In the midst of the storm, the fate of Fort Douaumont, upon which the Germans have centered efforts for three days, remains in suspense, according to the latest reports to the French War Office. Its loss would be regretted by France, on account of the moral effect, and for the sake of the garrison who struggled so gallantly amidst its shell-swept ruins, but military critics assert that its possession would be of little benefit to the enemy.

The fort has long since been dismantled, and is regarded by the French command as merely of value as an observation post. It is asserted that its occupation will not help the Germans to take Verdun any more than their capture of Fort Douaumont, which they held for three months without being able to make a step forward.

Behind Fort Douaumont, the enemy is confronted by an exceptionally strong inner line, to the defense of which both nature and military art have given their greatest aid. This line includes the positions of Freide Terre and the heights of Souville and Tavunnes, which are crowned with efforts. Vaux forms an advance work, which supplements the defense of Souville Fort, and was constructed with a view of sweeping the ravines which it commands. 