Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY. MAY 15, 1917 FURTHER PROTRACTED.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY. MAY 15, 1917 FURTHER PROTRACTED.

The London cable published on Saturday indicating Colonel Bepington’s views on the duration of the war, suggested very pointedly to the nation to prepare for a further protracted war. Colonel Bepington, as the military •ritio of the London Times, was frequently mentioned in the cable news of the earlier days of the war, conveying bis views on paeßiog events. Of late uot so much has been heard of bis opinions* because matters were going so well, and there was not room or occasion for pessimism about a protracted war. The upset in Bussia, and the turn events have taken there, whereby thare is no eastern offensive this summer keeping time with the weßlero offensive, has given the military outlook a less cheerful aspect so far as to the war ending this year. On top of this material factor there ia the submarine menace, which mads such rapid headway for a little while, but in regard to which there are now indications that our ever effective Navy is doing its silent work with its accustomed success, There is no doubt that these two material faotors have influenced the expressed opinion of Colonel Bepington that there are no military reasons to anticipate an early end of the war. He counsels preparation for a long war, and says that the deciding factor is the resolution of the belligerents. It rests with Britain as the backbone of the Allied oause to prosecute the war with unflinching determination. Ia this respeot the entry of United States is very opportune, materially strengthening the forces of the Allies with the eceeutials of men, money and munitions. Britain and her forces are well able to hang on if further trench warfare becomes necessary, till America oan throw her strength into the Earopean conflict. It seems certain Bussia cannot be counted on for ibis summer. The inactivity on the Italian front is likewise disconcerting. The Franco* British forces must continue to bear the brunt, and holtLnp the enemy, There is every reason to believe this possible of complete accomplishment. All along the enemy have beeu numerically stronger than *he Allies in the western theatre. They are so to-day, with all Britain’s effort, but the Allies have the advantage in mechanical skill. The artillery supremacy was the factor to account for

the Somme adve.Doe. It was the factor which reudered the latest advance possible. As the gains are consolidated so the pressure along the Hindenbnrg line will be continued. The enemy ib being worn dowD, and cannot replenish his lines or his munition supplies as tb9 Allies can, Therein lies the hope of success. It is still largely a war of attrition, and thanks to the blockade and the naval supremacy, tbe pinoh will continue to be felt by the enemy and have a weakening effect, There are other forces at woik, and the.?e by intrigue the enemy will not scruple to use, but the fixed determination of the Allies to fight for the agreed upon resolution of the Conference will iu the end discount the intrigue and hold the A lias together till a fight to a finish accomplishes all the great forces on the Allies side are fightiDg for. *