The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1916. CONFIDENCE JUSTIFIED.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1916. CONFIDENCE JUSTIFIED.

ft is one thing to say we are confident in the success of the Allies, but quite another matter to prove that our confidence is justified. The latest developments in the several theatres of the war, show that the Allies have now obtained a firm grip on the enemy, and that the present aspect of affairs is decidedly favorable to the Entente Powers, though a complete and crushing victory can only be obtained by hard fighting and good generalship. It will be seen by this morning's cables that Colonel Eepington (the London Times' military correspondent) takes a most hopeful view of the situation.' As this military expert has been one of the most severe critics of the conduct of the war on the Allies' part, and is of a pessimistic rather than an optimistic temperament, his review of the outlook is all the more encouraging, and he stresses the feeling of confidence that now prevails amongs't those who are best informed on military matters. The continuous growth in the number of men and guns, and the better preparation for the next ot'ttisive, are prominent factors in the favorable estimate of future success. We cannot fail to be struck with the grand fighting powers of the French as exhibited by their marvellous tenacity and effective efforts to withstand the stupendous offensive of the Germans at Verdun. On Hill 304 alone the Germans made twelve different attacks within a week and yet were unable to carry it. Coonel Eepington claims that the French may justly be proud of their feat in holding the Germans in an unfavorable position on the Meuso, and we are equally proud to have men of such indomitable pluck on our side. Not only h this magnificent defence of our ally wearing down the German forces, hut it has given the Allies time to complete theii preparations for their offensive. Meanwhile the Russians have materially altered the outlook by their great and successful drive in Bukowina and Galicia, whereby the Austrians have suffered colossal losses, more than lißlf their eastern armies being put aside for a considerable time, Writing in the Daily Mail. Mr. Lovat Fraser stated that "the Russians' great stroke has reached the greatest importance, since, by irreparably weakening Austria, it may materially affect the future course of the war. The advance has reached a stage where successful withdrawals are impossible. Much depends on whether the Austrian centre holds, which will he decided within ten days, Germany finds Austria a broken reed at the most critical moment of tlie war. She can only he saved by German aid at a time when Germany urgently needs all her own troops." It will he seen by this morning's cables that the Russians have succeeded in cutting General Pflanzer's army in two, the first part near the Roumanian frontier and the other in tlie direction of the Carpathians. The importance of this nchieveihent cannot be over-rated, for it practically means that a complete and crushing defeat of the Austrians is imminent, .while its effect on the Italians will be such a3 to inspire thou with confidence in their Trentino offensive, and it should materially affect the Balkans campaign. Colonel Repington also considers that the increasing strain on Germany, consequent on the tightening pf the blockade, will bring her to her senses, and that she will learn what it costs to incur England's hostility. According to Sir Abe Bailey a statement was made by Lord Kitchener, before leaving England, that Germany was in a much more serious position than people thought, especially in the interior. 'They remind me," he said, "of a prize-fighter staggering and dazed. If our army gets what it wants it will give them a knock-out blow." /rom other sources we learn that the German rye crop is almost entirely ruined by the heavy rains, and that, unless the weather improves, the wheat crop will be seriously damaged. Germany's hopes have been centred on a larger yield than usual, and as tlie food question is already acute in that country the pinch of hunger will be intensified. Faced with these stern facts the German military authorities may, in sheer desperation, abandon the Verdun offensive and rush large forces to stem the irresistible and relentless offensive by the Russians, but they will scarcely dare to draw off sufficient men from the Western front at this, for them, critical phase of the war. Never since the war commenced ' have conditions looked so favorable for i'.ic Allies, for while the Germans and Au-trians are now practically at the end of their tetheT as regards reserves, the Allies have millions of excellent men to drew upon when &»uned

advisable, and their munitions supply is reaching the required standard. Apparently the utmost confidence in the future is entirely justified.