FIERCE BATTLE IN ALSACE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2225, 11 August 1914, Page 5

FIERCE BATTLE IN ALSACE

ROUT AND PURSUIT OF ■ . THE GERMANS . THE LIEGE DEBACLE MORALE OF GERMANS SHAKEN ATTACK ON BRITISH CRUISERS , GERMAN SUBMARINE SUNK . \ '■ 'AA day follows day in tho progress of tho terrible and stupen- . dous conflict of the nations in Europe, it is becoming conspicuously ' evident that the''valiant defence of Liage by the heroio troops of Belgium .will morejthan likely prove to be the pivot upon which the ultimate fortunes of/tho German Army will tuni. Baulked of their main objective, the German host has deflected its course, and under cover ■of a strong skirmishing screen is seeking a now vantage point, If the reports 6peak truly, tho morale of tho Germans has been visibly shaken by their terrible losses bef oro the forts of Liege, and must be still further sapped by tho decisive victory with which the French troops have signalised their definite entry into Alsace. Tho battle of Altkirch, chronicled 'to-day, ended in the complete rout of a German ■ brigade from a strongly fortified position, and a demoralising pursuit by the French cavalry. Tho arrival of the French troops in Alsace has been hailed with emotional aoplamations by the Alsatians, who have never ceased to pray for their ultimate deliverance from the Prussian overlordship. Now: from the sea is meagre; tho sinking of a German submarine and the report of an unknown battleship on fire in tho Adriatio Sea are the chief'events of note—the North Sea is shrouded in mystery. In England, business is slowly, regaining .normal conditions, and everywhere are evident signs of returning confidence in the future. In New.Zealand preparations for tho dispatch of our Expeditionary Force axe proceeding apace. The Prime Minister 1 has announced that its destination is Europe,- and that General Sir Alexander Godley will personally command the troops. \