The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1916. THE LOSS OF CONSTANZA.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1916. THE LOSS OF CONSTANZA.

The fall of Constanza was so unexpected, in view of the recent reports of enemy operations on the Dobrudja having 'been held up, that the news came as an unpleasant surprise. At the same time too much importance should not be attached to the event, which shows that the German Generals can make rapid and effective moves with telling force under certain circumstances. The mere loss of Constanza is disconcerting, but whether or not it will prove a damaging Wow will depend on the Allies' ability to checkmate the enemy in his design to cut off Russia's aid to the Roumanians. To judge of the significance of the event it must be remembered that sixty miles beyond the frontier of Bulgaria and Roumania the space of about thirty mSes between the Danube and the Blade Sea coast is traversed 'by a railway, Running to 'Bucharest, of which Constanza is the terminus, and that railway has been one line, of communication between Russia and Roumania.- The Roumanians are also in touch with Russia by the railway through Moldavia, while there is another line to Reni, on the Danube. We may dra'w some consolation from the fact that no prisoners were taken, indicating that the Roumanians ware prepared to evacuate Constanza and retire to prearranged positions. It is perfectly evident that the Germans are making a supreme effort to interpose between the -Russians and Roumanians, with the avowed object of crushing the latter, and this explains not only the concentration of enemy forces but the prompt supplies of reinforcement?. Recording to Colonel Ttepington the Germans have adopted the expedient of cutting down the strength of existing formations in order to create new antiRoumanian armies. He regards the loss of Constanza as a disagreeable blow and a tactical defeat, which limits the Russians' supply of reinforcements, reduces Russia's strength, and impairs Roumania's confidence, but it is also stated that General Alexieff will do his utmost to counteract Hinden-burg's dangerous schemes. On the effectiveness of that "utmost" much will depend. The present position is certainly not devoid of anxiety, and its development will be awaited with concern. It is stated that little if any help can 'Come from Salonika, and that on Russia and Roumania alone depends the issue. The task of hurling the enemy back will not be easy, but the great effort of -the present Must be directed to preventing a further advance of the enemy. The capture of Constanza having closed one of the gates whereby Russian help cotild arrive, serious attention is naturally directed to the position with regard to the other gate—in Moldavia—which can bo reached! by the northern passes through the western Moldavian frontier. Apparently the enemy lia9 renewed his attack on these passes-, but as yet without avail. If the enemy got through the western passes ho. would have a chance to close the Moldavian gate, and then ißoumania would be cut off from Russia, and would be at Germany's mercy. Knowing this, the Russians may be trusted to use every effort to frustrate the enemy's scheme. The winter i? approaching, and it is evident that the Germans will strain every resource to make rapid progress before the passes are untraversable. We can only hope that the Allies will be able to repel the enemy's offensives in this region. The Roumanians have proved their quality ac fighters, 'and may be relied upon to do their utmost with Russian aid to overcome the' present -crisis, foi they well know that German vengeance will be unrestrained. Trench experts take a philosophical view of the disaster, which they regard as annoying, but not irremediable. The application of the remedy will cause much satisfaction.