The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1917. RUSSIA'S FAILURE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1917. RUSSIA'S FAILURE.

The most prominent phases of the great struggle that is now proceeding on the West front are those which point to the enormous strength of the Anglo-French offensive and defensive movements, the desperate nature of the German onslaughts with their prodigal waste of men, and the failure of Russia to relievo the enemy pressure by her promised offensive. It is of interost to note that Col. Repington, the military critic engaged by the London Times, has just given his views on the present aspect of t'.'.e v.t.v. more especially with regard to Russia's inactivity and its effect en the Allies' cause. It is extremely difficult to arrive at any accurate conception of the real state of affairs in Russia. On the one hand the Russian military chiefs and the War Minister put forward very optimistic statements as to the restoration of discipline and equipment of the troops and the fighting spirit of the men. On the other hand, the Central Workers' and Soldiers' Delegates' Council appears to be working for an immediate peace at any price, but even this body is not united. Its authority is being flouted by their comrades at Kronstadt who are endeavoring to set up a rival Government. Then another rift in the lute .comes to light in the shape of a naval project to restore the Czar to power. Meanwhile there is frequent mention of deserters, also excesses committed by troops in the more remote districts. What are we to believe? Only one great fact is undeniable. Russia promised an offensive was to be commenced by a given date, and while the Anglo-French advance was commenced early, Generals Murray and Maude attacked Turkey, and Italy made a superb offensive in tho Trentino, while, in fact, everything that was possible was done to lighten Russia's task and assure for her campaign a brilliant success, yet the Russians have remained inactive, and, as Col, Repington points out, only four months remain in which a Russian campaign is possible, and, he adds: "The military consequences of Russwis failure has filled tho Allies with profound chagrin, for they had a great fighting chance of bringing Germany to her knees in 1917. Russia's failure will, at least, prolong the war for another year, unless, contrary to expectation, Russia promptly renews her mighty deeds." The perverted views of the workers as to the object of a vigorous prosecution of the war are as unintelligible as are the obstinacy and shortsightedness of the men. They altogether fail to grasp the fa: ( that the longer the war is prolonged the greater will the map— sailer. '" tiiuu- mud determina.tion for an ii ..„ c diate peace they arc indefinitely postponing the struggle. Tho Stockholm Conference and Australian conference appear to be actuated by impulse and not by common sense or reason. All their frothy utterances and threats will not make the Allies swerve a hair's breadth from theii determination to secure a peace worth having rather than a truce which can only bo I devoted to preparing for another strug-

glo more bitter and more frightful tlian | the present. Their united help would, on the other hand, materially shorten the war and open up for them a new era that would give them brighter and better prospects. Russia is being rent asunder by internal foes, who appear io be playing into the hands of the Huns. Like the frogs in the fable they have got rid of King Log and are now clamoring for King Stork. If this chaos had no effect on the Allies it would not be taken seriously, but the conduct of the war is at stake, and it is time the military chiefs took a firm and decided stand by ignoring the agitators and embarking on a strong offensive that would overshadow the ravings of the seekers for power and,nullify the propaganda of the German agents. The saner portion of the Delegates admit that a separate peace is impossible, and yet they are working in such a way as to prevent any peace being possible for an indefinite period. Meanwhile the enemy is preparing to crush the country, and, if he succeeds, then farewell to all the dreams of freedom and expansion, for Russia would become a dumping ground for the Germans, who would rule with the sword and make slaves of the people. There is yet time to prevent such a disaster, and this can bo done by fulfilling the pledge given to tho Allies to prosecute the war with the utmost vigor. The Russians have everything at stake, but if they determine on national suicide, though it will prolong the war, it will also be the death blow to Russian ambitions.