The position of the enemy on the southern bank of
the Marne on Wednesday resembled that of the Austrians in their last defeat on the western bank of the Piave. It was absolutely essential for the Austrians to widen their bridge-head at any cost, and secure the Montello, from which the Italian gunners were smothering them and their bridges with shell. The Austrians, as we know, failed to drive the Italians from the Montello, and consequently had to recross the Piave. If the French and Americans can maintain themselves on the ridge south of the Marne, they will unquestionably have at their mercy the Germans who have crossed the river. The success of the offensive at this point depended solely on surprise. If the French at the first shock had had to retire ten or twelve miles south of the river, the enemy might have made good his footing.
