The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER MONDAY, MAY 29, 1916. FRANCE’S HEROIC STAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 46, 29 May 1916, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER MONDAY, MAY 29, 1916. FRANCE’S HEROIC STAND.

Tbe fighting at \ erdun lias developed into what is described as the greatest pitched battle in history, and it is not vet ended. Despite the mad feiooitj of the wild beast assaults made by the dumb-driven German soldiery, France stands firm, and the eaimage has been truly awful. The most desperate efforts to break down I* tench resistance west of the Meuse have failed, and after over three months’ of tremendous offensive against '\oidun _thc outstanding feature of which has been a prodigal disregard of life shown bv the German leaders— noth-

iiio rt'iilly worth whilo Ins boon gained by tho enemy. The first rush at the beginning of the present operations, enabled the enemy to advance some three or four miles on (be ea> bank of the Meuse, and caused a withdrawal of the French linos in the Woevre to the line of the foothills of the 'dense. Since early in March the Germans have been battering first at one sec-

tiou of tlifc line and then at another in tlie hope of breaking through at any cost. Here and there a io\v bundled yards of trenches have been gained, only to be re-taken a day later by the heroic French. Jt really seems that the German leaders know that defeat has come, but dare not admit it. Again and again German communiques have turned out to be fa and, as the Spectator sums up the position, '“the Germans continue hammering for no reason but the potent one of fear.” The German militarists fear rending by their dupes at home and abroad, and even the truculent Crown Prince has broken down from this complaint. Franco, aided by her Allies, must win, because the -spirit which exalts her soldiers to the suprernest sacrifice is that of loftiest patriotism and to save their land from foulest ravishment. On the other hand the Hun invader is merely driven by his leaders’ lust for conquest, and has no high ideal to spur him on. I General Petain has proved himself a brilliant tactician, and his policy of holding front lines with small forces, yielding slowly when the pressure has become too great, after taking the heaviest possible toll of the enemy, and' counter-attacking only when aj vital point has been lost, proved a I good one. With men imbued with the spirit the sons of France are. they can not be beaten bv mere numbers.