THE Kaipara Advertiser AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29, 1913.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 29 January 1913, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29, 1913.

THE WAR. THE peace negotiations have not brought peace. Neither have they procured the return of war. The y have been just a game of " bluff." This, the latest news from the front, enables one to realise very clearly. When the Bulgarians obtained the victory of Lileh Bulgas, the newspapers were full of the accounts of the retreating Turks and of their tremendous demoralisation. Consequently no one expected the Turk could make another stand. But it was remarkable that the Bulgarians under the circumstances, agreed to the armistice. The fact turns out to be that on one side the whole Turkish army was not routed; only one division was scattered, all the rest retreating in something like order; while on the other hand the Bulgarians were unable to profit by the victory they had gained. Thus the Turks, having got breathing space, utilised for the fortification of the Tchataldja lines, which are the last defence of their ancient capital. Hence, when the Bulgarians finally reached these lines, they found the Turks restored in morale and strongly entrenched with some heavy guns in position. They attacked, found no weakness, kept up the attack for three days, suffered severely, and had to retire to another position. It was this check which induced them, to agree to an armistice. To that they went with the prestige of victory, and they kept up the impression that they were about to carry the Turkish trenches by bayonet charge, when they generously permitted the enemy a respite from an attack which must cut him to pieces at any moment after the end of the negotiations. But the truth has leaked out and the support the allies may depend upon from the Powers has weakened, while the tone of the Turks has proportionately increased. The allies have to consider the choice between the Turkish terms and the renewal of hostilities with every prospect of defeat. It is not difficult to guess that they will not risk the secure possession of what they have conquered in the field.