The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1915. GREAT EFFORTS NEEDED.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 16 February 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1915. GREAT EFFORTS NEEDED.

The long duration of the nar will affect Europe very badly, if unhappily the predictions of those who hold that the campaign has but barely started are borne out. It seems incredible that the tremendous expenditure of life and treasure can be maintained for any great length of time, for the burden which must already be pressing sorely on the German people grows heavier as the days pass on. That the Prussian military authorities are desperate is evident by their bombastic folly and bravado; folly which astounds the rest of the world. The Allies have only one course, to,press on with every effort, and without thought of sacrifice in the struggle. M. Bichon, a noted French

statesman, declares that new forces must be marshalled by the side of the Allies. For France’s part, ho says, she should assure herself of every possible co-opcration not only amongst her Allies, but amongst he future Allies. To make certain that the siege warfare now in progress ends in the expulsion of the enemy from her territory more is necessary than the heroic bravery and strength of resistance of her troops —a very large effective of troops is necessary, it is for that reason that he demands the intervention of Japan. The tactical value of France’s supreme command is not in question, it is unanimously recognised. But the incontestable victories she has won, like those she hopes to secure in the future, can only receive their full effect and deliver the country from the Prussian occupation if they are backed up by forces numericalU strong enough to be irresistible. It is the only way to shorten the war and to spare sacrifices which would exhaust her for a long lime. M. Bichon’s further contention is that dm result of the war is practically decided, but that the Allies vitally require to have in the field such an overwhelming preponderance of men as will enable them to shorten its duration. The great German reinforcements which it is stated are to be ready in the spring mustj be more than matched by new troops on nnr side. Therefore great effoits on tlio part of everyone of ns a.e needed.

SAYING THE RIGHT THING. ( The Pope, the llmud Duke Nicholas oi‘ Russia, and Sir John Jellicoe—one would hardly suppose that those three names could he tor any ra- 1 tional purpose. Rut the} - are so grouped hy the “Westminster Gazette” in its New Year article, and very effectively, as masters in the art of saying the right thing. Uiej Pope, in dismissing the Cardinals at the end of the Conclave in December, go back to their respective countries and pray for peacej “without dictating to God what the result of the war should be.” Ire Pope the “Gazette” observes, “does! not dictate”; the Grand Duke “does not forecast.” To a request of the “Daily Mail” that he should send a New Year message, he replied: “You ask of me forecasts for the New Year. 1 never make any. I wish a happy and prosperous Now Year to all our dear Allies.” That is an excellent pronouncement, and worthy to be set beside Sir John Jellieoe’s message for “King Albert’s Rook.” “Those of the Navy,” he wrote with grave brevity, “trust to show their sympathy in deeds, knowing that .silence becomes them best at all times.” The comment of the “Gazette” is: Ine Grand Duke, the Pope, and Sir John Jellicoe have between them set ns a perfect model o( the uses of snc.vli and silence, as we look forward into the New Year.” Everybody, we think, will agree to that, adds the Christchurch Press.