Dayton Daily News from Dayton, Ohio • 1

TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND OF PERSHING'S FORCES ENGAGED IN PRESENT OFFENSIVE; AVERAGE PENETRATION SEVEN MILES ON 22 MILE FRONT WASHINGTON, July 20.Of-ficial reports to the war department, General March told newspaper men today at the weekly conference, showed a maximum penetration by the Franco-American counter attack of 10 miles, and an average penetration of sewn miles on a 22-mile front Six of 'General Pershing's divisions, or about 200,000 Ameri can troops, are fighting with the. French in the present offensive, General March, chief-of-staff, advised members of the senate military committee at their conference. The Franco-American offensive will continue as long a it is possible to force the Germans hack, General March stated. General March aiso said that the Germans had been preparing for an offensive against the British to the north on the western battle front, that was to be simultaneous with their last offensive against the Franco-American front. For some reason, General March stated, the drive against the British was postponed, and that is the probable explanation given for the British policy of not attacking the Gorman while the French and Americans are n-gaged in their offensive.

Allied military General March said, is unanimous that the German offensive movement has been completely stopped. The attack still is being pressed, ho said, against heavy German rwcrvea. The American troops engaged jn'thia front are the First, Third, and Fourth regular divisions and tho 26th (New England) and 28th (Pennsylvania), national guard. The 42nd National guard. (Rainbow) is stationed in tho Champagne region.

During his interview, General March disclosed the fact that the embarkation of American troops has passed the 1,200,000 mark. Tho War department has no advices that tho city of toissons lias fallen, but it is known to he under a heavy fire -from American artillery and its fall seems imminent. Tho French and American forces either are already on this road or have it well under direct hell fire of their artillery. An unattached regiment of negro troops from the IKIrd National army division, is in each sector. Gen.

March said tho objective of the Franco-American countrr attack wa tho -Thierry rufU. road, which tho allied command hart reason to believe is the principal artery of supplies for the enemy In the, Chauteau Thierry region, and alrfo of tho principal sources for the sector, 9 IL. M. The chief of staff pointed out that ONTINt ED ON PAliR TWO) ONLY AFTERNOON PAPER IN DAYTON RECEIVING ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE. HOME EDITION BAYTOM BA ELY NEWS PRICE TWO CENTS.

VOL XXXII. No. 286. DAYTON, OHIO, SATURDAY, JULY 20 (5) A TH (nl A Rfl If1 (o) I (n1 A fW (ft (n) fl f0 Tfn) A IriW A (ft IT I Til, HIGH SPOTS IN ALLIES' COUNTER DRIVE COMMANDER OF BELIEVES CRUISER TORPEDOED; ADMIRAL REPORTS MINES WASHINGTON. July 20.

Although Captain Christy of the armored rruiser San Diego reported his belief that it was a torpedo that sent the ship down off l-ong Island yesterday, further reports today showing that five or six mines were destroyed by warships in the vicinity last night strengthened the opinion of naval officers here that an enemy submarine was nil responsible for the disaster. i A statement by Rear Admiral Palmer, acting secretary of the decluring the gallant conduct of Captain Christy and his men emphasized the absence of any of the appearance of the enemy raiders. FONTENOY S' tkajBOPMrjJBa BtlfiMKAJZD CHANIGKE JjF ST GENGOULPHii JV lHEEMvT CtVagAJJ ygP STAGNAN 0X condb: Gunners and Infantry Go Forward Under Barrage of Uncle Sam's Powerful Guns American 75's and 55's Pave Way for Rushing Warriors While Tanks Precede Infantrymen. Bombardment of German Big Guns Feeble in Comparison With Thundering Steel on Opposing Side Northern Part of Line Near Soissons Pounded With Fury and Crown Prince's Generals Attempt to Rally Forces for Gigantic Engagement Battle Zone Broadens Between the Aisne and Marne Neuilly-St. Front and Other Important Towns Taken Huns Bring Up 100,000 Reserves.

GERMANS DRIVEN BACK ON Ileavy dotted lines on map indicates battle line before Franco-American counter offensive started July 18. black line indicates battle line after first day. Shaded portion shows Urritory retaken in opening of counter thrust. Light dotted line indicates one apparent result sought. That is, to eliminate Chateau Thierry salient and relieve pressure on Rheims.

It is learned that the captain's re port showed that the explosion could not have Im-cii internal because there was nothing In the ship at that place to explode. The department also has satisfactory evidence that the ship could not have struck an American mine, so apparently the only possible explanation of the destruction of the ship aside from that of a submarine attack, is that she encountered a mine dropped by U-boats before they left the American coast The department still is without in formation as to whether there was loss of life though it is known that nearly all of the officers and men of thj crew have been landed by rescue steamers. Captain Christv's dispatch follows: "The captain of the San Diego re ports that he inclined to the belief that the ship was sunk by torpedo. Ibere are no conclusive factors, how ever, on which to base a definite opin ion at present, in view of following circumstances: "1. No torpedo wake was seon.

"2. No convincing evidence that pcrfseopc was seen. "3. No submarine appeared, in spite of the fact that three unarmed SOUTHERN BANK OF MARNE THE great Franco-American counter offensive launched July 18 against the Huns, within twenty-four hours amounted to an advance over a twenty-eight mile front from Fontenoy, north of Soissons to Chateau Thierry and amounting to a gain of six miles at some points. More than twenty towns were captured.

Americans operating in the region west of Soissons took 4000 prisoners, thirty guns and large amounts of war booty the first day, dispatches said. The American troops were the ones to make the six-mile gains. lrl Farrriut l'lr UnliM in prubabljr Sunilnyj HiiMlr warmer U-Itilht, cunlinuMl Sunday, SAN DIEGO rescue ships were in the vicinity for about two hours. Ml. Shin was struck on port side abaft beam, which dincouragc mine theory.

"5. Weather wis fine; smooth sea." There was no disorder on the cruiser, the cuptuin said, every man taking his station aa if in ordinary drilL In many quarters there was a feeling that the rruiser was sunk by a drifting mine or by an internal explosion. Despite reported statements of survivors that what appeared to be a periscope was sighted. On tho other band, many officials were inclined to think that German sub marines nave again crossed the Atlantic, and bolder, have ben lying in wait off New York harbor for a ridber prize than the freight and tank steamers sunk duriny tho previous visit here in May and June. Jnformution received by the navy department today that two steamships have reached port with 1160 survivors of the San Diego aboard, was taken to indicate that the number of lives lost would be small, if any.

The landing of 31 survivors had previously been reported, which would account for the safety of 1187. The i i i i cruiser is noi considered to nave naci more than that number of men aboard (CONTINUED ON PACK HKVKN) fected by the work or fight are Ains-worth and Judge. CHICAGO, July 20. "We are In wire communication with club owners, who have been asked to make known their views as to what action shall be taken," said Iresident Ban Johnson of the American league today, relative to Secretary Maker's ruling that play- CONTINUED ON "PAKE SEVKN BELLOC Great British war expert writes in TOMORROW'S SUNDAY NEWS of the battles In France. It is a privilege to follow Hilaire Belloc in his reviews each Sunday.

They have the stamp of authority on them. They are not written In America, but draw their inspiration from the battle ground in Kurope and may be relied upon. THE WAR is uppermost in the minds of Americans now. There is no better way to follow the course of events than by reading Bel-loe's Review every Sunday in THE NEWS. The central executive body of the Bolshevik government announces that it has at its disposal Important material documents concerning the fo-mer emperor's affairs, including hi.

own diaries. The messages announces that counter-revolutionary conspiracy wa discovered, with the object of wres ing the ex-emperor from the autho ity of the soviet council. In view this fact, the president of the regional council decided to exeente former ruler and the decision carried out on Jury. .1918. them asleep or eating when they leapt into the trenches.

One apparent object of the allies' blow is to wipe out the en tiro Chateau-Thierry salient by forcing the Germans back in this section until the battle front becomes a straight line between SoissonB and Khoinw. This would eliminate one side of the German pincers now endangering Rheims. It would also remove all danger of the Germans taking Chateau Thierry, an important rail center, and other important pointa which have been in jeopardy through the presence of Hun forces in the salient SUNDAY IS A FINE DAY TO OfTKR YOUB USKU CAR Yi)H HALF. MOST PKOFLB A OK TIME TO K6AU TUB AUS AND INVESTIGATE. ThmVi a bi demand for ud cart In kw1 amdltlim rlicht tun.

VniAXKVKH YOUB PROPOSITION MAT UTS, ADVKBTIKK IT IN TH SUNDAY. NKWS ANO COT YOUK COPY IN BY I 0'CIOCK TONIGHT. PHONIC OK BRING IT. Tom New carria inure eluwificd advtrtiuatf than all vtltar iJaytun paper eonibmad. OHMER FARE REGISTER COMPANY LANDS HUGE FEDERAL CONTRACT Assurance of steady operation until well into 1920, has been given the Ohmer Fare Register company, as the result of a contract for naval gun mountings and sights that has just been awarded this concern by the United States government.

John F. Ohmer, president of the company, returned front Washington Friday after receiving the new contract and preparations will be made at once looking to its fulfillment. This is the third contract given the Ohmer Fare Register company from the ord nace department, the last being the largest. It is expected the company will put on 600 more men and in order to provide conveniences for its employes the company is now engaged in installing a cafeteria, which will accommodate from 1200 to 1500 people I a day. a small novel win aiso do equipped with modern appointments, I sufficient to accommodate about 65 men.

The cafeteria will be open day and night It will be provided with steam tables and all other modern and sanitary appliances, while steam heat, baths and other comforts are being provided. The two new buildings, which are now under construction will be rushed to completion and be ready for occupancy in August, if present expectations are realized. I WITH THE FRENCH ARMY IN FRANCE, July 20. Entente Allied troops today are driving back the Germans on the southern bank of the river Marne and are now approaching the river embankments. (Br ik iModated Pre.) WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY ON THE AISNE-MARNE, FRONT, July 20.

The battle sone along the front of the allied counter-attack between the Aisne and the Marne is being extended farther sonth towards Chateau-Thierry than the region previously affected, according to information this morning. Franco-American forces are continuing the steady pounding of the northern part of the line near Soissons, although the movement is lacking the dashing advance which characterized the first days of the attack. The attempts of the crown prince's generals to rally their forces to meet the steady movement of tho Allies has resulted in such strengthening of the opposition as to indicate that the battle is approaching the point when the armies will soon be locked in a giant struggle. CLEVELAND CLUB IS FIRST BASEBALL TEAM TO QUIT; TO CLOSE SEASON SUNDAY HUNS REPULSED LONDON, July 20. Further advance by the French in the field of the German offensive both north and south of the Marne are reported this afternoon.

South of the Marne the French have taken Missy and reached Part-a-Binson on the river. Before the second sun-up French and American troops were bombarding Soissons and had forced their way to within a mile of it at one point. An American division early captured Vierzy, six miles south jf Soissons and advanced three miles beyond that village. The counter drive was started with but little artillery fire preceding it A barrage fire preceded the waves of infantry, but one of the worst storms of tho year practically drowned out all noise of the guns. The Germans were so taken by surprise in many cases that American and French soldiers found 1 to be pressing ahead in a determined way, and1 bent upon taking Soissons.

They are obliged to continue their counter movement in order to prevent the enemy from holding valuable ground. The Germans, on the other hand, have the choice of two situations, they must either check the allies completely, or else retire. They have, apparently, elected to try for a check, while in many places they are obliged by allied fire and persistence, to fall back. Whether General Foch had counted upon this counter stroke as a part of a general strike-back action all along the line, or whether he meant, CONTIWED ON PAGE TWO North of the Marne the French captured the town of Marfaux, southeast of Bligny after heavy fighting, and moved forward west of Pourcy. The Germans on the front south of the Marne have suffered a repulse by the French and are retreating northward across the river, Reuters' correspondent at French headquarters telegaphs this afternoon.

CLKVKLAND, July 20. President James C. Dunn of the Cleveland American league baseball club, today sent the following message to Cleveland from Chicago: "We will play a doublo-header with Philadelphia tomorrow and will then close the ball park for the balance of the season. "It is our desire to comply promptly with Secretary Baker's ruling on baseball." "My men told me that they would not care to stand on the field and have leather-lunged fans shout at them to get useful jobs," said lYesi-dent Dunn in discussing the derision to suspend tomorrow. "I agreed heartily with the men.

They arc all prepared to step Into new work." Reports in baseball circles here that an effort would be made to keep eight clubs going by using players from the two major leagues who do not com under the new regulations, could not be confirmed by officials. STICK. WASHINGTON, July 5S0. Vannger Griffith of the Washington Amcri-an league team, said today that the team would continue the season as long as it hal players enojgn ami as iunK there were other teams playing. The only Washington players so far at- Both on the northern end of the line and further south, the reinforced Germans are making a desperate effort to hold their The weather was clear this morning, and this gave some satisfaction to the thousands of 'men engaged on the Allied side.

The indications, however, were that the day would be one of exceptional heat. LONDON, July 20. The Allied gains on Ihe front of the Aisne-Marne offensive have been further extended along the line between taigne de Paris, a mile and a half southwest of Soissons, on the north, to Belleau, five miles northwest of Chateau-Thierry on the south. The French line has not been advanced much farther toward bnt the front is now very close to main road opposite Ville-Monpoiere, six miles south of Soissons. Ville-Monpohre is an important center for the transport of German troo.js.

The French line now passes through Fontenoy, Pernant, oee, Villemon-Poire north of Le Plessier-Huleu, Chouy, Neuilly-St. Front and Sonnelans. The number of German prisoners taken in the Franco-American offensive now has reached 18,800. On the Rheims front the French fortes have advanced for a distance of 1,000 yards between Souain and Auberive. The French also made slight progress near Pourcy.

PARIS, July 20. French and American troops are continuing their advance between the Aisne and the Marne, according to an official announcement issued by the war office today. South of the Marne. the French have thrown back the enemy between Fossoy and Oeuilly, and have retaken ground towards the Marne. The Allied advance has reached the line of Vierzy, beyond the wood of Mauloy, east of Villers-Helon and Neuilly St.

Front. The statement follows: "Yesterday and last night, French and American troops continued their advance over the greater part of the front between the Aisne and the Marne. "Vierzy has been reached, and the troops have gone beyond Mauloy wood, east of Villers-Helon, and conquered Neuilly-St. Front and Licy- of the Marne, our troops have driven back the Germans be-tween Fossoy and Oeuilly, and have gained ground toward the Marne." PARIS, July 20. The Germans have been forced to bring up 100,000 reserves to the army of the German crown prince as a result of yesterday's fighting, and the French and Americans, after fluctuations have WIPING out the Chateau-Thierry salient, and bringing the battle line straight from Soissons to Rheims, seems to be the immediate object of the Franco-American counter-attack.

If the allies advance much farther and take Soissons in their triumphal sweep, the Germans must, of necessity, retire over a considerable distance to avoid being caught in Foch's nut-cracker advance. A. general retirement of the enemy will, of course, lead to a complete destruction of the salient which has its arrow head at Chateau-Thierry- That the enemy is making a somewhat stubborn resistance cannot be disputed today, but the allies appear FORMER CZAR NICHOLAS SHOT, RUSS WIRELESS ANNOUNCES TO READERS OF THE SUNDAY NEWS Readers of The Sunday News are requested to co-operate with newsdealers b' giving a definite advance order for the delivery of The Sunday News to their homes or. offices or to hold a copy to be called for at a news stand. This will enable newsdealers to adjust their supply to their sales.

Through the co-operation suggested readers of The Sunday News will not be disappointed in the regular receipt of their newspaper. THE SUNDAY NEWS. CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO LONDON, July 20. Former Emperor Nicholas of Russia has been shot, a Uussian wireless statement to day announces. The former uiperor corresponn-ence, including letUrs from the Monk Rasputin, who was killed shortly before the revolution, written to the then emperor and his family, will be published in the near future, the wireless message declares.

The former empress and the young Alexis Romanoff, the former heir apparent, have been sent to a place of i security. ITALIANS VICTORIOUS ROME, July 20. Italian troops have wrested from the Austrian. Monte Stabel and completely re-occupied Cornodi-Cabenlo, in the Ada-mmo of ihe mountain front.