Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-05-03

not yet been able to re
new his drive, but there
is a growing violence of artillery fire
over wide area from Gvenehy, i'm
medately north Of la Bassee canal
to point south of Ypres. where Mon
day fighting centered.
Nor have the Germans been able
TO renew their thrust Oh the Picardy
front
There was local fighting around
Villers. s.Bretenneux nine miles east oi
Amiens during the night which END;
ed to the advantage OF the British,
enabling them to improve their posi-
tons.
Violent artillery duels have ragged
north and south OF the Avre river.
tpicardy 'front.' near which distrct
Americans are holding part Of the
battle line.
The Germans are reported TO oe
massing fresh forces and II is accept
ed as foregone conclusion by French
military critics, that the end OF the
struggle is not yet in sight.
While the Germans have been re-
organizing their shattered division
and bombarding General Foch has not
been inactive. strengthening his posi-
tions before Amiens. Arras and
1 Ypres, and moving reserves 10 stra-
tegic points. No matter where the
next German thrusts fall the Boches
! will find the allied forces ready to
NEE; them and give them blow Tor
blow
This was the fortyiourth day Of the
grand German offensive.
Reopen Army Quiz.
Washington. May 3.-The way was
paved this afternoon for IA reopening
OF the army investigation on sweep.
ing scale to include aircraft program
ordnance production and the quarter
masters corps. This was stated roll
lowing "A meeting Of the senate mill
tary affairs committee and when Gu
zon Borelums charges of criminal
proiteering in the billion dollar air
craft program We're again discussed,
The committee took no definite ac.
ion but il was the almost unanimous
sentiment from the committee that
the time had arrived for another gen
eral inventory of the war depart
mems progress in the conduct OF the
war during the past three or four
months.
Sufficient time has elapsed since the
last investigation came TO halt to
bring about necessary improvements
in the work of the war department
senators said, and another stock
taking to ascertain what has actually
cen accomplished was in order.
II was officially stated today thai
the administration would not OPP
pose any investigations OF the aircraft
program President Wilson has been
aware OF Mr.. Borelum's charges for
several weeks but up to date no an
nouncement has come from the white
house Of what it proposed to do about
IT,
Three Marine Casualties
Washington, May 3-The Marine
corps this afternoon reported three
casualties. all slightly wounded
Active on Italian Front
Rome May &Eight Austro.Ger
man air machines have been shot
down the Italian war Office announces
Heavy artillery activities are report.
ed over wide section Of the Italian
front
Bill to seze all Property
. Washington May 3-=SecretarN
Baker this afternoon wrote Senator
Chamberlain chairman Of he SENATE
|. military affairs committee urging
prompt action ou the bill empowering
the President 10 comm 1ndrer any
real or personal property necessary
to the conduct OF the war
The measure was sent TO Congress
by the war department some weeks
ago 1t was referred to the senate
committee, whore II met with M
Friendly reception. because Ut the eN