Republican farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1810-1920, 1918-02-22

military operations for the wee
while there have been outwardly |
no new developments in the military
situation in the west during the period
under review" says the communique.
yet it is apparent that both the enc
my and the Allies, after extensive pre-
parations, which have been silently
and systematically carried on, are
ready for battle. The Germans have
recently withdrawn number of their
veteran west front units from the first
line trenches and are busily training
them in mobile warfare.
According to advices received, the
German general staff hopes that by
massing large number of these pick
ed shock battalions, which have been
intensiveiy trained, they may deliver
crushing blow.
1.-THE bulk of the German forces are
now assembled in the west. But a
4 large number of these units are Who'll
ly unframed in the method of western
front warfare which differs radically
from that conducted along other
fronts. Furthermore, the German
higher command realize fully that
their forces will meet with far more
difficult tactical obstacles than any
hitherto encountered by an attacking
army. A break through was possible
in Russia only after the morale of the
Russians had been undermined; the
same was true in Italy and we wit
messed how speedily the Italian line
was mended.
During the week there has been
-,sRA1
along the entire western front.
Gas has already been announced, in
Lorraine a segment of the line is en-
tfreIy under the control of our forces.
Along our front patrol encounters
were numerous. The Germans under
took raid against our positions and
succeeded in inflicting a few casual
ties. A small American patrol, while
scouting in No Mans Land, was am
pushed by the enemy.
'-The weather was very rainy dur
ing the first part of the week and our
troops were busy manning the pumps
IN an effort to keep their trenches
dry. Later clear weather prevailed
and hostile air craft made frequent
nights to reconnoiter our positions. A
marked improvement in OUT anti-air-
duels took place and the Germans
showered our lines with gas Shells
which, however, caused no casualties
owing to efficient gas mask protec-
ton.
'In Champagne, units of American
artillery participated in an engage
ment undertaken by French forces.
This operation was the most import
ant of the week in the west. After
very careful artillery preparation,
during which our batteries cooper
ated usefully, French infantry adj
vanced to the assault southwest of
the Butte du Mesnil, along a front of
about l 400 yards. The French, sue
ceeding in penetrating the German
positions, broke through the second
and reached the third German line
During this brisk attack the French
destroyed many enemy shelters, in
f1icting much damage to enemy posi-
tions besides bringing back $50 pris-
oners.
"Other successful raids were I'M
dertaken by French detachments in
the vicinity of the Chemin des Danes,
east of Rheims, in upper Alsace and
elsewhere. In all the French drove
forward IL very fortunate reconnais-
sance undertakings along different
parts of the line.
German units were also active.
Their attempts to reach the French
lines were temporarily successful in
the vicinity of Bezonvaux and in AL
SAGE. However seven German raids
in various points broke down. French
artillery kept the enemy constantly
engaged along the widely scattered
area
1.-The British front also was the
scene of numerous minor engage
ments. No important action took
place and the enemy, who was evil
IDENTIFY busy with the grouping of
units and disposing fresh forces re-
Gently arrived from other theatres,
in the front line, undertook only such
accommodating engagements as to
familiariZe the new units with the
nature of the terrain in front of them.
"In the Italian ttheater the enemy
has again assumed an aggressive at
titude.
'HThe concentration of an important
body of German cavalry in the vicin-
ity Of Riga is noted and it is believed
4 the Germans may find it expedient to
advance on Petrograd. 1t is difficult
4 to determine the exact status of at
fairs in southwestern Russia. The
Russian contingents are evacuatinE
1 the Armenian centers south of the
Black sea, which are being reoccu-
pied by Turkish detachments. Ire
bizond will probably soon fall into
Turkish hands,
at is important to record tina
large contingents of Arabs are joining
the forces of the Sheik of Mecca, whC
is cooperating with the British.
''The Arabs have defeated the Turk
in two encounters, occupied Ell MAJ
reh, southeast of the Dead sea, ant
are advancing along the Hedjaz rail
road toward Maan."