NOTES ON THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2292, 28 October 1914, Page 4

NOTES ON THE WAR

The fighting has again been general* over the long opposing lines stretching, from Nieuport,' in Belgium, to the south-eastern frontier of France, near Switzerland. Again it is on the wings- that the conflict has raged most fiercely. Our earlier messages show that the Allies have gained ground slightly in the region of Soisson and Oraonne, near the Aisno Eivcr, and have repulsed the attacks of the enemy further north near Lille; whilo in the south-east, in the Woevre district, the French artillery haye secured a valuable strategical position commanding the German lino of communications towards St. Mihiel. North-east of Lille, between tho sea coast and the Eiver Lys, a volent battle is proceeding, and the Germans have succeeded in crossing the Yser somewhere) near Dixmude.

The situation here disclosed is in most respects satisfactory. In the far south the French continue to press the Crown Prince's army hard. Apparently the German force hero is striving to open up the gap through which the army in France may if necessary retire, by driving back tho French forces ■ from the fortress of Vordun. We were told yesterday that the garrison of this fortress was in tho field operating against the Crown Prince's army, and that the Germans had not been within striking distance of the fortress itsolf. The French seem to hold the more important points of the Woevre range, and are thus able to dominate tho situation at this point; but it is plain that the fighting is sustained and severe. The gap of Longwy, which is now the easiest road left for a German retirement from France, is about 30 miles to the north-east of Verdun. It is most important from the German point of view that this line of retreat should be kept open in case of the necessity for a general retirement arising; and it is most desirable from the. Allies' viewpoint that it should be closed. If tne Allies can secure possession of this line of country then the Germans, if compelled to retreat, would have to withdraw through the rough country of the Ardennes. It will be seen, therefore, that while the German Eight is desperately striving to relieve the pressure of the Allies' Left in Northwest Belgium and North-eastern France, and thus avoid the necessity of a general retirement, the German Left is urgently engaged in keeping open tho easiest way of retreafc.should the., Eight; wing fail to avert' the necessity. '

So far as can be judged by the messages to hand, neither -side is not at the moment making any material progress. Tho French in the south-east'appear, to _ have slightly improved their position, while the Germans in tho north, by a stupendous effort and at tremendous sacrifice, have to all appearances checked the Allies' advance. This, opinion may be modified by our later messages, but tho statement that tho Germans have crossed the Yser between Dixmude and Nieuport appears to indicate that they have improved their position. A few days ago we were told that a great battle was raging on a line between Ghent and Bruges, whereas to-day's news shows that the fighting is some 20 miles nearer the French frontier than was suggested. This does not mean that the Allies have fallen back 20 miles, but rather that they had not advanced so far as was stated. We suggested at the time that the reported advance beyond Eoulers probably referred only to cavalry patrols, and this seems.to have been the case.

Since the above was written: later messages have come to hand which go'to confirm the view that the Allies have lost a little ground near Dixmude and Roulers, but have gained ground further north near Nieuport. This give-and-take has been characteristic of tho fighting throughout the past month. Now and then the Allies at different points have been held in check or forced to fall back temporarily, but in the long series of engagements fought since, the Battle of the Marne they have in the total result shown a marked advance, and the checks of to-day have proved mere ' halts preliminary to a further advance on the morrow. So we can view the check which has taken place near tho centre of tho force in north-west Belgium with composure. It is probable that in the fighting near Nieuport the Allies were assisted by the vessels of the fleet, and this may account for the progress made. The advance hero is of great importance, for it will embarrass the enemy further south with the threat of an enveloping movement. While tlie Germans seem to have- a little more than held their own at one or two points in Belgium, it is clear from the accounts of the fighting that they have paid a terrible price for such advantage as they may have gained.

In tho Eastern theatre of war the Russians are reported to have completely turned the Austrian Right, which gives ground for hope of news of a decisive- victory. Further "north the German retreat from the vicinity of Warsaw continues, and the Russian oavalry are stated to pressing home the advantage gained. Ihe Germans are given no rest, and are reported to be demoralised. It is not clear wlifcther the break in the German lines at the point, mentioned has had any material effect elsewhere. Apparently it has not, for good news from this quarter is seldom delayed or understated. So it is that we must assume that the main battle is still raging, with the advantage so far on the stele of our Allies.

It is satisfactory to learn that the traitorous South African, Colonel Maiutz, is meeting his deserts. He and his forco have been completely defeated at a point some 200 miles to the north-east of Cape Town; Colonel Maiutz himself has been wounded, and has fled .to German South-West Africa. So another Gorman plan to cripple the energies of

Britain has ended in dismal failure.. Boer and Briton in South Africa are standing loyally by the Empire, and the rebellion whioh German agents had so industriously sought to promote haa come to naught.. The South African forces will now be free to operate against German. West Africa, where it may be hoped they will come across the traitor Mamtz and punish him as he deserves.