Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-27
ODESSA RECAPTuRED
FROM TEUT0uS BY
b0LSHEvIk| ARMIES

Inc momentum OF the German dflVe IN france
has greatly sackened The British made slight
retirement during the night in the sector of Bray,
just north of the Somme river but all efforts against
the French front collapsed, owing to the gallant re-
sistance of the defenders
The British retired on both sides of the Somme
evidently falling back upon stronger positions for
better defense Of Albert on the Southwest.
Northeast Of Albert the Germans were unable
to continue their assaults in force apparently be-
cause of the tremendous losses they have suffered
The fighting in that district was described by
Field Marshall Haig local
South Of the Somme river the Germans con-
tnue to exert strong pressure against the allied line
and at one point they gained footing in an advanc
ed British position, but were driven out before they
could organize it.
Whether the counter thrusts launched by the
British south Of the Somme are the beginning OF
general counter offensive is not indicated, but
European military critics state that the time is rap
idly approaching if it is not already here when a
grand counter movement against the Germans may
be expected.
1t is believed that the climax of the great
Picardy battle has about been reached.
If the German drive has definitely been halted
and thev are thrown upon the defensive by counter
blows of the allies the ground gained will be out of
all proportions to the stupendous losses sustained
by the Teutons.
The French lines are standing like Gibraltar un-
der the blows Of the German hordes
Bolsheviki Retake Odessa
Copenhagen March 2.-Recapture Of Odessa
from the Germans by Bolshevik troops
nounced in an official statement received here to-
day The city was retaken after a hard fight in
(which the Black Sea fleet aided
Amsterdam March 27-News was received
/ Co.. p,xI I'D, hat baIH
killed in action in the western front. Won Botnitz
commanded one Of the German divisions west OF
ST. Quentin in the battle of Picardy.
French Barrier to Germans
Paris March 27 The Germans have been
able to make any further progress against the
French. The war office announced today that the
severe losses inflicted upon the eutonC armies
had compelled them to slacken their efforts that
part of the great battle front which the French now
hold
The enemy was checked everywhere during
Tuesday afternoon and evening, the official state
ment said The bravery Of gallant troops
who defended every foot Of our ground so vallanty
is beyond praise.
"Northwest Of Noyon strong enemy patrols at
tempted to penetrate French defenses during the
night but were DISPERSED
American Sectors Quiet
Washington, March 27--The American
Iors in the west front are quiet, General Pershnng
,oday informed the department He made no
mention Of American soldiers being engaged in the
resistance to the German drive against the British
but this was not taken to mean that the press dis
patches telling of the American participation were
incorrect
Haig Cheers Valiant Troops
s.. London March 27-"We are again at crisis
in the war, said Field Marshall laig in general
order issued to the troops. 1t is addressed to all
ranks of the British armies in France and Flanders
b The order continues the enemy has collected