, 1918-05-23
By EDWARD w. PIckARp.

Operations Of last week in the war
one led to the prediction that the
central powers were preparing to
strike hard and soon on two fronts
in France and Italy-with some pros
poets Of a great naval battle in the
North sea. 1t was admitted by the
Germans that their tremendous losses
were largely responsible for the delay
in resuming their drive on the west
front They were very busy reorgan-
izing their forces and bringing up
fresh troops who have not yet been
engaged in the fighting there. Rain
and mud, ably seconded by the allied
nriators. made difficult the moving of
the task doggedly. Meanwhile their
artillery ceaselessly pounded away at
various important salients held by the
allies. In return the latter gave more
than they received
There were many infantry opera
lions that must be classed as small
because of the magnitude of the var
fare, but which resulted in the recov-
cry of valuable positions by the allies.
In one or two instances the Germans
also gained footholds in the lines but
counter-attacks always drove them
out promptly and they invariably suf-
fered heavy casualties. The kaiser's
armies, however, showed no especial
signs of weakening, and no competent
observer doubts that they are still
capable of tremendous efforts and will
make them. General Foch and, indeed,
all the allied commanders, await the
renewal of the offensive with conf
dence that their men can withstand it.
The same confidence prevails on the
Italian front, where also General Foch
is in supreme command. The Aus
TRANS have been concentrating great
forces there, including much artillery
they have had on the French front,
and they were expected to deliver
their blow between the Stelvio pass
and Monte Grappa. just east of the
Brenta, in the hope of breaking
through to Brescia and Milan. The
Austrian positions In hat sector are
admittedly better han those of the
Italians. To repel the expected drive
the Italians have the assistance of
British, French and Americans in
number at least equal to the Italian
forces sent to France and Flanders.
Early Tuesday Italian naval units
succeeded In stealing into Pola harbor
and ~torpedoing an Austrian dread
naught of the Viribus Units class. At
he same time Italian seaplanes ell
gagged and routed the Austrian battle
planes over Pola.
The prediction Of a naval battle In
the North sea was based on the fact
that the entire German Baltic feet,
excepting a few light cruisers, was re-
called to Kiel, and great activity at
nat base was reported. The German
ANY probably feels a bit Inundated
over the second British raid on Os-
tend, in which the old cruiser Vindic-
tive, laden with concrete, was sunk at
the entrance of the channel, blocking
1t to all large vessels.
Participation in the fighting on the
west front by the Americans brigaded
with the British and French is increas-
ing daily, and it is now made known
that whenever American troops pre-
dominate in the brigade divisions
these divisions will be put under com
! mand of General Pershing. This, IL is
believed, will bring larger numbers of
our boys to the battle line rapidly and
contribute greatly to the spirit of unity
and concerted effort. The war depart