RUSSIA'S GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2534, 7 August 1915, Page 4

RUSSIA'S GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

: —' Though the tide of battle appears for the moment to be going against Russia, there is no occasion to fear the ultimate issue. The Russians have not failed. They havo fought valiantly in spite of tremendous, difficulties. They have inflicted stag- 1 gering blows on Austria; they have defeated the Germans with heavy loss in numerous engagements; they havo maintained a terrific pressure from whioh Austria and Germany havo not been able to obtain a moment's relief. Tho achievements of the Russian armies during tho past twelve months will supply tho material for ono of tho most remarkable chapters in the history of modern warfare. Tho Grand Duke Nicholas has directed the operations with consummate skill. In his history of tho war, Mr. John Buchan states that the Russian Commander-in-Chief has proved that ho possesses that highest of military gifts, the power of renunciation, of "cutting losses," of sacrificing the 'less essential for tho more. He has been placed at a great disadvantage owing to tho inadequacy of the supply of munitions. Like Britain and France, Russia is now making stupendous efforts to make good her denoicncies in this respect. She was not prepared for war in August last, whereas Germany's readiness was perfect. The Tsar's soldiers have proved themselves a match for the Kaiser's men, but German gun power has at times been irresistible. The ' rapidity of the mobilisation of the Russian forces and the vigour of their attack during the first months of the war were in a large measure responsible for the failure of _ Germany's original plan of campaign, which was to smash Franco before Russia was ready to commence her onslaught. And to-day, notwithstanding the fall of Warsaw, the pressure of the Russian hosts is greater than ever, and the Germans are well aware that Russia's power of resistance and attack remains unbroken. .