The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1917. PROLONGING THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1917. PROLONGING THE WAR.

In tlic renewed Russian offensive Germany quickly discerned tlio possibility of .an earlier termination of tlie war than had seemed likely prior to Russia resuming operations, and as the new development bid fair to place Germany in a worse position as regards »eace terms she at once tool; steps to paralyse Russian energies. How speedily her agents got to work with a lavish system of bribes to turn Russian soldiers into traitors we know, and the simultaneous action of the Reichstag majority in drafting a peace formula of no annexation and no indemnity was obviously meant as a tempting bait to the Russian extremists. The German scheme for securing peace has been made to fit in with a cunning policy which is based on the detachment of Russia, and built up on her immunity from invasion and the .fact that she holds large 'portions of some of tho Allies' territory. Regarded in this light- it is quite evident that the success of the Allies in their efforts to compel the Germans to evacuate the seized areas, or if the Allies occupied enemy territory, the position of affairs would he materially altered, and there might follow a oollapso of the Central Powers. It is significant that Austria was on the point of asking German consent -to her ally putting forward separate peace proposals when the Russian trouble arose consequent on the desertion of troops. This shows how desperate Austria's position had become in face of the Russian offensive, but German bribes saved the situation and prolonged the war. It is also evident that Germany has 110 intention of continuing the struggle after the Allies invade her territory anM that had Austria dropped out of the war Germany could not have gone on for long alone. It is clear, therefore, that the collapse of Russia through treachery of the worst class cannot fail to have the effect of materially postponing the advent of peace. The Allies may be. and no doubt are, weary of the war, but not in the sense that the Germans would desire. Their determination to achieve a final victory is stronger than ever and they know how to wait and work for that consummation of their efforts, and thev are encouraged all the more in this determination bv the unscrupulous intrigues of the Teutons to secure by foul mean;- what they cannot gain l>y fair. The eyes of the whole civilised world are at present turned 011 Russia and her ability to emerge from the present crisis with unbroken power and zeal for the cause of tile Allies. Germany has counted on Russia's internal weakness and fostered rebellion with all her mighty resources. So far the cards have been in her favor, but at any moment may come the turn, if only the Russian authorities will have t courage to deal with the situation.

There arc not wauling signs of a decline in the force of German offensives, so I lint t!i(! war may bo regarded as baying ! cached a critical s:tage. We cannot, however, ignore Uie 1 reineiulous loss and waste involved in the capture of tho Russian positions in Galicia. H was success in that theatre iwliicli was taking tile heart out ot the AnstroTluugarians, who have evinced a decided disinclination to their kingdoms becoming a battie. ground, t ntil Hif Hussian retreat set jii the prospect:; of terminating the war were becoming brighter day by day, but the hour of peace has been changed by her pitiful break down, it is, therefore, with unusual anxiety tnat we await developments in Russia. The Ministers have loyally and patriotically placed tlleir resignations in the hands of the Premier (M. Kerensky) with the new of lacilitating a reconstruction of the Cabinet so that all parties may lie represented therein. It is not unreasonable to assume that the Ministers feel the present position most acutely, knowing as they w> that it is the outcome of German intrigue. They must also be aware of the fact that the failure of I'ussia at this crucial stage of the war must prolong the struggle and tliafc it is to the best interests of the country to secure a lasting peace at the earliest possible moment. Courageous and drastic action can alone be of service and its adoption would bo hailed with the Utmost gratification by all the Allies. We do not despair of every effort being made to*suppress treachery and cowardice, for the fait of .Russia depends on icr ability to overcome the present . rouble and reassert lier strength.