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Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1918, Page 2

Outcast Germany must be feeling very friendless and alone those cool times. Her allies are slipping from her and there is not a friendly power in the world to which she can turn for succour or support. Her peace overtures are discounted because her sincerity is doubted. Her word was broken at th e outset of the war, and now she stands distrusted and disgraced. The situation is revealing where she stands—a. spent force before all the world, [t. is a modern example of how the mighty have fallen and her weapons of war are surely perishing. Germany appears impotent. to stem the Allied tide of advance sweeping over Flanders and through northern France, and up through Serbia. In every theatre of the war German forces are being badly maided and put to flight and confusion. The reception of the peace overtures should indicate to the nation where Germany stands in the estimation of the world. The internal condition of Germany as far a« it is revealed, shows that the people are getting some idea of the sombre outlook before them. Their ruling dynasty is tottering and the whisper of revolution has grown into open pjess comment. The position in Austria, is even more marked niul internal developments of a radical nature nre in ferment. The peace the Central Powers will ho submitting shortly, it would appear, will be something akin to a complete collapse such as marked the circumstances under which Russia blade her exit from the war. The ruling powers in the Central States will be dethroned, and in the internal chaos that will follow the people will accept the only peace possible from the Entente Allies —the complete surrender of their nnval and military forces and of all the power possessed tending to a renewal of aggressive action for long years to come. Thk informal ceremony at tho Overseas Club yesterday when one the Main ■Body men was welcomed homo on furlough, is a reminder of the protracted duration (4 the war, and the groat

sacrifices made by (hose gallant fellown* who more than four years ago rushed to the colours at the Empire’s call and even since in Egypt, in Gallipoli, in Palestine, in Mesopotamia, in Flanders and in France, have booh fighting the battle of civilisation and securing for us and posterity the benefit of a lasting peace. Lieut. Wilson, the man privileged to return on leave after so lengthy a .sojourn at the battle front is a worthy representative of the. men who went forth to war so cheerily. In the interim many of his comrades have returned broken and spent with the rav- ! ages of war; others, alas will never ' return. Lieut. Wilson is one of tlioso I who though twice wounded, has been | able to stay on service ,mul do lus I share in the great task imposed upon ! a soldier in modern times. Lieut. Wilson is one of a small contingent returning on privileged leave. Ihe leave is very”precious for the authorities have seen tit- to grant only three weeks’ absence from duty, and those days will ! pass with winged effect. It would ap- : pear that men who have done so great i a service to their country might be i granted more extended furlough, and j the Minister of 'Defence in those days !of good news and the prospects of a ! speedy ending of the war could do a ! gracious, act by meeting the, general ! public wish and extend the leave to a • more liberal period. Be it brief or | m ore extended, these men deserve well I of the country, and should be made to • feel at borne, and appreciated during the fleeting days they will have in the Dominion.