Americans advance to Stenay on France’s River Meuse

American troops made gains on the Western Front on Monday, advancing to Stenay on the River Meuse in France.

The Americans have advanced as many as seven miles since last reports thanks to long and persistent efforts. Advances are being made along all 32 miles of the French-American front, and their success makes it obvious Germany is wavering about her future action.

There is no answer to the question of what the Kaiser and his military companions will do.

American troops encountered resistance from the Germans on almost all parts of the front Monday. The enemy defended himself with reinforcements of machine guns and artillery.

The American left wing pushed forward, occupying Verrieres and Oches. The right wing worked down the River Meuse, reaching a line between Beaufort and Beauclair and north of Halles and Wiseppe. The flank was met with resistance from the enemy, who fought bitterly to prevent encroachment on the important town of Stenay.

There was no mass effort made by the Americans to cross the River Meuse. At every attempt they were met by patrols with heavy machine gun and artillery fire.

The centre moved fast, taking as prisoners German reinforcements coming to the aid of their comrades on the front lines.

American troops are within ten miles of the main German communication line, the Thionville-Montmedy-Mezieres-Hirson Railway.

Breaking this line would mean German armies in the north would have to depend on the Liege-Namur-Charlerol line. German armies south of Ardennes would have to receive supplies through Luxemburg.

An Associated Press dispatch says the Americans alone took over 5,000 prisoners in the latest push along the Meuse.