The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-05-11

Nothing that has occurred during the
week has detracted in any way from the
favorable war outlook commented upon
a week ago.
In fact, the developments have all been
Of a most favorable nature as far as the
Entente Allies are concerned, and while
there is still some justifable nervousness
regarding renewal Of the German attack,
every week that passes strengthens the
Allied cause.
The position Of the combatants on the
western front is virtually unchanged from
a week ago. On Wednesday the Germans
made most determined attempt to out
flank the high ground held by the British
southwest Of Ypres. They made some
trihing gains, but the positions taken were
recaptured in counter attack Thursday
morning, and in the fighting that ensued
on Thursday, the Allies held their ground.
The British and French have been en-
gagged all week in trench raids and often
sives against certain definite positions.
These were for the purpose of strengthen
ing their lines in anticipation of the next
great German offensive, which may be ex-
pected at almost any point on the 100 mile
front that includes the two old battle
grounds. Thursday night and Friday both
the British and French made some slight
advances, in engagements which would
have been called battles in the earlier days
Al,
minor enterprises in comparison with the
recent fighting.
Meanwhile the situation is far from be-
ing unfavorable to the Allies. The Ger
man lines in many places, are sadly in
need of rectifying. There are exposed sa-
lients which can be held only at great cost,
and the lines of communication are across
the shell swept ground throuh the waist
deep mud Of Flanders Rains have added
to the discomfort of the Hun, and it is no
longer optional with him whether he shall
attack or not. He must attack or retreat.
To attack means a continuation of the
slaughter in return for very doubtful
gains TO retreat would be to acknowl-
edge defeat, and might precipitate the
gravest internal complications
There is little question but that the Ger
man offensive will be renewed. 1t is only
a question Of when it will come and where.
1t probably will come just as soon as the
Germans can reform their divisions. and
bring up fresh supplies and munitions. It
probably will fall, either against Arras or
further south in front of Amiens.
Some glimpses behind the Russian cur
tain of mystery have been given this week.
The situation in the Ukraine is reported
to be one of anarchy The great Ukraine
bread basket proved big disappointment
to the Germans. 1t is the richest part of
Russia, but it was far from being great
grain warehouse when the Germans ar
rived. In the first place, there are no great
central elevators, and no wonderfully de-
veloped system of marketing grain such as
America boasts. The stocks of grain were
widely scattered, much of it being still in
the hands of the peasants The retreating
soldiers destroyed large part of it, and
the peasants show a disposition to resist
with arms any attempt to deprive them of
what is left. Inadequate means of trans
portation, or none at all, are adding to the
Germans difficulties, and they find they
must first locate the grain, then capture it,
and then transport it. Indignant protests at
the failure Of the promised grain supplies
from the Ukraine, are already heard in
both Germany and Austria.
The failure Of the Austrian attack on
Italy is good evidence of the unrest in the
dominion of the Hapsbnrgs. Strikes, food
riots, reports of desertions, and the sudden
adjournment of parliament to shut off dis
cussion, are all evidences of this unrest.
which may break into open revolt at any
time, but which may be held in check by
the German mailed fist indefinitely. 1t
cannot be counted upon by the Allies; but
it lis an important factor in the situation
eyenif it does not materialize as d revolu-
ton.
The British repeated their daring and
spectacular raid on the submarine bases on
Thursday, and completed the lob begun
at Zeebrugge. This, in itself, is proof Of
the success of theffrst enterprise, and it is
now reported that both the Belgian bases
on the Belgian coast are blocked temper
aTily at least while the Allied ayiators
make the task of clearing the channels far
from pleasant or simple This situation
should give the submarines something to
think about during the period when Amer
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