London, Feb. 22.—A British military
observer stationed with the French,
army in the field describes the advan
tages gained in the last few months
by the French forces in a statement
given out by the official information
bureau as follows:
"Since the repulse of the Germans
by allied forces in Flanders no battle
of great importance has been fought.
If the gain in the smaller engage
ments which have taken place is
measured only by the amount of
ground won the results are indeed
small. A few hundred yards to the
north of Arras, a village or two be
tween Arras and the corner of the
line nearest Paris, a belt varying
from a mile and a half to two hun
dred yards in breadth to the east of
Rheims and a few miles of what was
German territory in Alsace—these
acres are all that have been gained.
The enemy's hold on Belgium and
Northeastern France is as strong as
ever."
BRYAN SEEKS PARTICULARS
Asks for Details on Loss of American
Vessel.
Washington, Feb. 22.—Secretary
Bryan announced the receipt of a
telegram from the American consul
at Bremen, reporting "the loss" of
the American steamer Evelyn. The
cause was not stated. The crew was
saved.
American Consul Fee's.telegram, as
given out by the state department,
was as follows:
"Steamer Evelyn, Captain Smith,
agents Bull & Co., New York, blown
up early Friday at Borkum. Crew
saved. Shjp and cargo lost."
Secretary Bryan repeated the Amer
ican consul's telegram immediately to
Ambassador Page at London and
Ambassador Gerard at Berlin, with
instructions to learn all possible facts
concerning the occurrence and give
every care to the crew if landed in
their respective jurisdictions.
