Evening star., 1918-06-20

Austrian Artillery Fails.
The trip brought out clearly the
fact that thes austrian artillery
marksmanship was extremely poor
during the aattcn. The enemy's IRE
was frequently slack and often vir-
tually useless because of the cutting
of the Austrian telephone communica-
tfon by the Italian gunfire.
The exactitude Of the italian artil-
lery rejoinder not only had the effect
of spelling the effectiveness Of the
Austrian aim, but was responsible for
the heavy losses which are known to
have been inflicted upon the attack
in9 forces. The Italian machine gun
fire likewise produced marked effect
whenever the Austrian infantry
moved forward. aeeentuating the M
larger guns.
Strenuous Fighting Goes On.
By the Associated Press.
ITALIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS.
June 1s.-Strenuous fighting contin-
ued today around the Montello plat
eau and on the bottom lands along
the Piave near San Dona di Piave,
DOln lHS 1IAlldHS anu AuSII1AuS COLI
centrating their efforts at these
points. Most Of the battles are in the
open without protecting trenches.
Realization that the Austrian Of
fensive has failed is squirting the
Italian troops r. tS P;a desperate resist
continued today around the Montello
plateau, on the north, and near San
Dona di Piave. on the south.
On Montello. which is hilly and
. Wooded. the opposing forces fire.
expectedly. Such meetings always
result in sharp encounters.
The spirit Of the italian troops is at
high pitch, despite wounds, loss of
sleep and constant movements made
terrain at several points.
.. Italians Control Air.
The Italians have won complete
control of the air along the Piave
line. where the most determined fight
ing Of the present Austrian offensive
IS in progress. This afternoon not a
single Austrian machine was aloft on
this front.
There is great aerial activity, the
opposing airplanes flying low over the
Sighting soldiers. doing much damage
in the opposing ranks.
They almost take your hat on" is
how one on1cer described the low ny
Ing Of the airmen.
with their machine guns the avi-
htors pursue the troops along the
Uuctuating battle lines and even seek
them out among the thick bushes
which are characteristic Of the coun-
try along the lower Piave.
Austrians Have Little Food.
In general the situation of the Aus
frians along the Piave appears far from
satisfactory to them. Prisoners taken
by the Italians all declare the Austrian
army has little food. Some of the pris-
oners have not eaten for forty-eight
hours.
That Austria's drive against Italy is
positively "a hunger offensive" has been
proved by new orders and addresses
found upon prisoners. These were
signed by officers ranging from Field
Marshal Conrad Won Hoetzendorn down
was Issued by the commander Of the
famous regiment bearing the name Of
Archduke Charles says:
SOLDIERS, remember the spoils we got
last fall from the Italians: the sheep.
COWS, steers, warehouses full OF good
Clothes and grocery stores full of wines.
canned goods, -four and sugar. Think Of
your family. Think of the white bread
kou may win for all
Food Lure to Surrender.
The italian soldiers tell humorous
stories of captures effected by per-
suading the Austrians that they will
he well fed. One Italian officer. who
had been wounded and picked up by
p group of Austrians who intended
80 make him prisoner. explained how
foolish they were. He said: Come
with me and you will get meat, wine
Ind real bread" Thereupon the
whole party went over to the Italian
}inss.
It IL said also that at the Begin
,A,ina. OF the offensive the Austrians