Another small warning of the rising power of American arms was given
on the Marne yesterday morning, when a fresh band of machine gunners
helped a French regiment to break an attempt to cross the river.
Between the Oise and the Aisne homeric conflicts are reported from
the neighborhood of Carlepont Wood, in which the hill called Mont de
Choisy, after having been lost and recaptured five times, remains in
French hands.
In all fields, therefore, the equalization of forces produces a result
more and more favorable. The defense of Mont de Choisy is the work of
French colonials. These troops had already distinguished themselves,
particularly at Douaumont, before Verdun.
Though the pressure upon the Franco-British line from Verneuil, on the
Marne, to Rheims, has been much less severe than that on the western
flank of the offensive, it is to be noted that the enemy has some of
his best divisions in the former area.
French cavalry corps, generally dismounted, but sometimes playing their
old part, have rendered excellent service during the battle. One of
them after forming an essential element in the retreating line, had to
meet Saturday and Sunday repeated attacks conducted by four--perhaps
five--German divisions in the Malmaison and Trotte Woods, which crown
the hills northeast of Verneuil, forming the buttress of the allied
positions beyond the Marne. In the Ourcq Valley toward La Fierté-Milon
another body of dismounted cavalry had to stand against some of the
best Prussian troops, including the first division of the Guards.