Page:The Bohemian Review, vol2, 1918.djvu/171

 part in any great action, they have already suffered many casualties, among them men that volunteered from America. They have been cited in army orders for their gallant conduct.

On September 21st the Czechoslovak division on the Italian front fought for the first time in its regular formation, achieving victory. This is the story of their great fight as given out by the Italian Embassy in Washington:

“On the Trentino front the Czechoslovaks repelled double enemy attacks east of Lake Garda, prepared in greatest secrecy. It appears that enemy command had not territorial objectives in view, but merely proposed to strike a blow against the Czechoslovaks to obtain proof of the Austrian statement that the Czechoslovak army has no practical value, being recruited by force and would give way voluntarily at the first blow. If the Austrians had achieved any local success on Dosso Alto, their command, after hanging the Czechoslovak prisoners, would have again affirmed that the Czechoslovaks do not wish to fight against Austria. At daybreak on the 21st, picked assault detachments of landwehr, exclusively composed of Magyars and Germans assembled under the command of General Schiesser. At four they began destructive fire, firing thousands of shells and discharging asphyxiating gases against the Dosso Alto salient. An hour later two columns advanced in attack. The Czechoslovaks went over the trenches, placing machine guns behind wire entanglements, and opening deadly fire against the assaulting troops, the first column of which was obliged to retire. The second column, after desperate fighting, succeeded in overcoming the Czechoslovaks, occupying the position. The Czechoslovaks acting on their own initiative, resumed battle and with irresistible dash after bloodiest battle, recaptured the position. Magyars and Germans were killed on reconquered positions, and Czechoslovaks, freely using daggers, completely re-established the original line in the afternoon. No prisoners were made on either side during the whole battle. Premier Orlando telegraphed to the Secretary General of the Czechoslovak National Council as follows: “Cordially express my admiration at the intrepid firmness and valor of the Czechoslovak division on the Dosso Alto Alps, where a people fighting bravely for its liberty conquered the aggressive fury fed by hate. May this be a good omen for the final battle and victory.’”

The most cheering news received from Austria refers to the convention held in Laibach at the end of August by official delegates of Jugoslavs, Czechoslovaks and Poles. It was in a manner a continuation of the Prague manifestation of May 13th. This time the Jugoslavs were the hosts, and the Poles and Czechoslovaks were distinguished and welcome guests. The occasions of the meeting was the dedication of a memorial tablet to the Slovenien leader Krek, who had advocated in the Austrian parliament the idea of a union among the Slavs. Following the example of the Czechs the Jugoslavs elected a national council; its present seat is Laibach, but it will be transferred to Agram, as soon as the Croatians will elect their representatives. Just as in Bohemia, this council is intended to take charge of the situation in southern Austrian lands, when the expected revolution breaks out.

Polish representatives were as outspoken as the Czechs and Slovenians. Deputy Glombinski discussed the constitution of the future independent Polish, Czechoslovak and Jugoslav states, while Count Skarbek argued that the three Slav states must be erected in order to limit German aggression. Deputy Klofáč for the Czechoslovaks assured the assembly that the Czechs were getting ready for all eventualities, that they were absolutely united and that no one among them thought of negotiating with Vienna.

Although the British and American acts of recognition of the Czechoslovak National Council were received with a howl of indignation and sarcasm in the official Austrian press, it is evident that Vienna and Budapest are badly scared. In the hands of the pan-Germanists this feeling is expressed by threats of frightfulness. So Wichtl, a leading member of the German