The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-03-30

their tracks along the entire western
side of the triangle while the French
have made important gains on the
south.
Allied Attack Coming.
The time is a, hand for a great and
perhaps decisive counter stroke by
the allies. The first German rush
has spent it's force. Hindenburg's
triangular wedge is open to attack on
either or both TANKS. By an attack
in force with sufficient troops the
British north of Albert could imperil
the whole salient while the French
o. the south by developing their Of
fensivs around Noyon or striking east
of there could even more seriously
threaten the security of the German
forces farther west. An attack with
sufficient forces on both flanks might
result in the utter rGut of the Ger
mars in that sector.
Both Sides Prepare for Crisis.
To guard against come such peril
the German command is rushihg an
availsble fresh divisions to this part
of the front and iG moving up guns
and munitions as fast as the devas-
taLeC state of the ground in the
salient viii. permit
The allies arc likewise rushing all
evailaule troops to the scene of ac-
ton and are bringing up guns and
materials as rapidly as possible in or
der to be able to strike decisive
blow before the Germans are able TO
bri,.g u, their big guns and supplies
o. ammunition and to replace their
wnrT out divisions with fresh troops.
\ Race Between Reserves.
Thu turn the approaching crisis will
take depends very largely upon which
side can get it's reserve forces into
action first. The front in France is
nov very much in the shape of
cCrLer OF a square with the crucial
battl, taking place on the west side
near the corner. The Germans are on
the inside of the square and the al
lies are on the outside. In switching
troops from one part of the front to
another the Teutons have the advan-
tage of being able to cut across
diagoaally while the allies must go
distances much greater for them.
Furthermore, the Germans knew
wher, they were going to strike and
had everything in readiness. long be-
core the battle began, for the bring
ing up of additional reinforcements,
while the allies had to wait for the
blow to fall before they could tell
where their reserves would be needed.
In these matter the advantage is all
with the Germans.
On the other hand the allies have
raill Dads and hard surfaced high
way; running right up to their lines
everywhere, while in the salient the
Germans have created the Teutonic
fo-cA are without railroads and the
highways and bridges have largely
been destroyed by the retreating Brit
iSh and French.
Which Side Has the Men?
Another vital matter is the number
OF reserves ava:la BILE on either side.
Unqucstionably the German losses
h we been heavier than those of the
allies. Also they have used more
mer, perhaps twice as many. Di-
visions that have been fighting des-
perateiy' for days must be sent to the
rear for rest and reorganization.
is I~.ually a month or more before
they can again be put into active
service. The Germans having used
more men will thus have more divi-
sfons out of commission for the time
being. These facts ought to give the
allies most important advantage in
the approaching crisis
Outlook Is Hopeful.
L, therefore, appears that if the