The Daily News. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1916. BATTLE CLOUDS ON RUSSIAN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1916. BATTLE CLOUDS ON RUSSIAN FRONT.

Interest has for so long centred around the terrific struggle at Verdun that it is quite possible the threatened resumption of Germany's campaign in the East has riot received the attention that it might otherwise have attracted, but recent cables seem to indicate the transfer of interest from West to East. It does not necessarily follow that the failure of the Teutonic forces at Verdun has brought about the projected change of venue, for it ni'ust be remembered that it <vas the advent of winter which caused a cessation of German operations against Russia, it being understood that when the summer season arrived Germany would again resume operations in even a more determined manner than previously. To that end the Teutons have been feverishly preparing-for this resumption, numerous light-lines having been constructed in the Dvinsk and Riga regions, and now we are told that the prospects of a German offensive on the Russian front are the dominating features of the military situation, General von Hindenburg having massed his artillery and ammunition on the Dvinsk and Riga fronts, while skirmishes arc proceeding at many points so as to veil the German plan of attack. Apparently the Germans have two strings to their bow, one representing the capture of Petrograd, and the other a campaign in the south directed to crumpling up Roumania and thus divert the Russian armie3 from Asia Minor. This programme cannot be regarded as lacking in ambition, yet it accords with the wellknown belief that the German leaders have in their ability to advance victoriously in any direction they please. It is probable that not even the lesson of Verdun will uproot this ingrained and arrogant illusion which, like all deeply rooted convictions, will die hard. I Whether Germany will elect to endeavor to capture the Russian capital, to enter on another campaign in the Balkans, or to undertake both these operations remains to he seen, and whichever course is adopted her chances of success are by no means what they were at the end of lost autumn. She will now have to contend against a revitalised, reorganised, and well equipped Russia, who demonstrated in Asia Minor that she : .& a vastly different fighting power to the Russia which was forced oack through lack of munitions last year. The latest semi-official announcement from Petrograd states that the present Russian army is excellently and wholly armed with Russian rifles of a new model, every regiment being supplied with the newest machine-guns, while the supply of munitions is adequate, and above all there is a limitless confidence and determination, togother with a practically unlimited supply of reserve strength. Oyer six millions sterling have been expended in Russia on new workshops where rolling stock for munition trains are turned out. It must also be lemembercd that guns and munitions have poured into Russia from Britain, America, and Japan. She will need them all, and probably more. There is no Question that her position has been vastly changed for the better during the winter, but the main point is whether even now she can cope with the German colossus. Time will show. If sho can meet the enemy on even terms then she can attack with" a reasonable hop* of aueeess, otherwise she mast act m the defensive ftfld w prolong the v.»r.

We must hope for the best. It is possible that Germany may decide to operate against Roumania, as well at make a bold attempt to destroy the Russian Black Sea Fleet's base bo as to relieve the pressure on Turkey and Bulgaria, but the lure of Petrograd cannot fail to have a potent influence on the Huiw foi when they were "forced into the war," it was their intention to first capture Paris and then march victoriously to St. Petersburg. Much has happened since and what seemed possible at the latter end pf 1914 may, and. probably will, prove impossible in 1916, or thereafter. Germany can only win by forcing a decision, and Blie cannot do that if she takes Petrograd. In this connection it may be well to record the words of a high German military authority, quoted by the German Chancellor to an Ameri-" can: "Germany could take Paris; it would only be a question of how many men we were willing to sacrifice. But that would not bring England to terms, and therefore wouiU not end the war. WS could take Petrograd, But Buppose we drove the Tsar out of his capital, Britain would not care. We could drive the Italian army into the sea; it would make no difference to Britain The more territory we occupy, the thinner our lines and the greater difficulty in supplying them. Going ahead on such lines would help Britain more than us." The only conclusion to be derived from such a statement as the above is that Germany is up against a dead wall, and is striving to pave the way for a separate peace with one or more of the Allies—an illusion that will surely entail a terrible sacrifice of her manhood for no good end. In addition to this she cannot fail to realise that the Allies on the West front are now awaiting the moment to strike, and that the more ths Gprman forces are weakened on that front the heavier will be the blow. It may satisfy German vanity to put forth a gigantic programme, but she has waited too long, and now the confidence of the Allies in success is well founded, always provided that they utilise the whole of their resources to achieve the Object in view. All peace overtures are useless, for it is only by the complete crushing of German militarism that the peace of the world can be secured.