So much for general considerations. It would appear from telegrams
in Thursday's papers that the new attack which began last Sunday, and which is going on as we write, is probably the fiercest yet set in motion. In this frenzied assault five fresh German divisions, two from the Sixth Army and two from the great Reserve kept behind the German line, are said to have taken part, and to have suffered very heavy losses. According to the Paris corm- ttpondent in the Times of Thursday's issue, the bombardment on Tuesday in the region of the Caurettes Wood was specially intense. In spite, however, of the levelling of the first trench-line so com- pletely that it appeared to be obliterated, the repeated infantry attacks were repulsed. A curious incident in the fighting round the village of Cumieres is told by the Times correspondent. While the attack was being made from both sides of the village, a portion of tho enemy, concealed by the mist in the valley, very nearly succeeded in getting behind the French positions. Happily, however, the French counter-attack was too vigorous to be resisted, and this force of Germans was literally swept out of existence by the French fire. We used to talk about the feria francese. In future the Muse of History will add that, though the French may instinctively prefer the wild elation of the charge, they can be as steadfast in resistance as they are overwhelming in attack.
