El Paso Herald (El Paso, Tex.), Ed. 1, Saturday, January 26, 1918 Page: 4 of 64
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4 Week-Lnd Edition January 26-27 1918.
ARTILLERY FIGHTING IMPORTANT;
LL POSITIONS 1ST BE SHELLED
Germans Admit British Are Superior and All the "World
Knows France Is Unsurpassed; Central Powers Are
Attempting to Explain Eeasohs for Allied Ad-
vances in Belgium; Teuton Losses Are Heavy.
as thuugh only traveling cranes could
move tnem. into sucn ciposeu ywsi-
tions' These are questions that every
exilian asks himself at the front Let
m try to answer them.
The scene changes back to England.
Vor Enriand. read America and the
reader can foresee the development
of the awkward gun squads ne
watches drilling perhaps with some
mtssrivlngs. from the Atlantic to the
pac:fie. The inert. Brown and Smith
ai l Robinson city men and country
men clerks and farmhands factory
workers and sons of the rich have
been transformed for artillery duty
after a few most unpleasant weeks of
Infantry drill as raw recruits.
Become Soldiers Soon.
Slowly they develop from rather
woe-begone citizens strangely clad In
HI fitting uniforms to men upon
whom the khaki sits naturally sol-
diers with a visible pride In their new
work. And their appearance is the
outward and visible sign of the
change that has come to their minds.
They are gunners now. no longer mere
ciphers of no interest to any but
themselves. They have become. In a
few weeks a battery a corporate
body a unit worth living for and
perhaps its members feel in some
vague way worth dying for. Their
guns the king's final argument as
the Hun engraves upon his pieces-
are the arbiters whose compelling
voices shall be heard In the days that
presage victory. To this great ex-
tent has the Idea grown through the
days of their training.
Soon the scene changes across the
channel again to a French village
whose narrow streets have long ago
been churned into rivers of mud with
Its unpretentious houses placarded
with boards showing how many men
can be bllletted In there. The little
square before the church Is filled with
motor-lorries and tractors four great
guns colored with tarpaulins nearly
.fill the width of the main street.
Are Sure Comrades.
In the corner is a fire built between
a few bricks and by it sit Robinson
the bank clerk; Brown the country
grocer and Smith the great mer-
chant s son. eating bully-beef with
their elaspknlves out of the same tin.
and exchanging jests as to what they
will do when they get Into action at
last. For days they have been march-
ing across France; now they are
within sound of the guns: on the mor-
row their silent covered monsters will
add their voices to the clamor.
As soon as it Is dark the square
resounds to the roar of many engines
and the long procession of cans trac-
tors and lorries moves off Into the
night A few children watch it and
the village settles down to a short
period of rest for the succession of
these British guns that are to sweep
the hated Boche back Into his own
country seems interminable. But the
battery goes on to Its alloted task
eager expectant In a fury of sup
pressed excitement.
First Hiehtm Confused.
Towards midnight it reaches Its
goal the position that it Is to take
up. where in a few weeks it Is des-
tined to help repulse the great attack
that has been described. Confusion Is
inevitable this Is its first experience
of a night move and over-enthusiasm
Is bound to lead to a few mistakes.
The men of a neighboring battery j
older hands at the business turn out'
of their billets for a minute or two to
(Continued from page 1.)
That Rookie fromthe 13th Squad Byp.L. Crosby
look on and laugh silently. Well they
remember the first time that they sot
il.to position by night!
The scene is one of desperate ener-
gy. The guns have first to be hauled
into their places the greater part of
the way by men with drag-ropes the
ammunition must be unloaded and
stacked where it can best be fed to
mms ill ttin .nno n I-tn.nD .hat
are necessary to a battery must be '
collected In some suitable spot By the
light of an electric torch the battery
commander Inspects the progress of
the work the men toiling on the drag-
ropes or struggling under the weight
of the heavy shell the building of the
long narrow trenches that must shel-
ter them all should the enemy find
their position and fire upon It
Men Work Hard.
It Is a race against time tor noth-
ing can stop the steady progress of
the dawn and with the first light of
morning the scouting aeroplanes may
be over them. Everything must be
hidden by then for the slightest un-
familiar patch upon the ground will
reveal their secret and hostile shell
will make their position untenable.
The men know this and work like
slaves but with a cheerful eagerness
that no slave will ever show.
Then comes the day of action when
the battery first proves Itself. Have
Brown and Smith and Robinson those
peaceful Independent citizens of a few
months ago become In that short time
trained soldiers? Every battery com-
mander must have asked himself that
question and to none has his battery
replied In the negative. The assur-
ance of victory of these men has lent
thpm a. kepnness without which their
training would have been useless. And
this Is the spirit that pervades the
great host whose business It Is to
confine the German hordes to their
proper limits these inspired civilians
who have left their desk the work-
shop or the counter to destroy the
armed militarism that threatened
their peace.
Artillery Is Superior.
To turn from the adventures of an
individual battery to the combined ef-
forts of all the batteries In action on
the front It may confidently be said
that the main ground for the confi-'
dence which soldiers In France have
that the Germans will undoubtedly be
beaten lies in the superiority of the
allied artillery. To make the whys
and wherefores clear to the public is
difficult because of censorship restric-
tions. But German press comment in-
creasingly indicates the uneasiness
by the constantly growing volume of
fire with resulting heavier losses to
the Germans of men and what Is
more Important of guns. Erich von
Salzmann. a distinguished German
military authority recently tried to
allay this alarm by contending that
the losses on the German side were
more than counter balanced by the
French and British losses. That more
and constantly more German guns are
knocked out he admits nut he sees
In this a reversion to earlier methods
of warfare. -Old axioms of war" he
says are coming Into their own once
more for they are imperishable. Ar-
tillery Is again fighting artillery: that
has always been the first principle
of all great generals."
Sot as of Old.
If artillery at the present day oc
IK dUQtfS CO- TH art sruoeriT was
joio to estimate th distance oiep? th hill
V2
L . "
cunled the same tactical position
and employed the same methods as
it did a hundred years ago. his opin-
ion would be Justified. In those nays
ranges were very short the opposing
commanders placed their batteries In
Dositlons from which they could see
as much as possible of the prospect
ive battlefield and from these posi-
tions a preliminary duel took place
in which each side endeavored t-
knock out as many of the hostile
guns and men as It could. The side
that gained the advantages in this
duel was then in the most favorable
nnstttnn tn commence the battle
proper as it possessed greater facili
ties for destruction oi tne mianirj
opposed to It
The science of defence has reached
such a stage that no lnfanfv "'
has the slightest chance of success
unless it is preceded by an eiiecuve
artillery preparation durlr
the enemy's defences are rendered in
capable of affording shelter to tne
men whose Dusiness it is i reami j-
Mnit it is easy to see that a pro-
tmr nrfiiiarv duel in the old sense.
If it could be carried out would be-1
of ultimate advantage to me ueiencr.
if the opposing armies were about
I SPRING .
The Express brought us several new
styles in Spring Footwear full of grace
and beauty. We especially wish to mention:
A Laird-Schober Lace Oxford with the new military
heel either in mahogany calf or black fJ.
p
I H3
I f
J
I Rayser
r-"t
A LairdSchober Colonial Pump with the new military
heel either in black kid 0T patent leather with large
square steel buckle.
Price S10.
Dark Cray Kid Lace Boo.ts turn sole covered Louis heels
moderately
Priced At $7.50
SilK Hosiery
Our First Arrivals Are:
jj Italian Silk Hose in Plain Richelieu and Spider Web
jj patterns in black while and colors-
jj Jersey Silk Weave Hose in fancy sport stripes very
B strong and durable. Specially priced at
$2.00
GREATER EL PASO'S
r GREATEST SHOE STORE L
2.
203 Mesa.
equal In number and efficiency of
batteries.
Use Lone Range.
However many guns the defence
might lose they could count upon so
reaueing the strength of the artillery
of the attack that it would be unable
to carry out the necessary prelimi-
nary bombardment and so the assault
would be prevented or foredoomed
to failure. This Is evidently the Idea
in the mind of von Salzmannn to re-
assure the German public alarmed by
the gradual pushing back of their
line in Belgium.
There are two conditions upon
which the German application of the
"artillery duel" to defensive purposes
depends. The first of these Is the
possibility of carrying out an artillery
duel in the old sense of the phrase.
It was easy enough when ranges
were short and batteries depended on
direct observation of their targets in
order to engage them. But now
ranges have increased until opposing
heavy batteries upon which the mod-
ern equivalent of the artillery duel
depends are usually separated by
eight or nine thousand yards at least
and never within sight of one an-
other. The problem is complicated by
the necessity of discovering the posi-
tion of a hostile battery before it can
be engaged and of securing some
means of observation In order to de-
stroy It
Allies Master of Air.
To a great extent the discovery of
hostile batteries and the observation
of fire upon them when found de-
volves upon the air services. Scout-
ing aeroplanes and balloons must be
able to reconnoiter the hostile terri-
tory for these purposes and this re-
connalsance can only be conducted by
the side that has the mastery of the
air. It Is Indisputable that this mas-
tery is held by the allies. Our aero-
planes are constantly over the Ger-
man lines whereas It is comparatively
rare occurrence for a German scout
to Tly over our guns even for a few
minutes.
The second condition Is that the al-
lied and German artilleries are of
approximately equal strength and ef-
ficiency. That this is not the case
that the British artillery is immeas-
urably superior 13 admitted by the
Germans themselves. The superior
efficiency of the French artillery is
recognized by the whole world. The
British can mass batteries upon a
larger scale than the enemy and each
individual battery Is more than a
match for that the Germans can bring
up to oppose It There Is no doubt of
these facts experience at the front for
the last 18 months has proved them
beyond a doubt
Germany Heavy Ioer.
In counter battery work which Is
the modern equivalent of the artillery
duel far more German batteries have
been put out of action than British
even when conditions were entirely
in favor of the former. This may
seem a statement Impossible of veri-
fication but the number of British
batteries put out of action Is known
and a constant succession of aero-
plane photographs reveals the condi-
tion of German batteries. For in-
stance during September last the
British artillery destroyed or neu
tralized 1813 German batteries and
during the same period the Germans
only succeeded In ranging on 741
British batteries. Of these latter
only a very small percentage were In
any way prevented from continuing
their fire- Apart from this the Ger-
man reply to the British fire reveals
by Its weakness their enormous su-
nerlorlty. And what Is said about
British gunfire applies with equal
force to the French.
Both conditions therefore are In-
capable of realization and von Salz-
mann's scheme of artillery duels as a
means of defence necessarily fails.
Tf the German infantry have proved
themselves unable to resist the ad-
vance' of the allies the harassed Ger-
man supreme command dare place no
reliance unon their artillery for that
arm. too. has proved Its inability to
stand up Deiore tne guns tnat menace
It Copyright 1918 by McClure
Newspaper Syndicate.
Grin Follows The Snow.
LAXATIVE BROilO QUININE Tablets
taken tn time will Prevent Grip. E.
W. GROVE'S signature on box. 30c
11
GHTIIS
Many Tons of Explosives
Rain Down on .Enemy;
Aerial Fights Occur.
London Eng. Jan. 2S. Aerial activ-
ity on a large scale Thursday owing
to favorable weather condiltons. Is re-
ported in today's British official state-
ment It says:
"More than 300 bombs were dropped
on the CourtraiXedgehem and Doual
railway stations the alrdome near
Courtral' and German billets west of
CambraL The enemy's hangars at
Doual and other ground targets were
bombarded by airplanes. Seven hos
tile machines were brought down in
were
Two
the fighting and five others
driven down out of control.
British machines are missing.
Raids 3Zade In Germany.
"As soon as it was dark British
night fliers bombed a German air-
drome northeast of Ghent and other
airdromes near Courtral and billets
around Roulers. All of the machines
returned. At tbo same time other
machines raided several objectives in
Germany making direct hits on fac-
tories docks and in the town of
Mannheim.
"The barracks and railroad station
at Treves the steel works at Thion-
ville and the railway stations at Saar-
brucken and Oberbilllg also were at-
tacked with excellent results. The
pilots report large explosions at all
objectives and a -big fire at Treves.
One of our machines failed to return."
Flans to raise mn army of women be-
tween 16 and 65 years of age to work on
the farms in Keif York state la now un-
der way.
BARGAINS
If yon want to get your
(bare of the great bargains in
winter clothing: and men's
fumiihingt don't delay
come in now as they are go-
ing fast WE ARE QUIT-
TING BUSINESS.
ROSING'S
323 SAN ANTONIO
Kaiser Would Place
Anarchists On Scaffold
Petrograd Russia Jan. IS. Isvles-
tla publishes a long letter written by
emperor William to the ex-czar in the
summer of 1914.
The kaiser agrees with the czar's
views regarding anarchists.
German and Russian surveillance
of "these scoundrels" he complaint.
Is rendered futile by the refuge af-
forded them In London and he de-
clares that the right place for these
monsters is the scaffold and in some
cases the lunatic asylums.
A later letter from the kaiser men-
tions the visit of the British squad-
ron to Russia. "It is clear to every-
one." he proceeds "that the present
moment chosen by the British fleet
for its uninvited visit is extremely in-
opportune for you and your country
and I am firmlv convinced of vnnr
feelings of indignation toward the
visit remembering our own feelings
lowara tne visit to us last year. They
of course are striving to strengthen
the ultra-Liberal party in Russia."
LENINE SAYS SOCIALIST
ARMY TO BE ORGANIZED
Petrograd Russia. Jan. it. (Thurs-
day.) The congress of all Russian
workmen and soldiers' delegates or-
ganized formally today naming Niko-
lai Lenlne Leon Trotzky and Marl
Spirldonova honorary presidents. It
also designated an executive commit-
tee of 13 members who will act in
totatlon as chairman of the congress.
Lenine delivered an address re-
viewing the work of the Bolshevik)
which he said had abolished the old
order entirely and would replace It
with proletariat organizations and a
great red socialist army commanded
by members of their own party to in-
sure safely against bourgeoisie op-
pression. The congress tomorrow wi:l hear
special teports on peaca negotiations
and the food situation.
FINLAND SENDS ULTIMATUM;
THREATENS WAR ON RUSSIA
Helsingfors Finland. Jan. 26. The
Finnish senate has sent an ultimatum
to the Russian government demanding
that Russia cease supplying arms to
Finnish rioters who assisted by Rus-
sian soldiers are committing acts of
violence every day. Otherwise war
will be proclaimed Immediately. The
Russian answer. Just published con-
tains a promise to demand that the
arms be returned.
An Appreciation To Army Men.
"We greatly appreciate the patron-
age we have been favored with from
the soldiers. We give special atten-
tion to the army men. Complete
stocks reasonable prices and prompt
attention. Is what we offer. If you
need anything In Jewelry let us serve
you.
AV T Til r I '
I The Hall Mark Store. Mills & Mesa.
Advertisement
LAST WEEK OF
1
Sale
We are bringing our Clearance Sale to a close. We propose to make this the biggest week of the
entire sale. All odd pieces and surplus stock must be closed out. The following items should induce
you to come and see the many other Clearance Sale specials that are just as good as those that are
advertised.
Closing Out Odd Dining Chairs at V2 Price
There is hardly any kind of a dining chair that you can imagine that is not found in this offer.
They come one. two. three and four of a kind. They must be sold. They are offered at just half price.
$7.50 Rocker $4.65
Just another example of
clearance sale offers. This
rocker is made of solid: rich
dark fumed oak has good
quality leatherette pad seat
bolt and screw construction.
Regular value $7.50. Janu-
ary Clearance Sale Price
$4.65.
LIBRARY TABLES
At Lowest Possible Prices
Over one hundred library tables will be offered this
last week at wonderfully low prices. The three follow-
ing items will give you an idea how reductions range:
I No. 183 Golden Oak library table. This table is 28 in.
wide by 48 in' long. This has wide shelf for magazines.
Posts 3J4 by 3Yz in. of quartered oak. Nicely finished.
Regular price $28. January clearance sale. .. .$19.75
I No. 1036 Dull finish golden oak library table. Colonial
style. Size 28x48. Regular price $2730. January
clearance sal: price '....$20.70
1 No. 924 Fumed oak library table. Size 28x48. This
table is Mission style is well made. Has one large
drawer. Specially priced for January clearance sale
at $10.25
Many other special values in library tables are to be seen
In our window.
EXTRA
ygeno
Metal
Carpet
Sweepers
WORTH $3.00 EACH
Will be Placed on
Special Sale at 9
A. ML Monday
Think of buying a. splendid durable carpet sweeper at such a ridicu-
lously low price. The "Hygeno" Sweeper is made of steel light in
weight but very strong a sanitary sweeper which harbors no germs.
"HYGKXO Sweepers are handsome having beautiful mahogany baked
enamel finish and nickel trimming.
It's a mighty good sweeper better than the old-fashioned kind
sanitary light weight easy running and handsomely finished. The big
IIYGOO factory could not have furnished them so cheaply except for
the fact that the output Is several thousad per day thus bringing the
cost of production way down. Let us emphasize the fact that this is an
advertising not a money-making proposition.
THE GREATEST VALUE
Ever Offered to Those Who Have Use for a Sweeper
SPECIAL
If
SEE THE
BIG WINDOW
DISPLAY
Only One Sold to Each
Customer.
Positively None Sold to
Dealers.
No Phone Orders Will
Be Accepted.
None Sent C 0. D.
BE HERE
ON TIME
ASEMENT BARGAINS
This heavy -wool "wall duster is
made especially for cleaning the
walls and "wood "work. It' has two
handles one of them 6 feet long
for reaching high ceilings and
walls. January Clearance Sale
Columbia
Food Chopper
This Food Chopper is made
by Londers Frary & Clark
makers of all Universal goods.
It has five knives self shar
pening and large force worm.
Jan. clear-
ance sale
Ft
PRICE
$1.45
Extra Special For
Monday Only
$1.00
207-9-11 N. Stanton
This seven cup pure Aluminum Perco
lator. January Clearance
Sale Price
98c
t III
iiV.
No te'eohone orders ul! be taken.
A Special Feature of our January clearance sale is a rcducLon on aj he-rg sloj and ranges.
JJ'
t
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Slater, H. D. El Paso Herald (El Paso, Tex.), Ed. 1, Saturday, January 26, 1918, newspaper, January 26, 1918; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth143534/m1/4/?q=12th%20Armored%20Memorial%20Museum: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .