Evening journal., 1918-08-24
BY FREp 5. FERGusON.
United Press staT Correspondent

DnlLeu Press SLaU correspondent
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMIES IN
FRANCE, Aug. 2i.-The Vesle front Is
buzzinS with local infantry operations,
which are possibly a prelude 10 a Ger
man withdrawal.
Bombardment of the American rear
areas has slackened and numerous fires
can be observed between the Vesle and
the Aisne suggesting that material and
small ammunition dumps are being
burned.
Half a dozen sharp infantry clashes
have occurred in the past % hours. In
one instance the Germans and Amerl-
cans attacked at different points, prac-
tically at the same time. A general
general mixup followed, companies and
platoons fighting in the open
As an instance Of the open nature Of
the lighting, one BOche company, sep
0rated from the Others and seeking TO
locate the companies at the right and
left fanks. suddenly found the Ameri-
cans I'm their rear. They were taken
prisoners.
The sudden infantry lighting indi-
Gates the BOches are either feeling out
the Americans or are staging a demon
stration with a small force prior TO
an early Withdrawal Under the cir
cumstances the latter appears more
likely as II Is an old BOche trick.
THE Tannery" between Fismes and
Bazoches, will take It's place in history
with many similar spots, as being the
scene Of unusually sharp local lighting.
The Tannery" Is a big stone affair
a
mes. 10 Is an ideal machine gun nest, |
md has been serving as q BOche strong
lold for machine gun and rifle sniplpg. |
Following a brisk artillery lombard |
nent, the Americans left their shallow |
loles and lf'ran, half crawled across
n open field and rushed "The Tannery"
irving the enemy out OF IL.
The Germans Immediately counter
ttacked and showed Americans out.
he latter rushed back and thoroughly
1auled the BOches and retOOk "The
'annery." The performance was re-
eated a second time, the Boohes suf-
ering heavily In each counter-attack.
It the latest report the Americans were
Olding the place.
Meanwhile the Germans attacked Di-
BILE Wood, where a chateau sticks out
eyond the main American line.
The Americans received them with
leavy machine gun and rifle fire. in
lioting heavy casualties and taking
Ome prisoners. They then took I'D
heir main positions along the Flsmes
abroad. Prisoners said the battalion
involved in the attack was ordered 10
dyance, as far as the Vesle.
hrfa D.
merlcan5 cOunter-attacked and drove
le Boches entirely from their hold on
ur lines and re-establishing their old
ositions north OF St. Thibaut on the
Iuth bank Of the Vesle, opposite Ba-
)ches.
On the right wing Of the American
'ct0r, the Americans made three silent
lids during the night taking four pris- ,
lers and gaining important identiflca-
on information. The prisoners said
ley now felt that Germany can win
ld that they will all fight TO the last |
an. One said he had hoped that the {
ar would end this year, but now he .
opposed they would have 10 keep on /
5hting until the Americans are licked. Z
Documents recently captured by the 4
'ench show the German high com !
and, woing TO shortage Of men, is
'inging Alsatlans and IOrrainians TO [
10 west front. Company commanders a
ave been ordered to observe the striet- {
u rules OF punishment TO prevent de- 7
rtlon. The Alsatlans and Lor- S
.nians are mixed with other troops {
further effort to control the men
us forced to fight against their own
'ople. IL has been revealed that 10000
these soldiers participated in The mu-