The French commander had informed the American general that the early German success could not have any great effect on the fate of the battle; that it was understood perfectly that after hard fighting the Americans had slowly retired, and that it was not expected that they immediately launch a counter-attack. He added that a counter-attack could be postponed without risk, and it might be better to give the American troops an hour’s rest. Immediately after the American general sent the above message, which is quoted by the correspondent of the “Matin,” the Americans launched their counter-attack and the lost ground was soon recovered, with an additional half mile taken from the Germans for good measure. _The New York Times, July 18, 1918._ [Illustration] _A Bad Prophet_ _The All-Highest: “Only a sham war with Uncle Sam? Oh, Hollweg, you are a bad prophet!”_ One of the delusions the German Government and its General Staff have been laboring under for many years is that the United States could not create an army that was worth consideration as a foe. That Government and its General Staff are tasting the quality of our troops in the field, and the flavor is bitter on their tongues. One hundred and twenty-six years ago there was fought a battle in France (at Valmy, within the zone of war today) on the date that France first called herself a republic. Kellermann won that battle against the Prussians and Austrians with levies of new troops from the lower and middle classes of France, who “found that they could face cannon balls, pull triggers, and cross bayonets without having been drilled into military machines, and without being officered by scions of noble houses.” They had, it seems, the same spirit we like to think animates our army, which the Germans abroad and some critics at home denied our men: “they awoke to the consciousness of instinctive soldiership.” _The Army and Navy Journal._ [Illustration] _At the Holland Frontier_ WHETHER THE WAR BE LONG OR SHORT, THE QUICKEST ROAD TO PEACE IS THE ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD OF US, WITH NO DIVISION AMONG THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN. [Illustration] _A Rehearsal_ “_When I say, Down with Wilson! you all cheer!_” [Illustration] _The Path of Kultur_ Here ran a road for lovers once, With maples in the moon; And under a bridge a water went Weaving a dreamy rune. And high upon the sycamores, The nightingales all night Besieged the dark with melody, Disturbed the boughs with flight. And here in coverts of tall grass Looked up a friendly spring, Glad to behold a face bent down, Or feel a fleeting wing. But now the lovers come no more; The road is rutted and marred By wheels and shrieking shells: the trees Are shattered, chopt and charred. New graves are billowing now: the field Like windy water heaves: The nightingales are gone: the spring Is choked with bloody leaves.