The Dillon herald. [volume] (Dillon, S.C.) 1894-????, 1918-08-01
ALLIES CONTINUE
TO PRESS FORWARD
OVER HALF OF AISNE-MARNE
SALIENT CLEARED.
Washington Officials Highly Elated
With the Fine Showing by
American Troops.

Washington, July 29.-French
and American troops were still press
Ing forward vigorously today the
campaign which has up to this time
succeeded in enjecting the enemy
from more than half of the Aisne-
Marine salient. Belated announce
ment from Berlin that further with
drawal had been in progress since
last Friday night left it greatly in
doubt as to where the German high
command plans to make stand.
The majority opinion among Off
GERS here, however, was that a strong
line could not be set up short of the
Vesie river, and that even there the
Franco British positions about
Rheims would keep the German left
flank in constant danger. There was
strong feeling that the eventual
line resulting from Gen. Foch's bold
counter blows would be along the
heights Of the Aisne.
Evacuation Not Completed.
AS the line stood, according to the
last available reports tonight, it ap-
peared certain that the evacuation
announced by the enemy had not
oSSh oLlpICtSu. uS SdllSnS has DSeu
reduced until it no longer has any
thing OF the old wedge shane. The
apex has been driven in 50 that an
irregular line roughly paralleling
the old Soissons-Rheims base has
been created, resting upon the two
sides Of the old salient, reaching
southwark from scissors and Rheims
respectfully. 1t was to retain these
flank lines in order to get his
armies out of the depths of the pock-
ct at the Marne that the enemy en-
pl0ycd reserves lavishly.
Bitter Fighting.
The most bitter fighting recently
reported is along the center of the
irregular line which now forms the
front between the flank positions.
Franco-American forces were fight
ing fiercely with enemy rear guards
here at last accounts, and a crack di-
vision of Prussian guards had been
hurled against the American posi-
tions in a counter attack to check
their progress.
This suggested to observers here
that Gen. Foch was seeking to force
a wedge into the very center of the
enemy's retreating lines, planning
to take the strong flank positions
in the rear and force an even more
precipitate withdrawal. There were
signs that a definite minor pocket
was being created by this thrust,
which promised to crumple up the
German position west of Fere-En-
Tardenois. At the same time ham
mer blows against enemy positions
south of scissors indicated the be-
ginning Of pincer movement there
as well.
Officials are elated at the fine
showing which is being made by
American troops. The report that
tie Prussian guard division had met
a stonewall defense that gave not
an inch to the assault of these picked
troops added to that feeling.
Secretary Baker however, indicat-
ed that the War Department has no
false conception of the Importance
of present victories. encouraging as
they are. 1t is fully realized that the
war is just beginning, SO far as the
United States is concerned, and that
no effort must be spared to speed
up war preparations.
Substantial Gains.
The progress of the Allied armies
in the Soissons-Rheims salient is
continuing" Secretary Baker said
today. Substantial gains were made
on both Saturday and Sunday.
1T is fortunate our people are. ac-
cepting this success with true meas
ure of it's significance. 1t is, of course
a cause for congratulation and re-
joicing, but would by no means JUS
tify any relaxation of our effort. II
means that we must redoub,e our
efforts"
In support OF this view there are
indications that Mr.. Baker will dis
cuss with chairmen of the House
and Senate committees probably this
week his enlarged army project, up
on which he has been laboring for
some weeks. Mr.. Baker said today
that his plans were not quite com
pleted.
The plans include primarily eX-
tension of the age limit for draft
liability. Additional appropriations
and an army mobilization on an en-
larged scale are known TO be includ-
ed. Already six new divisions have
been ordered formed in the United
States and others will lie created at
an early date to supplement the flow
Of replacement men through the re
nj CT ~