RUSSIA'S GREAT TASK.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 July 1915, Page 4

RUSSIA'S GREAT TASK.

Speaking in the House of Commons, on \\ f dnesrtiay, .Mr. AsquilJi paid a splendid tribute to tlie " indt-cribaMy gallant efforts of our Russian Allies, wflio had stemmed the title of invasion and niu.in- ! tained inviolate the integrity of their position." It is quite common to have' people belittle Russia's pant in t'lse war. Tliev «u>not understand tho alternate adran.ee and retreat policy, amd regard it as a sign of weakness, whereas it is really well iWatured strategy. It would lie wvll, "therefore, for those who do not comprehend this method of warfare to take particular note of the opinion of sik-Ii a, lugh and wcH-iirfomud authority as the Jtriush i 'rinie Minister. '' I think," said Mr. Asquith, " that in the whole miilitaft' history there has not been a, more magnificent evamip'e of discipline, patient endurance and both individual and collective initiative than has been shown by the Russia, 11 Arniy during tlie last eleven months." Those who have intelligently followed the Russian operations will heartily endorse the well-merited eulogy of i[r. Asquit'h's. Had tlie Russia.ns been adequately equipped with munitions, they would have unquestionably decimated the enemy's forces in Poland, bait they are acquitting themselves with the greatest bravery, and to have checked the advancing hordes wa.s of itself testimony to their Praml fitting .powers ami tenacity of pirpose. The Austro-Oermans a.re striving their utmost to defeat fcho Ru.s>ians, and then, flushed with victory, to make a furious onslaught in tlie West. For some da.ys t'h<» ksuu ha.s boon in dcHiUt,, un<l the. crit-U'ftl miiurc of the position .luus been recognised. Toda\ "s cftilrte messages show how desperate is the fitting, and indicate that Russia is still holding her own, although the roar Oif giuw is heard in t'he streets of Warsaw. The Russians are said to owupj A strong lino, .and tilto Goriiia ns have lost lueavily. It is evident tlia.t the Herman advance is being stiiMwndy resisted, and that tho Russians are tog tiie. fight elf their lives. Xo decisive combat lias yet tnJco.n place, and, as tlie Russians Im. w been i veei ving la p reinforcements, they may yet fling back their opponents. Wo cannot but adniirt the courage and determination of theso brieve Allies who luive exipressod Wifir determination to ftglit oil and on until victory is achieved.