THE YEAR OF WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1916, Page 5

THE YEAR OF WAR.

LORD SYDENHAM'S VIEWS. FACE THE FUTURE CONFIDENTLY. 'AN INTERESTING REVIEW. Received Jan. 1, 10.30 p.m. London, Dec. 31. Lord Sydenham, who is recognised us one of the world's greatest military authorities, granted the Australian Press Association an interview. In reviewing the situation he said: — "The year has ended in shadow. It has brought many sacrifices, without any visible successes which might sfcm to" offer adequate compensation. The conquest of the German colonies, wherein Australia and New Zealand played an important part, is the only stroke on the side of the Allies to the enemy's territorial gains in Poland. In the Near East we have had to wjthdi aw a great part of the Imperial trn •?& from G*llipoli, and at Salonika we are on the defence awaiting attacks, wl ile a further effort against Suez may be impending. We met with a reverse on the Tigris, and nowhere can be seer a near prospect of a decisive military idvantage. It we contemplate past events in detail there may appear to be ground for pessimism, but in war on a gigantic scale it is essential to view the situation as a whole. '■The year 1797 ended in the greatest gloom for our forefathers. The great naval battles of Cape St. Vincent and Camperdown had been won, but there were acute internal dissensions and jalmost intolerable public burdens. The Bank of England suspended cash payments,, and when the mutinies at Spithead and The Nore broke out all hopes of victory might have seemed to: be lost.

"We may well consider these facts now. The real crisis passed in September, 1914, when the German plan of campaign was wrecked and Paris was saved. The wonderful preparedness of the enemy and his instant perception of his new needs told heavily against the Allies, who are only now beginning to attain to the ascendancy of material which, with superior forces, will enable them to establish themselves.

"Their campaign failed in the West, and the Central Powers struck wildly eastward, but were finally brought to a standstill by the splendid tenacity of our allies in Russian territory. Fortresses were abandoned, but the enemy failed to take Riga, and must bear the rigors of a Polish winter, with the unceasing menace of Russia's masses growing more formidable as the armaments increase. The enemy is now held fast on the Eastern and Western fronts, and his power of offensive appears to depend on the subsidised Turks and Bulgars. Meanwhile the eager efforts of the Germans have failed to destroy the unity of the Allies, who, with gathering strength, possess a stern determination to await the coming spring. "The economic pressure of the navy is beginning to tell, and the enemy's internal situation is gradually becoming more acute. Winter is on the side of the Allies, who face the future without misgiving. "For Australia and New Zealand the year 1915 will always be associated with glorious memories. Their troops have shown a gallantry and endurance unsurpassed in the history of war. If victory was denied at Gallipoli they have won undying fame. They have given enduring examples of devoted sacrifice from which the whole Empire draws hope and inspiration. , "France is showing all the great qualities which she possesses as the builder up of the finest traditions. Russia stemmed the fierce onslaughts of the Austrians and Germans with indomitable spirit, and is silently developing the unrivalled resources of her splendid manhood, and Italy is fighting bravely. Our warlike but unmilitary Empire is solidly united in face of the common peril, and is raising trained citizens by the million.

"Above all stands our navy, firmly holding the seas of the world. It is far more powerful than when the war began, and under such conditions the Allies can confront the New Year with calm and confidence,"

BROKEN THE SPELL! A GERMAN REVIEW. AMUSING COMMENTS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received Jan. 1, 7 p.m. London, Jan. 1. Thj» Frankfurter Zeitung, in giving the first review of the whole war, admits that Germany's intentions as regards France have not been fulfilled. The Russian campaign was broken off beyond the Poland fortress area east of Vilna by a glorious victory, but the paper admits the truth that it is impossible to forward the conquest of Russia. The battle on the Western front at the beginning of October was the greatest defensive battle in history. The Balkan campaign joins us up with Bulgaria and Turkey, thus separating the Russian and Western Powers and finally solving the Balkans problem. Our enemies in the war, under England's leadership, have conducted a far-reach-ing policy. England collected a mighty coalition, but held the Balkans in suspense, brought in Italy, and involved the United States in the gravest conflict with the Central Powers, tout she did not succeed on the battlefield. Realising the impossibility of forcing our lines in the West she then decided to force the Dardanelles. The plan was good, but the execution was wretched. Still, it might have succeeded if, immediately Turkey intervened, England had attempted to force the Dardanelles with large forces; but Turkey's rapia advance on the Suez Canal deceived and terrified the English. The Dardanelles attempt was made with too weak forces and the land attack was not comprehensive enough. London then hoped to involve the Balkans, but Britain had not the to withdraw her troops, thus admitting defeat. Now the withdrawal had taken place under Turkish fire, and the same game had been repeated in Macedonia, where a difficult campaign with inadequate resources and with miserable failure is being continued at France's demand. We have broken the spell that King Edward set on us, and stand victorious from Arras to Bagdad."