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Show New Smash Will Be Answer to German Austro-Hungar-ian Peace Proposals. WASHINGTON, Sept. 16. Another blow against the German lines as an answer to the peace proposal of the central powers is expected momentarily momentar-ily by military officials here. The point of tho expected attack is a matter of widespread speculation by officers. Several simultaneous attacks will be delivered, it Is thought, with the Flanders front, the French operations opera-tions about LaFere directed at Laon and the new American front across the mouth of the old St. Mihiel salient as the logical positions ffom which Marshal Mar-shal Foch would Strike. It has been significant to some officers of-ficers that the British have not pressed press-ed very heavily on tho front between Ypres and Doual. North of Ypres. there has been only one minor operation by the Belgians since the allied counter-offensive counter-offensive began. British attention has been concentrated to a largo extent on clearing up to the Douai-Cambrai- St. Quentin front and many observers here believe the lines have been straightened sufficiently along this sector now for a new movement to the north. It has been noted, however, that British artillery has been pounding the Gorman lines west of Cambrai with especial vigor recently which may be the prelude to a direct drive for the capture of that city. French Working Toward Laon'. Since the French aro slowly making their way to. a flanking position which would force the Germans to withdraw from the Chemin des Dames lines protecting pro-tecting Laon, some officers believe a new movement along the Aisne and probably extending to the east of Rhcms is to be anticipated. It is pointed out that should the German be forced to withdraw from the Chemin des Dames, a swift advance from the Rheims front would tend to outflank the whole enemy line from there to Verdun. No Word From Pershing's. Army. There is no information of an of- uuwu tusmumr as 10 general Jfersn-ing's Jfersn-ing's present operations. The greatest reticence apparently Is being enforced on press correspondents in discussing the tactical disposition of the American Ameri-can army at this time and lo observers observ-ers here this suggests that preparations prepara-tions for a new advance are under way. Tho logical objective, it is held, would be the occupation of the Bricy iron fields and an effort to encircle Metz froM the west. If General Pershing is moving toward that goal now, It Is expected, a joint attack by his army and the French army holding the Verdun front would be a probable development. Such an action would bo over a very extended front, however. Tactics employed by General Pershing Persh-ing in clearing up tho St. Mihiel salient sal-ient In the view of officers here show that tho American commander has determined de-termined that, maximum speed is essential es-sential to military success. Ho hurled forward his troops last week at an unprecedented un-precedented pace and it was this rush which swept tho German defenders off their fect and gave thorn no opportunity, opportun-ity, for a rear-guard, action. It is, therefore, argued that General Persh- j (i3 ing may be expected to press his vie- V-tory V-tory without delay. ! ,g oo , e |