TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MONASH

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 1, 23 September 1918, Page 6

TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MONASH

AUSTRALIAN COMMANDER AND HIS

HIS HOPES IN THE BIG

OFFENSIVE

(Rec. September 22, 5.5 p.m.)

New York, September 20,

Mr. Price Bell (Chicago "Daily News" correspondent on tlio West, front) has interviewed General Monnsh, who said:—"Tho German moral is low, but we are doubtless a long way from the end of heavy fighting. Tho Germans are beaten if tho weather keeps favourable. It is conceivable- that tho Germans will be pushed out of France by Christmas'. 1 cannot say tho same for Belgium. The Hindeiiburg lino will betaken in due, course." y While the correspondent was with General Monash they passed by some" Australian soldiers who were working in a iiekl. They did not salute. General Monash said: "They did not salute mo, but they are carrying on. We make too much of these symbols'and signs of discipline. There is one supreme final test of discipline—that every man at the appointed time and place shall be on hand, resolute to do his job. By this test the Australian Army has pnssed 100 per cent, clean." Mr. Price Bell continues: "You can travel two hours by fast automobile due east of Amiens without reaching the end of tho ground from, which tho Australians have driven the Germans since April. Hej describes General Monash as pre-eminently positive, with unwavering confidence in his' soldiers, his own ideas, and himself. His military aspiration is a pertinacious offensive. General Monash said that the Australians' successes were duo largely to the junior officers, many of whom Jad risen from the ranks, and he particularly praised the speed of the engineers at. bridge-building. Mr. Bell concludes: "General Monash's 'daring and genius is written all across the landscape of France from Amiens to the Hindenburg line." Mr._ Bell is one of the most brilliant American correspondents in Europe.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.