BATTLE OF THE VESLE

After the success of their first rush, the Germans on Wednesday met French reinforcements, which held them in check for a while. Nevertheless they established themselves during the day on the southern bank of the River Vesle from Bragries to the vicinity of Rheims. Rheims was fiercely attacked from the north-west, while at the same time the right wing of the German column fiercely assaulted Soissons. The suburb of the ancient city north of the Aisne changed hands more than once during the day, and it is to be feared that little will be left of the cathedral, now once again in the centre of a tremendous battle. This cathedral ranked with Amiens and Rheims as amongst the finest of its date. Thus the struggle has had a tendency to focus round the provincial cities of Soissons and Rheims, which are important strategic points on account of their being the junction of converging roads and railways. Owing to the meagre character of the information officially published it is difficult to enlighten the public concerning the progress of the fighting. Certain journals seem to have been favoured with official information as to what is known of the German reserves. They do not, however, seem to be very precise nor even very probable. The rigid censorship of comments on the general situation by the Press Bureau has naturally led to intense anxiety, for the worst is naturally feared when discussion is forbidden, but it is premature to offer opinions on the dispositions of the Franco-british forces in the battle which is still in full fury, and the fate of which is unknown.