POSITION REVIEWED

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1915, Page 5

POSITION REVIEWED

*Y LORD KITCHENER,--ON TM WESTERN FRONT. * ' ■ . ■ V". '- .*.' ' ~ ?%"'. A '■ London, Sept. 15. ' i •? Bpea&ing in the House of Lords, Lord .Kitchener <fcti the front held by the Allie* in'the Weafhad been practically unchanged f at the hut few months, but this did not: mew » relaxation of the activity of the forces in the field. ContiMQUB local lighting all along the lino wlkd for incessant vigilance. Mean- . Mwbile the positions had been much •trengtheSed bj the careful elaboration Of the tttbft** and fortifications, and , a kt|e'iitemae in heavy guns. 'J /The Germans recently, on several oceaaioOa, uaed.gos and bquid fire, and bombarded the lines with asphyxiating ' t&eUa, Thssex attacks now lacked the element of and failed in their object. cave tost most of their .•fftnaiTe-YaJne owing to our steps to counteract tite effects of these pernicious

CoMidersWenOnforcwnentg of the new teoits haet joined Sir Joba French, Who reports that the units appear to be ttoNttghtf Well*officered and tornmanded,' and that the equipments are good. •■ , SevWal units of artillery were tested behind the firing line. The shooting waa extremely good,. ud they were jpjttefit to take their places in the

retoftreeinento sent to Sir John I'Jwrt amounted to eleven divisions ' (ttOtOOA, men),, and had enabled him to wnaal'his Uses, , 'lWoughoul the summer the French had folly held their own all along the 'extended front, and made substantial pragMaa 4 in son* places, notably at Arras »»d in Alsace. Tney had secured an area of great tactical importance on the heights of Notre Dame-de-Lorette. in view of future, operations. One particularly commanding summit overlooking the left bank of the Rhine was held is face of formidable counter-attacks on the French trenches. The entire front was now'a network of almost impregnaWefortifications. When he visited the army at General •Jofffe's invitation, he was profoundly impressed with the high state of efficiency and the morale exhibited. It was evident that the officers and men recogshnd that the only possible termination, of the war was to inflict on the enemy a thorough defeat. The French aircraft were particularly active, and carried out numerous effective, raids on a large scale. RUSSIA'S ENORMOUS PART. The Germans, since June, taking advantage of their central position, had employed a very large proportion of their forces in strenuous efforts to gru»h our Russian ally. Great numerical, superiority and vastly preponderating artillery enabled them to force the Russians from their defences. The German objective was to destroy the army as a force in being, and thus free large numbers for action elsewhere. The plan ha* been a signal failure, like other plans arranged by the German stop., Few episodes stand out more prominently and creditably than the masterly manner in which the Russians, distributed along 750 miles, were handled while facing the violent as„MUlts of a greatly superior enemy. Success in the rearguard action was" possible owing to the really splendid fighting qualities of the Russian soldier, who in every case where in actual contact showed himself infinitely superior to bis adversary. The Russian army today is intact. Doubtless it has suffered severely in the hard fighting, but the Germans had also paid a heavy toll. Who will venture to say, until the present grips are relaxed, which armv lias suffered more? The Russians," with their vast territory, have almost alwavs been able ultimately to envelop and , annihilate the largest invading armies. The Germans, at enormous sacrifice, had captured certain fortresses, but experience showed that the only fortifications capable of resisting the new machinery of war are those which can be quickly dug in deep soil. The Germans appear almost to have shot their bolt. The advance at one time, was carried out at an average of five miles daily, but now is less than a'mile per day. The forces which the Germans boastingly describe as broken troops are still doggedly fighting along the whole line, and in some places turning and inflicting heavy losses. Thus the German strategy has clearly failed, and the victories they claim may only "(rove defeats in disguise. ITALY'S WORK. » The Italians, by a series of rapid and brilliant infantry operations, had obtained control of all the principal passes in the Carnic Alps and on the Trentmo frontier. The occupation of Monte Nero was a most brilliant achievement. The feats of the Italian artillery were truly remarkable. The manner in which heavjpieces were hauled into almost inaccessible positions on lofty mountain peaks evoked universal admiration. • AT 'GALLIPOLI PENINSULA. Our lines on the Gallipoli Peninsula had been appreciably advanced and the positions consolidated in June. After considerable reinforcements had arrived a surprisa- landing on a large scale was

aawmfully accomplished at Suvla Bay on August' 6, without serious opposi-l tion. Simultaneously the Australians and New Zealaaderg lauiched an attack from Anzac, and a strong offensive was delivered in the direction of Krithia. The French troops todk a prominent part at Krithda, and the action showed to high advantage their usual gallantry and fine fighting qualities. The Anzac attack, after a series of hotly contested actions, was carried to the summit of Sari Bair and Chunik Bair, which are,the dominating positions in the area. The arrival of transports and disembarkation of the' troops at Suvla Bay was designed to enable the troops to support the Anzac attack. , Unfortunately the Suvla advance did not develop quickly enough, and the forward movement was brought to a standstill after an advance of 2% miles. As the result, the Anzac troops were unable to retain their position on the crest of the hills, and, after they, had repeatedly been counter-attacked, the order was given lo withdraw to lower positions. These have been effectively consolidated, and Wow adjoin the line occupied by the Suvla Bay force and form' a connected front of over twelve miles. A further attack from , Suvla Bay on the Turkish entrenchments was delivered on August 21, but, after several hours' sharp fighting it was found impossible to gain the summit of tile enemy's hills. The intervening space being unsuitable for defence, the troops were withdrawn to their original positions. Comparative quiet has since prevailed and the troops have been given a much-needed rest

Lord Kitchener said the gallantry and resourcefulness of the Australians and New Zealanders wero frequently the subject of eulogy in Sir lan Hamilton's reports. General Bird wood and his staff had greatly distinguished themselves by planning and conducting the operations of the Australian And New Zealand Corps, whose activities had been marked by constant success. Their determination to overcome apparently insuperable difficulties was no less admirable than their courage in band-to-hand fighting with the enemy. ,

A TRIBUTE TO TURKS' HUMANITY, It is not easy to appreciate at. their full value the enormous difficulties attending the operations at tho Dardanelles and the fine temper with which our troops have met them. There was abundant evidence that the process of demoralisation had s?t in among tue German-led, or ralhw fiennaa-t'tftwu, Turto, due doubtless to the "'.rasmelv heavy losses and the progressive failure of their resources.

It was only fair to acknowledge that, judged from a humane standpoint, the Turkish methods of warfare were vastly superior to those which now disgraced their German masters.

Throughout, the co-operation of the fleet had been intensely valuable. The concerted action of the sister services had been in .the highest degree satisfactory. THE WAR IN, AFRICA. Received Sept. 10, 5.5 p.m. v London, Sept. 15. Lord Kitchener detailed the operations in Mesopotamia, and said that climatic conditions had rendered the operations extremely arduous. The heat was intense, and the country was almost impassable owing to swamps and marshes. The highly -successful ismo of the expedition was due to the consummate gallantry and dogged determination of the force.

General Botha's capture on July 9th was a fitting conclusion to a brief and brilliant campaign. Our patrols in East Africa has shown considerable enterprise in carrying out reconnaissances and all along the frontier various successful encounters had been reported. THE CALL FOR RECRUITS. »Some of our new armies were already in the field, and others would quickly follow. The country's response to the calls for recruits had been little short of marvellous, but it iuuf-1 b„> lornc in mind that the provision of ir.cn to u-ain-tain the forces in the field depends greatly upon a large and continuous supply of recruits. The provision to keep up recruiting in 1910 had caused anxious thought, which was accentuated by the recent falling-off in enlistee. Although every effort had been made to obtain requirements under the present system the problem of securing an adequate supply of men was engaging close attention, but he hoped It would very soon receive practical solution. A SPLENDID RESPONSE. The returns under the Registration Act would shortly be available and would give a basis on which to calculate the resources of the country, and determine the numbers availably for the army, after providing for the necessary services of the country and the muni-" tion works. Whatever decision was reached in the full light of facts it must undoubtedly be founded upon the military requirements for the prosecution of the war and the protecting of our shores, and would be tho result of impartial enquiry as to how we could most worthily fulfil the national obligations. Although there had been a falling off in the number of recruits he did not desire to draw any conclusion unfavorable to the resolution and spirit of the country. "On the contrary," said Lord Kitchener, 1 think the manner in which all classes have responded to the call of patriotism is magnificent, and I do not doubt for an instant whatever sacrifices may be necessary to bring the gigantic war to a successful conclusion will cheerfully be undertaken,' 1

REVIEWED BY PRIME MINISTER.

COST OF THE WAR. London, Sept. 15, JMr. Asquith, in moving a credit of 250 million sterling:, said it would carry them to the third week in Novembers They had been spending 3% millions daily for the last 56 days. The main cause of the growth was advances to their allies and the provision of. munitions. Almost three million men. had enlisted since the beginning of the war. We had vastly exceeded any standard dreamed of before the war, but as it proceeded the war was constantly making new requirements and demanding new sacrifices in men, munitions and finance. We had to raise and equip armies and ships, repair the wastage of men, and secure an influx into the decisive theatre of the war of a steady stream of trained men and an evergrowing supply of apparatus of war.

SITUATION IN VARIOUS THEATRES. The positions in France and Flanders had been strengthened, large reinforcements dispatched, substantial additions made to artillery and ammunition, and there had also been an extension of the line. While the operations in the Dardanelles had not succeeded in' dislodging the Turks from the crests of the hills there had been substantial gain's. iLord Kitchener had sent reinforcements which had enabled Sir John French to extend his lines and take over seventeen miles from General Joffre. There was abundant evidence that demoralisation had set in among tie Oc-man-driven Turks at the Dardanelles. HUGE FIGURES. Mr. Asquith said the net expenditure of 3% millions was increased to £4,200,000 iby advances to allies. The army and navy from April till September 11 cost 371 millions. The army expenditure in September was estimated at two millions daily. The present vote made a total of 1262 millions. They might assume that. the future weekly expenditure would not exceed an average of 36 millions. These huge figures did not say that even now the country was doing all it might or ought, but the attempts being made to belittle or disparage their efforts had had most mischievous results. No word* of admiration could be too strong few the army's gallantry and resource, especially that of the Australians and New Zealanders. (Cheers.) THE TEST FOR RUSSIA. The Germans had succeeded for the time 'being in forcing back the Russian fighting line, but the retreat had been conducted in a masterly fashion, and the army was still unbroken. The autumn was rapidly advancing, but the German objective was yet far out of reach. The Czar's assumption of the command was significant proof of the unalterable determination of the Russian people. AH this confirmed the view that this war was to a large extent a war of mechanism, organisation and endurance. The situation was a testing one. MUNITIONS. The Minister of Munitions had established twenty shell factories, and eighteen were in course of construction. Eight hundred thousand operatives were now employed in the 715 controlled establishments and 18 foundries under the department, AH that was now .seeded to complete the work was an adequate supply of labor. None coirid do the work better than women, and it «-<men would step forward there would Be to hindrance put in their way by camlnyers or men.

Since tbe outbreak of war almost three miflion men had offered themselves for the navy and army, though there had been signs of a falling-off in recruiting during the last few weeks. The casualties were over 381,000,' but the rate of recovery from wounds was such that, the net wastage was very considerably less. We were liable for advances to other countries of not much below £250,000,000, and had by no means reached the ultimate limit. TfliE ALLIES MUST CONQUER. Victory seemed likely to ,incline to the side that could arm the best and stay the longest. That was' what Britain meant to do. A year's survey called for satisfaction at the great effort and sacrifice made, and for regret at some mistakes and miscalculations; but it did not call for recrimination, which was the cheapest and least fruitful form of self indulgence. Our duty was to satisfy the legitimate requirements of the Allies and to discharge the unique burdens imposed on a free people. Today we realised more clearly the sincerit}' of our diplomacy through the mists of sophistry and mendacity with which Berlin sought to obscure and'befoul the international atmosphere. We also realised the passionate love for peace with which we sought to avert the catastrophe of a world-wide conflict.

There was no doubt regarding the ultimate triumph of the Allied cause upon the stricken field. The one thing he deprecated was the sinister spectre of domestic strife. (Cheers.) "Do not l«t it be said that in the greatest moment of history our arm is shorn of its strength, or that there is any failure to concentrate upon the unexampled task, the consentient councils, the undivided energy, and unbroken, indomitable will of the British people." (Loud applause.) NATIONAL SERVICE. SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENT. LORD XORTHCLTFFE DENOUNCED. Received Sept. 16, 10.3 ft p.m. London,- Sept. 10. Mr. L. C. Amory, Sir A. M. Mond, Hon. P. E. Guest, and Mr. L. G. ChiozzaMoney all favored compulsory service. Mr. Guest's speech was listened to with rapt attention, even from his opponents. Replying to the argument that it was dangerous to swop horses when crossing a stream, he said he agreed to that if the end of the war were near, but we had hardly begun. Wc had hardly got our feet wet, and the stream had grown much wider during the past year Germany for nine months had, thanks to her superior equipment, held up the combined forces of Anglo-France with the left hand, while the right hand had dealt Russia a staggering blow. We really wanted four million men under arms.

Mr. John Dillon, in opposing conscription, vehemently attacked that portion of the press which, he said, is doing its utmost to impede the voluntary system. Many a man in Ireland had been gaoled for much les9 than Lord Northcliffe had done, and but for

his power and connections Lord North-' cliffe would have been gaoled long ago. The country would commit the greatest blunder if it abandoned the voluntary system. Mr. S. Walsh voiced Labor's hostility to compulsion. He said that if the Government declared this was necessary in order to win, and produced facts to prove their assertion, the Trade Union Congress would reconsider the Bristol resolution and urge trades unionists to acquiesce. WAR PENSIONS BILL. Received Sept. 16, 10 p.m. London, Sept, 10. The Daily Telegraph says the Government is introducing practically a new Naval and Military War Pensions Bill. The statutory committees now show a reduction in representation on the Royal | Patriotic Corporation, while representation is given to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association. The soldiers and sailors help the society, and moreover, should voluntary subscriptions fail the nation will supply the funds. Therefore there i 3 no danger of the war heroes or their dependents becoming destitute. Local committees throughout the country will be strengthened.

INCREASED PAY TO WORKERS. Received Sept. 16, 11.10 p.m. London, Sept, 16. ■The Ministry of Munitions has granted the Woolwich and other ordnanco workers a 4s advance in wages and 10 per cent, on piece-work. About fifty thousand men are benefiting. . THE NEW WAR VOTE. ITS PURPORT, London, Sept, 15. Official: The vote for 250 millions covers not only the navy and army, but all such war expenditure as payments for restoration of credit, encouragement of trade and industry, aud the facilitation of the raising of funds by the dominions, protectorates, and allied Powers. " , rj WAR VOTE AGREED TO,

Received Sept. 16, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept, 15. The House of Commons agreed to the credit vote asked for by Mr. Asquith.