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Show FEAR FOR METZ. The chief fear of tho German high command at the present time is that the Americans may break through the defenses in the A'erdun sector aDd endanger en-danger Metz, the fall of which would be followed by an invasion of Germany proper. So more divisions have been thrown into the battle, big guns have been brought up, the elaborate trench system has been more strongly protected pro-tected by the use of barbed wire and all other possible measures taken to impede the advance of the Yankee troops. In some instances the barbed wire has been electrified. There is desperate fighting on this portion of the front, and only in spots are the Germans holding their own. Metz is a, most difficult nut to crack, but we have faith in the ability of Ligjjctt's men to do that very thing if the war continues. It would be a shame to be compelled to drop shells into the city when it is certain to fall into the hands of the French at the end of the struggle. It was at Metz that Lafayette, Lafay-ette, then a youth of 30. first heard of the revolt of the American Colouies against George III and made up his mind to espouse the cause of liberty. So in addition to the fame of the city on account of other important historical events the people of the United States have more than a sentimental interest in its fate. Tho Germans took possession posses-sion of it as a result of the Franco-Prussian Franco-Prussian war and they have been hard masters. Let us hope that the people will not bo compelled to undergo a siege before they again become citizens of the great French republic. |