The rat carries bubonic plague and many other diseases fatal to man and has no doubt been responsible for more timely deaths among human beings than all wars of history. In the United States, rats and mice destroy each year in homes, in factories, stores, and warehouses, and in ships, poultry and other property valued at more than $200,000,000, an amount equivalent to the gross earnings of an army of 200,000 men. Grain, eaten and wasted by mice and mice on many farms, would pay all the farmer's taxes. Rats and mice breed from six to ten times a year, producing their destructive kind at an alarming rate. They are parasites without a single redeeming characteristic.

AUSTRO-GERMANS AND ALLIES OPEN ONE OF THE DECISIVE BATTLES
ITALY IS IN STAND BRITISH AND FRENCH RUSH IN REINFORCEMENTS FROM WESTERN FRONT
WASHINGTON—Rome cables stated today that a decisive battle between the Teutons and Italians is entering its first stages today with the opposing armies maneuvering for position. The French and British reinforcements are  Massed back of the Piave river line. Heavy artillery has been rushed in from the western front.
British Still Advance
LONDON—A successful raid southeast of Armentieres and the repulse of the enemy attempts to enter the British lines north of Roeux are officially reported today. 