24 Mar 1918
Page 1
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Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
Mar 24, 1918
Page
1
Washington dispatches say the German offensive shows signs of slackening on the western front. Casualty estimates range from 30 to 50 percent of identified enemy divisions, based largely on prisoner statements. Meanwhile British and German fighting ebbs and flows with 97 German divisions engaged and heavy losses cited.
German official claim lists over 30 000 prisoners and 600 guns captured. French English and American regiments reinforced from the southwest were repelled at Hauting. Germans seize Ham and Peronne. Paris notes new long range bombardments and an all clear at 3 30.
Paris reports a lull in shelling as the monster gun’s bombardment appears to have ceased by 3 PM local time. No explosions for over an hour noted when the dispatch was filed.
Paris reports a German 10 inch shell from a distant ‘monster gun’ at 6 50 am on Palm Sunday. An alarm sounded, crowds sought shelter, churches filled as shells landed every 20 minutes then every five minutes, yet many carried on with Sunday routines.
Paris observers split between praise for the German long range bombardment feat and horror at its barbarity. Ex Premier Painleve notes tungsten shells could boost range while atmospheric drag lowers weight. Echo de Paris calls it a political cannon aimed to show Paris in range.
Rome reports slight artillery and recon activity along the front. A semi-official Paris note warns against pessimistic claims that Germans have broken through the line and can bombard Paris. the front remains intact.
A Canadian war correspondent notes that while British troops fought to the south, Canadian forces Friday night launched the greatest gas bombardment in history between Lens and Hill 70 on the Franco-Belgian front.
London reports from British headquarters via Reuter indicate captured German offensive plans show aims of 8 kilometers first day 12 kilometers second day and 20 kilometers third day across the front. German advances to date have fallen short of these targets.
London reports a wartime telegraph from Berlin by a Vossische Zeitung correspondent in the Oise area. He says Teutons moved with miraculous exactness, shaped by a master organizer, while the English defense remained brave though unable to match the attack.
Paris reports a German assault on March 24 aimed at the French lines south of Juvincourt failed after a heavy bombardment. Artillery actions continued around Lepètre wood near Lafontelle and Hartmannsweiler Kopf.
Reported agitation has begun for a break with the United States as tensions rise and officials weigh possible political realignments involving Holland.
Washington officials digest reports that Rotterdam interests push for breaking relations with the United States over requisitioned Dutch merchant ships. The dispatch from Copenhagen notes Dutch pressure forming against U S ties as Britain retreats and German prospects remain uncertain.
The Hague reports Foreign Minister Louden declared seizure by the allied governments unjust in the upper chamber. Senator Cramer attacked the United States and President Wilson in a parallel address.
American army officials await British reports to gauge the German success west of St Quentin. They note withdrawal signals orderly British movement to new positions and doubt a large British sector collapse. Germans claim 16,000 British captured. officials consider the claim worth noting but not decisive.
British aircraft on the French front strafed and bombed targets amid mist, downing 16 enemy planes and driving six out of control. They also attacked railroad stations and destroyed a hostile balloon as pilots fought at low altitude, with many German losses reported.
The German siege gun bombarding Paris is found in the forest of St Gobain west of Laon about 76 miles from the Paris city hall.
Berlin reports Emperor William sent a telegram to the German empress stating that the battles of Mouchy Cambrai St Quentin and Le Fere have been won by the grace of God. He adds that the Lord has gloriously aided and asks for continued help.
London reports Entente forces maintained air superiority in Italy as eight enemy aircraft were destroyed. The March 23 dispatch notes ongoing air activity with multiple engagements and confirmed losses for the opposing side.
London telegram to generals of the 3rd and 5th British armies praises the troops for a splendid defense today. Field marshal in chief calls for continued steadfastness and valor to crush the new attack and the enemy’s last hope of success.
London reports no material change on the battle front in northern France during the night. British forces still hold the Somme line at Peronne with small enemy probes near Parigny repulsed, and other attacks along the Somme and Peronne repelled as night combat continued.
London dispatch reports German efforts to cross the Somme Friday night were detected on four bridges and thwarted with heavy losses. Roads behind the German advance were blocked by columns of troops, guns, and transports to hinder any attack.
Premier Clemenceau told the Chamber of Deputies that reports from British headquarters gave him the most satisfactory impression. The remarks were aired in Paris on March 23 as part of the Associated Press dispatch.
A German air group crossed the lines last night and dropped bombs on Compiegne and nearby towns. Several machines pushed southward but were repelled by French artillery.
Sheriff Grant reported a mob seeking Lonnie Eaton and Will Flournoy, indicted for murder in the Charlie McQuiller case, prompting their return to Shreveport for safety. The grand jury found 45 true bills from 78 investigations, citing bootlegging as a major issue and noting no actionable information on the McNeal lynching. Foreman W M Parker signed the report.
A coroner's jury probes the death of Ed Strong's four year old on Ouachita avenue between South Second and South Third streets. Motorman George Plummer, detained and later released, may face charge if found at fault as the body is removed to Peters undertaking. The coroner expects a Monday 10:30 a.m. deliberation in his office.
Night air operations in the southern front area failed due to mist while northern air units carried out bombing raids. Three and a half tons of bombs targeted dockyards at Ypres and billets northwest of Tournai. Several machines were lost but others returned to base.
London report says powerful German infantry and artillery have breached the British defense west of St. Quentin. The war office states British troops on the northern sector hold, while those to the west retreat in orderly fashion to prepared positions behind former lines as intense fighting continues and fresh German forces join the battle.
London reports continuous action through last night with German forces concentrating fire on a solid German mass and fierce fighting near Reisel and Trincourt as French troops engage. Casualty figures described as appalling.
British units concentrated on a solid mass of Germans. Between Omignon and Somme the Germans penetrated the third enemy position. South of the line some Germans broke through and drove the enemy westward over the Crozat canal. The British evacuated positions south of Cambrai and withdrew through Demicourt, Flesquires and Ribecourt while pursued by German forces.
London dispatch reports a German statement dated March 23 claiming Emperor William holds command on the Western Front. The message arrived as a contemporary update from London.
The United States will assume control of the German American Lumber Co at Pensacola Florida. Directors appointed by the alien property custodian will operate the mill starting March 23.
In Fenchow Dr Percy T Watson of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions identifies the recent pneumonic plague outbreak in Mongolia and Shansi as the Black Death. The disease historically killed about 25 million people in 1546 worldwide.
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