June 1918

June 7

Germans Prepare to Advance on Paris

German legions are now within 45 miles of Paris, and the situation admittedly is serious. The Germans, in their new offensive, are hammering the Allied lines apparently with the hope of opening up the way to Paris by the way of the Marne. The Germans are reported to be using well over 750,000 men in this effort.

The German advance since the offensive began last Monday was unexpected by allied military experts. Twenty German divisions were thrown against seven of the Allies. The territory taken by the Germans was regarded as easily defended, and therefore the comparatively small force of allies was left in charge.

Success of the enemy was subscribed to improve use of gas shells. In the present drive, the Germans have been using 9-inch gas shells to shell territory 7 to 8 miles behind the Allied lines, instead of sending gas across the front lines. Instead of being able to retreat to second line defenses 3 to 4 miles in the rear, the Allies were forced to retreat 10 to 20 miles as the gas made their second and third lines of defense untenable.

U-boats Off the American Coast

The schooner, Edward Cole, was sunk by submarines Sunday afternoon 50 miles southeast of Barnegat, New Jersey. The Captain of the Cole stated the crew of the German submarine boarded him, took away his papers and placed bombs on board. The captain and the crew took to the life boats and the ship was sunk. The Captain stated that the submarine was about 200 feet long and carried two large guns, one forward and one aft. A second schooner, the Jacob Haskel,l was also sunk by gunfire in the same general vicinity Sunday.

Members of the crew of the British steamer Harpathian, sunk off the Virginia capes, Wednesday, stated that they did not see the U-boat until their ship had gone down and they were in the lifeboats. The Commander of the submarine called the lifeboats to the underwater craft, which popped up on the surface near them, and gave them water and American tobacco. The crew described the German Commander as a gentleman who did all he could to make the survivors comfortable.

All along the coastline naval flying boats, submarine chasers and other small naval craft immediately got into action. Officials declared that the Navy Department was fully equipped to meet the thrust at the very fountainheads of the flow of American troops to Europe.

The torpedoing of ships off Barnegat, followed by the report of more destructions off Nantucket Shoals, nearly 200 miles to the north, was taken as indications that the hostile submarines were operating in numbers and that the plan of the German Admiralty probably is to concentrate the U-boats in a partial blockade of the principle ports used by American transports.

By striking with submarines at the very doors of America, Germany has admitted to the world that the American army will turn the tide against her on the battlefields of France. Driven to desperation at the rate at which American troops have been pouring into France, and having been checked by the American destroyer flotilla in the war zone, the German Admiralty has concluded to carry the submarine warfare to America, in hopes of stopping the flow of American troops which will turn the balance against the Central Powers on the western battlefront.

In New York, the Police Department issued an order to turn off all display lights in at night until further notice. Coney Island will be darkened under the terms of the order, which was issued after the Police Commissioner after Consultation with military authorities.

Meanwhile, naval officials say there are is no chance that German submarines will attempt to enter the Chesapeake Bay. To attempt to force an entrance through the Virginia capes would be practically suicidal. Even if a submarine was able to gain entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, it would be practically impossible for them to pass through the submarine nets that guarded the waters leading to the national capital.

June 14

U-boats Elude Sub Chasers

The story of a transports race up the Atlantic, closely hugging the coast, with darkened lights at night and under full pressure of steam, in order to elude German U-boats, is told by men on shore leave here. Members of the crew declared that they were warned in ample time by wireless of the nearness of the sea wolves and were advised to keep close to the coast to make all possible speed to this port. They asked to return that the ship be met at once by American destroyers.

Two of the U-boats were sighted and the race began between the submersibles for the transport and the troopship for the harbor. It lasted for 12 hours, and although handicapped by the fact that a zigzagging course had to be run, the transport maintained her lead, until three American destroyers were cited. The U-boats disappeared before the destroyers appeared on the scene, the fact of their nearness evidently having been picked up by wireless.

Germans Review Western Offensive

On Monday the Germans renewed their Western offensive and succeeded in gaining ground along about a 20-mile front to a depth of about 2 1/2 miles at certain points. Comparatively slow progress attended by losses described as enormous, is being made by the Germans in their latest effort to break the Allied front in France. The advance against the line, coming quickly after the force of the offensive on the Aisne had been spent, has encountered stern resistance.

According to reports the Germans are employing a classic pincer movement which Field Marshal Mackensen applied so brilliantly in Russia, Serbia, and Romania. Military critics point out that the German reserves, under Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, are still untouched, and that this great force is sure to be brought into action before long, as a result, a fresh German attempt to break through the Allied lines has been expected for some time.

In the two months since the offensive of May 27 was begun, 330 Germans divisions have been under fire. The enemy’s effort is a gigantic one, but it cannot last forever. He is now bringing into action an additional 190 divisions. The time is not far distinct that all these will have reached a dangerous state of exhaustion, and this at the same moment that the young and vigorous American army, impatient for action, will have been formed. Military experts say that the enemy is starving to attain a decisive success at all costs, expecting to end the war.

In Paris, a Committee of Defense has been appointed to supervise the entrenchments and works to protect the capital. While Paris is not likely to be besieged, the Germans, with 15-inch guns, may be able to subject it to an intensive bombardment if they can come just a few miles closer.

Army officers generally hold the opinion that the capture of Paris is not the aim of the Germans. They hold that opinion because they credit the enemy would intelligence enough to know that the capture of Paris, however desirable for its effect on the morale of their own people, would not be a decisive military victory. The French people once before have prepared to evacuate Paris, and thus the shock to them, if they had to do so now, would be discounted by that fact. Instead, the Germans are seeking to menace Paris, which is different then from trying to capture it.

The penetration of the Allied lines at Amiens, with the consequent separation of the main bodies of the Allied forces, or the capture of the Channel ports and the menace to England and handicapping of her transportation facilities constitute the sort of advantage which Germany would regard as decisive victories which would bring her a step nearer winning the war.

June 21

Austrians Open Drive On Italians

The long-awaited Austrian offensive against the Italians has begun. For a distance of 75 to 100 miles, Austrian troops and heavy artillery are endeavoring to break down the resistance of the Italians, who were aided by the French and British.

The last great Austrian German offensive, begun in October 1917, rolled back the Italian lines from the Trieste front and along the Venetian plains. More than 1 million enemy troops were engaged in this operation, and it was not for many weeks that the Italians were able to stay the advance. About the middle of November British and French troops came to reinforce the badly shaken Italians, and the Austrian advance was checked.

Since the start of Germany’s current western offensive, there has been insistent cries from Germany for the Austrians to take some type of action along the Italian front, which will cause the allies to withdraw troops on the French front, thereby aiding the German offensive. For months past the allies have been preparing for just such a blow.

The tactics employed by the Austrians were similar to those which brought success to the Germans in the Somme and Aisne offenses. The enemy advanced, under cover of smoke barrages against portions of the line believed to be lightly held. In France the Germans succeeded by this method in gaining the rear of strongly held positions of the line, which forced the allies to retreat quickly to secondary lines. The Austrians are also relying on gas attacks to a degree unusual with them.

Austrian losses are described as frightful. In the mountainous country, where the British have been holding their positions solidly, thousands of the enemy have perished, while they have paid heavily for every foot they have advanced along the Piave River. Though no exact figures are given in reports of the losses it is believed that the Austrian casualties have been heavier by five to one. In the fighting in the mountain regions where the Austrians were repulsed with terrible slaughter, the ratio is much higher.

The Austrian drive already shows marked signs of failure. The advances achieved in the initial assault, necessarily the most powerful attacks in any offensive, are so limited as to indicate that the Austrians virtually have been halted in their tracks.

Should the Austrians be held, it seems to observers here that General Foch may decide to strike his first counter below there. If he does so, and if he gained any headway, the German high command would be compelled to a move German divisions from the Western front to support the Austrian line. The Germans could not permit their allies to be seriously menaced, as a popular uprising in Austria-Hungarian might well result, which would upset all German calculations.

The announcement of the arrival of the American troops in Italy it's expected any time. No official word about their entry into the Warfield is expected until they actually get there. A principal reason for sending American troops to Italy, it was learned today, in addition to the effect on the moral of the Italian soldiers, is the disheartening effect they will have on the Austrians, who had been trained to believe that the United States would extend no help to Italy.

Central Powers Rocked by Food Riots

Food conditions in Germany are becoming worse. There is great discontent owing to reduction to the bread ration. The German people are fearful to grumble openly least they be sent to the front. One popular saying is that the people pay 100 Marks for a sick dog to eat. The war is becoming unpopular among the workers, but the feeling ebbs and flows with the tide of Germany's success.

There have been reports from various sources recently of trouble in Austria, notably in the capital, because of the bread rations reductions forced by the virtual exhaustion of the Austrian grain supplies. The bread allotment to each individual in the city of Vienna is now less than 1 and a half pounds weekly; it was stated in a dispatch.

In many provinces of Hungary there is only one third or one quarter of the food necessary to maintain the population and health. Vienna newspapers are quoting a socialist party manifesto, which declares that workers and small office holders in Austria are at their wits end to maintain an existence because of the food situation. In many Austrian towns, the manifesto declares, these classes are threatened with absolute famine, while similar conditions prevail in Prague, the Bohemian capital and in towns in Galicia. The situation is declared to be so terrible that certain populations have not seen bread or potatoes for weeks.

U. S. "Sub" Sinks U-boat

A German submarine and crew were destroyed by an American submarine off the Virginia coast several days ago, according to report by passengers aboard an American steamship. Officers on the vessel claim to have been told the story of the submarine combat by members of the victorious American undersea boats crew.

The American minor had put into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay for shelter, in response to submarine sightings, and they were anchored near an American submarine tender, alongside which was moored the undersea craft, which was taking on provisions and fuel, officers of the vessel stated. An exchange of wireless messages followed, in which the submarine crew is reported to have told of its victory.

The U-boat was sighted while the American craft was patrolling with only her periscope visible. When within range torpedo was released and 20 seconds later microphones recorded by traffic explosion. Raising to the surface the American submersible circle about on the lookout for survivors, but oil coming to the surface was the only trace found to the vanquished raider. Naval reports state that the submarine made a clean hit and sunk the underwater craft or disabled her.

June 28

American Casualties Greatest in One Week

The steadily increasing participation of American troops in the fighting were sharply marked in this week’s casualty lists. 53, including three officers, were killed in action, the heaviest death toll from the battlefield yet.

The British causality list last week passed the 20,000 mark. The comparison of the American and British loses, however, in some measure forms a gauge of the limited extent to which the United States has yet been able to bring its power to bear against the German invaders.

Americans troops have done well, according to reports from Gen. Pershing. It was stated that the fighting that of the Americans had been engaged in was gratifying, because of the team work of the infantry, field artillery and the staff, showing that the staff training of American officers, which is considered one of the most important factors with a modern army, was of high caliber.

Definite word from Rome of the repulse of the Austrian drive in Italy, coupled with the announcement that American troop in France now exceed 900,000, and that the United States is five months ahead in its war program, added to the growing cheerfulness apparent at the War Department.

The speed with which the Army is being moved to the front is sharply indicated by the fact that approximately 200,000 men have been embarked during the last two weeks. The total movement during May was more than 240,000. The million troop target should be passed by July 1.

Gen. Pershing made it clear that getting abroad enough American troops is critical to giving General Foch mastery in numbers over the enemy. Every day spent by the Germans pressing their efforts to achieve military victory before Americans can arrive in overwhelming numbers is regarded as a day nearer ultimate defeat for them.

Austrian Nears Crisis

The Austrian offensive has turned into retreat. The enemy is hurrying back across the Piave before the closely pursuing Italians. The Austrians have lost 45,000 men and great quantities of material. The true extent of their casualties may indicated by the thousands of bodies floating in the waters of the swollen river.

Unable to force their way further than the immediate vicinity of the west bank of the river, and with bridges thrown across the stream being swept away by the swirling waters of the floods pouring down from the mountains, the enemy began a retreat Saturday night. So hasty was their retreat that a great many cannon were left on the west bank of the river.

Complete readjustment of the plans of the German high command in view of the disaster which has overtaken the armies of Emperor Charles, is regarded as certain. Upon the extent of the defeat, it will be said, will be penned the course of events in France.

The Italian front must be made secure before German designs in France can be prosecuted. While there is an imminent danger that the Austrian-Hungarian government may collapse, Germany cannot devote herself to the attack she has undertaken in the West before American manpower can swing the scales finally against her. For this reason, there was much speculation as to the moves to support Austria already taken by the German high command.

The German problem in rushing troops to Italy is a difficult one. Not only will the withdrawal of men from France weakened their whole western offensive effort but the transportation of a sufficient force to offset the Italian victory must necessarily be slow.

Meanwhile official reports show but the growing seriousness of the food riots in Austria. The people apparently are in no condition to stand a great military reverse such as they must now face. Immediate German action to support her allies seems absolutely necessary, unless the back door to Berlin itself is to be left unguarded.

The present pause in the monotonous campaign in the West is a good time to study the Austrian situation. Remember that the strength of the Central Powers is no greater than its weakest member, and that Germany’s war policy is dependent to a large extent upon developments in the Dual Monarchy.

So far as Austria is concerned, the war ended with the conclusion of the treaties with Russia and Romania. The war has been more costly proportionally for Austria than for any other of the chief belligerences, excepting Russia. While she contributed heavily to the economic support of Germany, she lacked the internal organization and showed little capacity for efficiency in molding the empire into a war machine.

Within Austria's various groups are dissatisfied peoples, who, like the Irish, consider the war an opportunity to further their personal interests and lost no chance to obstruct their rulers.

When rations ran low the Austrians fought on with little complaint, accepting the word of their rulers that unless they did, they would suffer military dominance by Russians. When Russia collapsed and Romania fell out and Italy staggered under the Austrian-German blow, the subjects of Emperor Charles saw visions of an early piece and relief from sacrifice and suffering of war. From the Ukrainian great quantities of food were to come immediately and Italy was expected to make peace. Instead the Ukrainian stores never materialized and the Italian peace became the colossal Austrian failure.

The Austrian people believe Germany is blocking a general peace. The Austrians believe much of their economic suffering is due to the greed of Germany. They assumed the offensive against the Italians was undertaken because the German militarist demanded they attacked the allied right-wing, in hopes of lightning the German task on the Western front.

Former Russian Czar Executed

Former Russian Emperor Nicholas has been killed by Bolshevik troops. The first report of the assassination of the Emperor was received on Tuesday, although it appears that rumors that the former Emperor had been killed by the Bolsheviks have been circulating in Russia for some days previously. Russian newspapers say that Russian Red Guards had murdered the ex-Emperor in his residence at Yekaterinsburg. Reports also are being circulated that Alexis, the former crown prince, died a fortnight ago after a long illness. As

Meanwhile, Grand Duke Michael, the younger brother of the former Emperor, is reported by way of Berlin to have placed himself at the head of the new Siberian government and to have issued a manifesto to the Russian people calling for them to resist the Bolsheviks.

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