ARE WE DOWN-HEARTED?

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2615, 10 November 1915, Page 6

ARE WE DOWN-HEARTED?

Sir^—Are we faithful to our own traditions of steadfastness ? Is uot tho burden of recent criticism 011 the changing phases of tho war rather tho outcome of nerves than of reason? But ■a day ago a parent was called to his child, who had mot with an accident. Though the cause was not then known, 110 proceeded to scold all and sundry, even those who were applying remedies. In tho crisis lie was not a help, but an unreasoning critic, who unmastered himself, and added to the trouble of those who served him best. Have therq not • been many likb unto him? When wo have to braco ourselves to meet adversities, the mult'plication of criticism is likely to come from_ fearful hearts. How splendidly is Russia sotting us an example in heroic bearing. .Authorities have hinted at black treachery amongst her prominent men. A Russian general has just been courfr-martialled, not for mistake, but for deliberate abandonment of his duty. Who dares to impugn the loyalty of our leaders? They difter to some extent in the method of attainment of tlio common ond, but oaoli' is prepared to give of his best to attain that end, counting no sacrifico too great. Our generals have erred, and will yet again in the fierce test of modem warfare. But who suggests that any failure lias been deliberate ?. Russia is suffering from invasion. The enemy, with overwhelming artillery, has overrun .vast provinces, his incursion made oasier by bribes of gold. How much has our Empire, to bo thankful for in comparison. Except for the suffering from sneaking Zeppelins and submarines our womenfolk have been kept free from the attentions of t.he blond beasts. Threats they have publicly made," but each day finds them weaker. The probability of that danger is past. Then how insidious is the German publicity campaign in Russia. We are told that every avenue is used to disturb the confidence of the Russians- and undermine their resolve. Messages to individuals have boon sent in every possible form of merchandise counselling the reader to do his part to save hia country by suing for peace. If we were to hear tlio same agony that Russia has borne, with courage rising superior to every blow from without and betrayal from within, then the criticism which comes from fear would needs be stilled. No diplomacy in the. Balkans was likely to blur with words the Gorman success in Poland. That temporary advantage has produced results which create fresh problems. Surely when tho Russians have not lost heart Britishers should not be %htly_ disturbed. As an unnamed Christchuroh correspondent of a London paper has misrepresented our attitude to the Empire's leaders, could liot some national message of trust and cootl cheer be sent to tho mon< who are leading the Empire to final victory? Whether it be soon or later, whether the way be steadily, onward or marked with reverses,_ because the Navy has won, so certainly will our armies win also. —I am, eto,, , . H. R. FRENCH. Waipukurau.