PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2329, 10 December 1914, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

i ' A struggle which has lasted about two months in the area of operations between Arras and Lille, in France, bas been brought_ to a closo by the capture by the Allies of Yermelles, which gives the French a strong position. The victory was the result of much mining and sappiug, which culminated in a brilliant attack. The Allies have gained ground in other places, and their artillery has kept in check renewed attacks in the Yser region and in tho vicinity of Ypres. They have also recaptured PasscbendaQlc, a town situated to the north-west of Ypres. Encounters have taken place on the German-Swiss frontier, and it is reported the Germans are sending reinforcements to the Yosges. Taking the Western front as a whole' the latest news does not reveal any outstanding developments, but the Allies are still making steady progress.. The Allied fleet is once more co-oper-ating with the land forces. It is bombarding German positions on the coast of Belgium.

* * ¥ * Further details of the campaign in Poland show that a tremendous struggle has been going on in the neighbourhood of Lodz, between the Russian and German forces. The two German Army Corps which, wore cut off had a terrible experience. For four days they fought with desperate determination. On the fifth day the Russian commander ordered a general assault, and of 80,000 Germans only scattered remnants remained. Twenty thousand surrendered. The carnage was terrific. It is stated that over 100,000 Germans have been killed in the Lodz district, it being impossible -to estimate the number of wounded. The occupation of Lodz by the Germans is now confirmed by an official message from Petrograd; which points out that the defence 'of the town ceased to be urgent after the failure of the German offensive on the LodzLowicz line. The holding of Lodz appears to have embarrassed the Russians, and it is said that they have withdrawn to revise their plan of attack. * * * #

The latest news regarding the fighting in Poland indicates that the Russians may have to concentrate between the Vistula and Warta. A new counter-attack by the Germans and Austrians is developing to the south of Cracow, which may interfere with the Russian operations in that vicinity. * K # it We have heard a great deal about tho achievements of the German submarines. They certainly-seem to have been handled with skill and daring, and have inflicted a erable amount of damage. Britain also has a largo fleet of these vessels, and France possesses a number of them. It is quite certain that these British and French submarines have not been idle, though a veil of secrecy has been thrown over their operations. The policy of reticence regarding the doings, of the Navy has been very strictly observed, but. according to a cablegram published to-day, the French 'Minister for Marino has informed an interviewer that the, British and French submarines are daily performing raids of remarkable audacity. The Minister does not go into any details, though a m'oro definite description' of wnat is going on would bo extremely interesting. We may be quite sure, however, that our submarines are losing no chances, and that they are not afraid of taking risks. They have a much more difficult task than the enemy's -underwater vessels, because the German Navy is sheltering behind an elaborate system of fortifications and minefields, while our Fleet has to remain in the open seas. «#. # . #

Nq fewer than eight nations are' involved in the present war, and three others—ltaly, Rumania, and Portugal—appear to be standing on the brink waiting for a favourableopportunity of making the- fateful plunge. In yesterday's issue we stated that Italy and Rumania would probably take concerted, action. This morning we publish a cablegram which -announces that the Bukarest correspondent of a Ger : man newspaper declares that Rumania has definitely, decided to join in tho war on the side of the Entente, There seems to be some difference of opinion as to when the sword should be drawn. Some wish to avoid a winter campaign, but the military urge that such a long delay would be a mistake, as Servia might be crushed before spring arrives. In a recent interview, M. Yictor Jonnesoo, nephew of M. Take Jonnesco (a member of the Rumania Cabinet), pointed out that from time immemorial Rumanians and Austrian's have been separated by an abyss of hatred which has for years been steadily widening, owing to the sufferings of four million Rumanians in Transylvania and two millions in Bukovina under the domination of Francis Joseph. The' propitious moment for extending tho frontier by a war of liberation was eagerly awaited, and when the present conflict began .tho people of Rumania, believed that their opportunity, had come. They were, however, disappointed. The country's destiny was Lin the hands of a Sovereign of Gorman origin and a servile Government, and a declaration of neutrality was made. * * * * '. The late Kino Carol of Rumania was a Hohonzollern, and a friend of the Austrian Emperor. The King's sympathies were with Germany and Austria, while the nation was anxious to help the 'Entente. This led to an estrangement between King and people. Shouts of "War on Austria! "Down with the King !" were raised. The King attempted a coup d'etat, and ordered General Averesoo to arrest, all the leading politicians who sided -i with the people. But the General refused. "Sire," Tie said, "the first victim would be Your Majesty." About this time the King's health began to fail, and his death took place on October 10. * * * # It is stated that_ tho decision now arrived at to join in the war on the side of the Entente meets with the approval of the now King and tho ministry (with one exception), and has the support of tho whole country. If Rumania has indeed decided to participate in the struggle her action is sure to-exert a powerful influence on Italy's attitude, as Both nations havo "unredeemed" fel-low-countrymen iu Austria-Hungary waiting to be liberated, and in -othev respects there is'a good deal of similarity in the interests 'of the two countries. The abandonment of neutrality by Rumania would also compel Bulgaria to declare herself. Thero has been great uncertainty regarding the attitudo of this State, and it was rumoured some time ago that an agreement bad boon con-

eluded botweon Turkey and Bulgaria to make war on Rumania in the event of tho latter attacking Austria. This report has not, however, been confirmed, and efforts havo been made to bring about an understanding between pervia, Bulgaria, and Rumania. The renewal of the Austrian attack on Servia, is no doubt compelling the Rumanians to take definite action, for it would not bo to their advantage to see their neighbour crushed.