South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-06-25

blow that will further shake the
morale OF their people and probably
will compel the German high COM
mand 10 make a complete readjust-
ment Of its plans in France.
Baker Congratulates Italy.
Secy Baker showed the sisnih-
canoe attached here 10 the defeat
Of the Austrians when he des-
patched a telegram of consratula-
ton Monday 10 the American am
bassador at Rome for transmission
to the Italian minister of war.
Mr.. Bakers message was sent be-
fore the secretary had received ad-
ditional reports from the Italian
front showing the increasing scope
o. the Austrian disaster. Ii was
prompted by the fact that the enc
my was in retreat across the Piave
and before the news came that the
Italians had smashed up the re-
treating foe, making the retirement
a disorganized rout. There Is no
doubt here now that the victory will
prove 10 be one of the most decisive
in character Of the whole war.
" III NnNuNHNt EflA-ll tbASN
Army officers agreed with tho
view expressed by MI Baker that
the defeat could not help but infu
ence greatly the course of events IN
France 10 is REGARDED as vital from
the German point of view thaJ the
Italian front be made secure before
German designs i'm France can Ice
prosecuted 10 their fullest develop
ment. While there is imminent dan
ger that the Austro- Hungarian gov
eminent may collapse. Germany can
not devote herself wholly TO the task
she has undertaken OF forcing vic
tory in the west before American
man power can swing the scales
finally against her.
Germany Moves To Austria's Aid.
For this reason. both ar the war
department and in diplomatic cir
cles, there was much speculation as
10 the moves TO support Austria al
ready taken 10y the German hish
command There Is little doubt thai
reports OF large German troop move
ments TO Italy are we'll founded, az
it, is believed the situation must be
restored there at all costs unless
the whole offensive i'm France is 20
fall of its own weight.
Germany Faces Biz Problem.
The German problem in rushius
troops 10 Italy is a difficult one. Not
only will the withdrawal of men
from France weaken the whole Of
fensiye there at d time when Ameri-
can aid. the arrival of Italian divi-
sions and the other measures are
beginning TO place AT Gen. FOch
disposal enough reserves 10 enable
him 10 strike hard at any weakened
point. but the transportation OF
sufficient force 70 OFFSET the italian
victory must necessarily be slow.
Italians Took Advantage OF Flood.
Sec'y Baker pointed out Monday
that the Italians under Gen. Diaz,
fresh from successful check of the
Austrian advances. took quick and
full ADVANTAGE Of the rise of the
Piave behind the enemy. lndica-
tious are that the flower OF the Aus
trian army employed in forcing the
crossing. has been virtually ami
hilated and the Italians are driving
home their victory relentlessly.
Every day means further disorsani-
zaticn among the Austrians at the
present rate. German reinfoNe-
ments must arrive quickly and IN
force. many officers believe. unless
the Austrian war machine is 10 be
crippled for months 20 come al
least
Food Condition still Serious.
Meanwhile official reports show
the growing seriousness OF the food