THE CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 83, 2 September 1914, Page 4

THE CAMPAIGN.

In their effort to impose their will upon turope, the Germans are not count inthe cost entailed. To them the desired end i 8 everything; the priee nothing. •e read that in their campaign against the Allies—France, Britain and Belgium —they have already lost 200,000 men Such losses would stagger a less ambitious, ruthless and determined nation, and make them hesitate. Not so, howevcr > with the Germans. They are pressing onward in North-west France and are ■now said to be in the region of La Fere, which is 70 miles from Paris. The retrogrado movement may lie part of the Allies' plan 0 f campaign. La Fere is but a portion of a strong lino of fortresses that cover all the roads that converge on Paris from the North. In front of this line is the valley of th< Aisne, which is said to be the position

chosen by tho French strategists for a determined stand against the invaders. Here the naiural advantages will rest with the Allies. Eastward the French are Jiolding their ground, and resuming the offensive. The losses in the recent fighting on both sides have been enormous, and in the battles now raging they must be even 'heavier. It is reported that ther Kaiser has ordered the troops to "take Paris or die." To-day is the day scheduled by tho German's for the taking of Paris, but a good many men will fall and days pass befoTe that is an accomplished fact. The Germans do not lack confidence in their ultimate success, 'or they would not be transferring huge bodies of men from Belgium to deal with the Russian avalanche. The Teutons appear to have the advantage j in field artillery, despite what lias ibeen said to the contrary previously, and with their splendid organisation and utter disregard of life, they are fully extending and trying the courage and resources of the -Allies. It is satisfactory to learn that the morale of the Allies is extremely good, despite their heavy losses, which have been made good. Further newß vt the struggle in France will be awaited with interest and anxiety. The Russians appear to be making slow but sure headway in East Prussia and also in Austria. Their • advance, it has to be borne in mind, is an integral part of the Allies' campaign, and has so far been attended with greater success than could have been anticipated. A London despatch says that Turkey maiy declare war at any |' moment, all efforts of the Triple Entente

to maintain Turkey's neutrality having failed. Britain, it is mentioned, 'lias warned Turkey plainly that by starting a campaign at this juncture she will sign her own death-warrant. The military party have gained the ascendancy

in Turkey, and they appear to think the time opportune to regain what she lost in the recent wars, counting upon the Balkan States quarrelling amongst themselves. In this Turkey will find herself sadly mistaken, as the Balkan States will rise again against her, and with the aid of the Anglo-French Fleet, Turkey will be beaten and lose practically the whole of her territory. Turkey is in no position to wage a successful war with any one of the Balkan States, much less the Triple Entente, who will not spare her should she be 50 misguided as to provoke war. The .German Press profess to regard the naval action at Heligoland as insignificant, but this attitude on the part of the Germans is probably to be expected. The outcome, however, cannot help having an important bearing on the course of the naval part of ths war.