South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-10-26
ALL EYES At THE
CAPITAL ARE ON
AUSTRIANS NOW
ALL EYES
Sudden Flare of Activity on
italian Front is Attracting
Attention Among Army
Officials in u. S.

WASHINGTON oct. 26.-The
sudden flare of activity on the Ital-
ian front after months of almost
complete quiet, attracted quick at
tention today among military Off
Gals here. II was noted, however,
that first official reports from Rome
carefully refrained from describing
the action as a drive.
The fact that nearly 5000 prison
ers were taken yesterday shows the
surprise nature of the attacks and
it also may indicate waning morale
in the Austrian army. officers here
would not be surprised if the Aus
trian forces, in view of conditions
at home showed weakness under
heavy assaults.
The place selected for the attack
indicates that the present operations
may be preliminary steps to a major
offensive. If the high ground be-
tween the Brenta and Piave rivers
is carried in sufficient force, observ-
ers here believe 1t might be possible
for the Italian army, supported by
French and British units and artil-
lery and possibly by American
troops. 10 reach the valley Of the
upper Piave and outfiank the whole
Austrian position on the lower
stretches of the river, running from
the Monte Grappa plateau TO the sea.
Immediate withdrawal Of the Aus
TRAN forces on this line would ap-
pear 10 be the certain result of any
striking Italian success on the lines
now under assault.
Test Austrian Spirit.
Aside from its military signifi
canoe the operation in Italy is being
watched closely by officials here as a
test Of the spirit of the Austrian
army. Reports Of disorders and dis
affection in the dual monarchy have
been persistent for months and 1t is
regarded as quite within the range
Of possibilities that the war weari-
ness at home will show itself de-
cisively at the front. In that case
the early capitulation Of Germany's
chief ally might be expected.
On the western front the situa-
ton around Valenciennes seemed 70
officers here 10 be approaching a
critical stage. The British continued
TO force their way ahead and, with
the Raismes forest cleared. the water
barriers to the north partially over
come, and Normal forest on the
south invested. it appeared that the
gateway TO Mons and Maubuege be-
tween the two forests soon would be
forced.
The French, il was also noted.
were making more rapid progress
in clearing the enemy out Of the
Oise-Serre salient Possibly the
thickly placed German reserves in
this sector have been withdrawn to
meet the British menace.
May Force Concentration.
Viewed from a larger perspective.
il appeared possible 10 some officers
that these two operations might now
be compelling such a concentration
OF enemy reserves in the center OF
the long line from the Meuse TO the
sea that the time was almost at
hand when a new blow could be
struck effectively farther east The
Franco-American armies east and
west OF the Meuse have been stead
lily improving their positions, il was
pointed out, and there is strong
feeling that new blow OF greater
extent than any struck for some
weeks is certain TO fall upon the en-
envy forces somewhere on this part
of the line before winter sets in 70
slow up operations.