The Daily News. TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1917. A LONG WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1917. A LONG WAR.

The .public are seemingly awakening to the possibility that the war is unlikely to he over this year, and that the prospects are that it will continue 'well into next year. With Russia striking with something like the force witnessed this time last year, %ve had a chance of bringing Germany to heel before the end of this European summer; but only a chance. Now that Russia has weakened our task is enormously greater and more difficult. We know from what General Jofifre said the other day in America that France is reaching the end of her tether in regard to the supply of men, and therefore it is incumbent upon Britain to put forth greater efforts and upon America to placo in the battle field all the men blio can at the earliest imßMble moment. Lord Derby has shown that the bigger the blow the Onited States can deliver, and the quicker she deliver it, the sooner will victory bo achieved. Lord Derby suggests the employment of American forces on the Russian front, which would hearten up Russia considerably. Germany is not yet beaten, nor anywhere near it. The .respite she is getting on the eastern front, through the inactivity of the Russians, is very largely nullifying the efforts of the Anglo-French. We have no justification for 'believing that we can drive Hindenburg back until his reserves give out. and the weakenine of

Eusbia means Unit, the proeMs of attrition will Ijo greatly lengthened. It is clear that the British Army will have to bear the brunt of the liyhtiit<? this year aiul will require every available man, fur such lighting as lias been going on on tin; acarpe during the past few weeks must be terribly costly. This means that we in New Zealand will have to face the calling up of all our available manhood. At any rate, it is advisable to anticipate the worst. What is the Government doins; in the way of organisation in anticipation of this eventuality J The Efficiency Board has classified the industries in their order of importance. That is about all. The Government lias wasted valuable time in the pasfc. neglected opportunities, and committed many avoidable injustices simply because it will not face the situation boldly and put the country and its people on a war looting. It conscripts the able-bodied but does nothing to equalise the sacrifice by compelling other sections of the community to do their 'bit for home and country. The Government's chief desire seems to be to remain in office as long as possible, and to dodge the great organisation woric that must be done if the country's production and affairs are to 'be kept going. The trouble is that the men constituting the Cabinet are for the most part quite incapable of dealing with the extraordinary conditions that obtain at present,. The country just now would be better without poliieians; the need is for practical business men, with courage to grasp the nettle and ability to thoroughly organise the country, ensuring that others besides those.in training and at the front shall help to win the war. The war is a gropple of life and death, and the victory will go to the nation that has not only the strongest) arm but the strongest will and the greatest staying power. More than ever it is a mortal fight between the British Empire and the Teutonic forces. Germany has staked all on the final issue, and all her men, women, and children are working to ensure victory,, and Britain must do the same or the Empiro will fail. A patched up is unthinkable; it would mean another war in which Germany, with greater preparations and fever initial mistakes, would strike again, this time at Britain, the nation -which has stood in tho way of the attainment of hei plans in this war. ,