The Daily News. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1916. THE RUSSIAN SPIRIT.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1916. THE RUSSIAN SPIRIT.

The reorganisation and re-equipment of the Russian army, and its splendid achievement at Erzerum, have naturally d:awn all eyes towards the Russian nation. We have heen apt to regard the Russians as a slow-thinking and tardymoving nation rather than as purposeful and determined people, but the spirit of the times lias had its effect on the spirit oi the people, so that it is necessary to revise'our judgment in order to see them in their true light as a most important factor in the triumph of the Allies. It is, therefore, with much gratification that the account of the interview between the Daily Chronicle's correspondent (Mr. Harold Begbie) with the Russian Foreign Minister (M. Sergius Suzanoff). which appears in this morning's cable news, will be read throughout the British Rmpiro. M. Suzanoft' makes i it perfectly clear that Russia's friendship for and trust in Britain is. beyond all question as firm as a rock. "We trust you absolutely." he says, "and we know that while Kngland holds the seas Germany cannot win the war, for England's mastery of the sea is the greatest factor in the war." The truth of that statement is generally recognised by all the civilised nations of the earth, and even by dorman.v. but it becomes all the more impressive when uttered by the distinguished and well-informed Russian statesman. It is. however, on Russia's purpose in the war that chief interest centres, for thereby can he seen the strength or weakness of her support to the cause for which the Allies have pledged their all. On this point M. Sazanoff is also illuminatingly clear and convincing. Speaking a< the mouthpiece of the nation he says: "We shall fight on, and , not cense fighting until the menace is destroyed. We cannot rest with a vicIrry which will permit the menace to lift up its head. Our victory must he absolute, for we must be free to live without continual war." Inspired by such sentiments as these the Russians have entered upon the second stage of the war in Armenia, and it is a happy augury that the initial operations at Krzerom were crowned with success that approached closely to tlio performance of a miracle. Xor does it appear that the Grand Duke Nicholas is disposed to rest on his laurels, for he is pursuing the Turks with determination and following up his great victory with relentless pursuit of the enemy, capturing by assault Mush and Akhlat, and threatening Trebizond, the only bar to Russian dominance. Mush is about fifty miles to the west- of Erzerum, down the valley of the Murad-sn, while Akhlat is on the northern shore of Lake Van. The railhead is

at Angora, four hundred miles westward of Krzerum, 30 that the fugitive Turks would hay.e a terrible task to reach that point over snow-covered roads in the dead of winter, pursued by the victorious Russians. The fortress of Ei'zingan ranks as second to that of Erzerum, and it is extremely probable that if the Turkish reinforcements can arrive in time to help the panic-stricken Turks, some sort of a stand may be made there: but the Russians, fired by their great victory, may be expected to sweep onwards at the heels of the Turks and capture Krzingan as easily as they did Krzerum. Tf they follow this up with (he capture of Trcbizond they will be complete masters of Armenia, and will have established a base for operations again«t Constantinople that will be accessible by land and sea. Although a march on Constantinople from the east presents many difficulties, the Russians have demonstrated emphatically that snow-clad mountains ten thousand feet above sea level are no bar to their progress. There is but one real obstacle to such a campaign, and that is the presence of superior enemy forces, and there is little doubt that this possibility, and others, have all been taken into account by the Russian military authorities. The spirit that animates Russia is to be found in the declaration of M. Sazanoff that England, France, and Russia arc now responsible for tho future of Europe, the future of civilisation, and the fate of the world. Russia feels that with England and the other allies she is fighting a winning fight for the eternal benefit of humanity, and that being so, she cannot stop, nor can she withdraw. The inspiration which emanates from confidence in victory is ever a mighty factor in attaining victory. That the .Russians can fight successfully was clearly proved at Erzerum, which was taken by assault and not battered into subjection by artillery. The spirit of Russia is also that of all the Allies, and its powerful influence cannot fail to utterly destroy the menace which has caused this terrible war.