PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2321, 1 December 1914, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

The Allies continue to holH their own, and a little more, in France and Belgium. Throe German regiments made an attack north of Arras, but it proved a complete failure. It seems, however, that the enemy intends to renew the attack at this point with greater vigour, for it is stated that a force of 700,000 has been concentrated here for the purpose of breaking through our lines. This information appears to conflict somewhat with the news of the, withdrawal of troops from Bel: gium for service in Poland, but it is impossible to say exactly what is happening in this respect. , Possibly seasoned troops are beinjj transferred to Poland to assist in relieving the pressure there where the danger at the moment appears greatest; while the less experienced troops arc being thrown into the fighting line in Belgium and France. Whatever may be afoot, the situation from the Allies' point of view appeals to be satisfactory. The. troops have been rested, and are ready for anything that may come. . «• # # # "The operations at the Eastern theatre of war are bewildering, Tho,

great fight continues in Poland, and from appearances would seem to have developed into a ; series of big engagements in which the fortune of war has changed more than once, with the Russians in tho main in the ascendancy. In East Prussia and in Galicia the Russian advance seems to have been more clear cut, and especially in Galicia it has been attended with marked success. It would bo a great relief if someone on the spot would sort out all the numerous battles and engagements and tell us exactly what they have meant the contestants, but that is impossible. We must rest content with the knowledge that judging-by the movements as shown on the map the Russians are steadily pressing home tho advantage which their numbers have given them, and that the Austro-Gerraan forces are suffering terribly. * * « « ■' The military operations of the Turks have not so far, been very encouraging either to themselves or their allies. The latest news shows that the Ottoman troops have met with further reverses at the hands of the Russians in the Caucasus. The difficulties of the Porte have been increased by trouble with the Kurds, who inhabit a mountainous region, in the eastern portion of Turkey-in-Asia." They are a wild, pastoral, partly nomadic people. E,ach tribe has its" own chief, who is normally subject to the Porte or the Shah of Persia. The majority of them are Mohammedans, . and they have at times cruelly massacred the Armenians. The Turks do not seem to be able to control these fierce tribesmen, and have therefore decided to disband them The Kurds are evidently not entering into the "holy war" in the proper spirit. * * » * •Even the far-famed Senußsi have declined to accept Turkey's invitation to take part in -this Germanmade "holy war." This will cause great disappointment at Berlin and Constantinople, for tho Senussi afe supposed to be a great religious and political power in the Moslem world. Their influence has probably been,exaggerated, but the order might-easily be transformed into a powerful . fighting ' organisation. Though the Senussi have endeavoured to revive the faith and customs of the early days of Mohammedanism, their orthodoxy has been called, in question. It is, however, safe to say that the Senussi Sheikh controls a large and unique organisation, which Turkey would be glad to have the use of at the present time. It is, therefore, satisfactory to know that the Senussi. have signified their desire to continue their present friendly relations with the Egyptian Government. Like the Moslems of India and Egypt, they say that Turkey's action is no concern of theirs. They have no intention of shedding their blood merely because tho Porte has been foolish enough to risk the existence of the Ottoman Empire, at the bidding of tho Kaiser. \ \ » * # *

Sir John French's latest dispatch. giVcs some idea of the persistent determination of the Germans to capture the Channel ports, and the efforts of the Allies to frustrate this part of - the enemy's plan of campaign. Sir John French recognises that the consequences of being outflanked towards Calais'might be disastrous. 1 This accounts for the desperate fighting which is taking place in this quarter, and the resolute stand made by the British forces against the violent German onslaughts. If the Germans secured possession of Calais • they would be unpleasantly near the, British coasts, and the knowledge of this fact has probably increased the stubbornness of the resistance of our soldiers. Sir ■John French is unstinted ' in his praise of "the incalculable services they rendered." Our casualties were heavy but the enemy's losses were at least three times as great. There are indications that the Germans are beginning to realise that they are paying too big a price for Calais, tut it is impossible to speak with any certainty - on .this point 1 . The Kaiser seems desperately anxiouß to get hold of tho most favourable 'position for striking directly ' at England, and no one can tell how many, lives he is prepared to sacrifice in order to gratify' this desire. * * * * i The Germans axe getting thoroughly alarmed at the. manner in which the Muscovite hosts are bursting into Galicia and East Prussia. The unending stream of reinforcements is striking terror into- the hearts of the people, who state that "new forces seem to be springing out of the ground." A panic appears to be setting in amongst the civil population, and thousands of fugitives are making their way westward. Theso people will carry yith them alarming stories of what is ing on the frontiers. They will be able to speak of what they , have actually seen and heard, and in this way the general publi.c will get an idea of- what is really happening, and which has been to a great extent concealed from them. The anxiety caused by the rush of panic-stricken crowds and the passing of trainloads of wounded cannot be allayed by official accounts of "glorious victories.". Systematic misrepresenta-. tion of 'this sort is sure to be found out sooner or later.' The process of disillusionment, must 1 have commenced long ere this. • i * # * * "When Germany decided to go to war she imagined that Russia was on the verge of a revolution. It was, of course, a great mistake, as the Kaiser and his advisers now realise to their dismay. The average Russian has a strong antipathy to the German, and tho declaration of _war aroused tremendous enthusiasm among the Tsar's subjects. _ Party strife ceased as if by magic. Sectional barriers were broken down, and the nation entered upon the war as a united people, determined to crush the enemy. The Russian army has been completely reorganised since the Japanese War. It is well equipped and it is led by' oapable generals. It is an enormous host, but it is a trained and disciplined host which knows its business. A writer who can speak with authority on the point tells us that the entire army has been completely rearmed and reorganised, especially the artillery, which is magnificent; and the officers are men efficient, steady, willing, and ready to die, and, above all, absolutely confident in the loyalty of their soldiers. The Germans have, by this time, learned to their cost what this means. They were "at first- inclined to regard the Russian army as a barbarian horde. They are now seeing it as it really is. - * * * * The feeling of bitterness in Austria against Germany is becoming more pronounced. A' cablegram which we publish to-day states that the people "now declare that the ultimatum to-Servia which caused tho war was rnado in Germany—a theory.

which has been very generally accepted in other countries. The Austrian have undoubtedly been used as a cats paw by the Kaiser, and were practically foroed' to fight. They now appear to realise that they have been duped, and that national disaster stares them in the face. The old Emperor and his Ministers were no match for Gorman . diplomacy; When the people expressed their approval of war against Servia, it is doubtful if they had any idea of what was in store for them. They did not bargain for a conflict with Russia, France, and Britain as well. They entered upon the struggle blindly, and now that their eyes have been opened it is too late to save themselves. A feeling of despair pervades the country. It is stated that the people want peace, and are willing to give up Galicia in order: to obtain it. The recent Russian vic--tories will certainly intensify the gloom, and pressure may be brought on the Government to stop the war. The country has certainly had more' than-enough of it. / * * .' * * The Mikado's reply Jo the Kaiser's offer of peace at any'price provided Japan'would attack Russia did not give Germany a particle of hope 'of getting assistance from the Japanese. In his anxious search for friends the Kaiser has met with many, rebuffs, but none has been more severe than that which he received from the, Mikado. Treachery seems to be the ■ foundation of Germany's diplomacy. She endeavoured to induce, Britain-to betray France; she behaved dishonourably to Luxemburg and Belgium; sho beguiled Turkey into the struggle; and now we fincl that she has been trying to persuade Japan to play a despicable game, against Russia. Theso are the ways of German "culture" about which we have heard so much lately, but such,, methods do not commend the.mselves : to the Japanese, and the Mikajdo. has told the Kaiser so in the plainest terms.- "The day when the last base of German culture in the -Far East fell," he wrote, "would be one of tho most glorious in Japanese history." There can be no doubt about "the completeness of the failure of the Kaiser's attempt to get help or sympathy from Japan. '**.*«■ The tfuthor of one of the Oxford Pamphlets remarks that 'fraud aacl ,force have become tho gods of Germany, and that a new commandment, "Thou sbalt not stick at fraud," has had to be invented for the justification of German, methods of diplomacy. The offer to Japan shows that Germany, certainly does not "stick at treachery." The following oxtracfc from Bernhardi proves that German "culture" is quite ready to gain its ends' by if necessary:— As soon as we are ready to fight our statesmen must so shuffle the cards that France shall appear to be. tho aggressor; then, perhaps, Russia may be induced to remain neutral. Neither Franco, England, nor Kussia have any need to attack us in order to defend their own interests; and all the time we wait without , attacking them tlwy will prevail over 'us by diplomatic means aB they did in 1911 and. 1912. So what we must do is to take up some political move which, without appearing to be an act of agression, shall bo so injurious to French or English interests that ono or other of them will bo forced to attack us. Pretexts for this move can easily be found in Africa or Asia. .. I

Fortunately things, did not'turn out in accordance with BeSnhardi'b unscrupulous plans, but the above quotation gives a gobd idea of the_ German conception of international morality. It is no wonder that Germany is mistrusted by other nations —except Turkey. The wily Turk never was handicapped by a scrupulous regard for honesty and fairdealing, and should be now in congenial company. ,