ne-guns
surrounded by wire entanglements, through which runs a strong electric
current. These lines of trenches follow without interruption from the
banks of the Isonzo to the summit of the mountains which dominate it.
They form a kind of formidable staircase, which must be conquered step
by step with enormous sacrifice. The Italian troops have accomplished
this marvel.

The crossing of the Isonzo and the conquest of the first mountainous
positions were accomplished by the Italians in four strategic places:
At Caporetto, at Tolurino, at Plava, and at Sagrado. These four
places, situated in the strong line of Austrian defense, are about
twenty miles distant from one another. The chain of fortifications of
which Gorizia is a center was broken in these four essential points.
The immediate effect has been the disorganization of the defensive
plans of the enemy. The crossing of the river was accomplished
generally at night, and was conducted with a rapidity which took the
enemy by surprise. Complete regiments crossed in the night upon light
bridges constructed in a short time by the engineers, whose technical
skill was equal to their audacity. These "bridge-heads," which were
constructed with incredible courage, made possible an attack by the
reinforcements which followed them. When these came in contact with
the lower lines of the Austrian trenches they attacked the defenders
in such a way that the latter were unable to impede seriously the more
important work of the construction of strong bridges.

Two Devoted Nations

By MAURICE MAETERLINCK

The subjoined letter, dedicated by the Belgian writer to
stricken Poland, was received on July 12, 1915, by the
Polish Relief Committee of New York, of which Mme. Marcella
Sembrich is President.

In the Name of Belgium I Bring the Homage of a Martyred Nation to the
Nation Crucified:

Of all the people engaged in this frightful war, Poland and Belgium
will have suffered most, and we must add (though all the horrors of
war are most revolting) they will have suffered most innocently. They
are two victims of their innocence and grandeur of soul.

In misfortune and in glory their fates are the same. One, in
sacrificing herself wholly to a cult, to an unparalleled passion for
honor, has by breaking the first blow of barbarous invasion probably
saved Europe, just as the other, the older sister, in grief and
heroism several centuries ago saved Europe many