the numer.
Gus air fights the British and French
flyers easily maintained their superb
GRITTY.
"a
The list Of British vessels sunk by
submarines again decreased In mum
bers, but the weeks reports included
the torpedoing Of the French steam.
err La Dives in the Mediterranean on
February /, with the loss Of ITO men
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Following a conference Of ENJOYS Of
the allies with Director General Nc
Adoo on ways and means to move food
stuffs from the middle West to the sea
board, so they can be shipped to Eu
rope, Mr.. Hoover issued an urgent ap
peal to the American people to do bet
ter than they have been doing In the
matter of food conservation, warning
them that they must be prepared to
endure domestic food shortage with
in go days. -