The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1917. THE RUSSIAN POSITION.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1917. THE RUSSIAN POSITION.

The depressing news that lias been coming by cable with monotonous regularity for some little time past lias caused a profound feeling of pity for the misguided victims of German intrigue, but there are now indications that a strong rally has taken place on the Russian front, and that the people ar* loins heartened thereby. It is obvious, l'O'.vever; that an enormous effort will ht needed to rehabilitate the army as a victorious fightinp; force. The resignation of M. Kcrensky probably msi\;cd the climax of the trouble, foi it brought home to all classes in ltussia the gravity of the danger with which they -were threatened, and the recognitiou of the fact that in 11. lierensky they had an

administrator of the requisite courage and force of character to deal with disaffection if he were- given a freo hand and loyal support. Wisely they liave adopted that course and there has followed more encouraging news from the front. The fall of Czernowitz was a great blow to the Russian armies. Four times has that commanding position changed hands during the .war—twice being captured 'by the Russian,? and twice by the enemy who is now in possession—but it was evident that the Russian collapse was too pronounced to permit of a recovery in time to prevent a forced retreat from Galicia. The blow was even worse for Rotimania, as the whole of tho Roumanian defensive line along the 'western front of Moldavia in threatened, and if the worst happens, the whole, of Roumanian territory will have to bo evacuated hy the RussoRoumanians. Nothing but a stiffening of tlie Russian resistance along the eastern .'ront of Eukowina can save the situation and prevent the enemy from taking .possession of the whole of Roumania. That is why the news of the Russian rally is so welcome, but it is evident that fighting is proceeding on both banks of the Golden Bystritza, which runs south-east into Moldavia, and it id this sector 'which now becomes tl chief centre of interest. All depend* upon whether the Russins have completely recovered their morale. That they are strongly resisting at several points is evident, and as the enemy must find every stop forward increases diis difficulties, it should he only a question of time when the limit of his advance is reached. That the task of repairing the ravages in the army by treachery and desertion will be formidable is beyond question, although the resources of the country are so Vast that, with loyal support, the process should be greatly expedited. Whether the requisite recovery will be made depends on the Soldiers' Committees. It was their meddling and muddling that opened the door to the nefarious German agents who brought about the desertions and mutinous conduct of tho troop 3. Thero are indications that those tusybodies have been awakened to the gTave danger arising from their acts, and that the work of the revolution is seriously menaced by the collapse of the army. While the Allies would find it extremely difficult, and possibly impossible, without Russian help, to obtain a victory so decisive as to enable a durable peace to be secured, it is absolutely certain that Russia would become a vassal of Germany unless that victory is achieved. These committees have ample scope for their energies in maintaining order within, and they should certainly leave the conduct of the war in the hands of trusted generals who can alone be expected to have the necessary knowledge and skill to direct operations and obtain succe=s. The Roumanians are doin:. all in their power to assist, and tlih. fact alone should shame the Russian.' into putting forth their greatest efforts to* win the war. Russia has had one of the most drastic and painful lessons and the question is whether it will be productive of the right effect. Whatever help the Allies can give will be readily furnished, and it may be that America will be able to be of great service. Tho stop that M. Kcrensky has taken to form a War Council is certainly in tho right direction, for it should once and for all put an end to the interference by the committees which have done so much harm, and are quite incapable of dealing with military problems of the highest import. The future of Russia depends on how she emerges from the present crisis, and it is the fervent hope of the Allies that she will put forth renewed strength and light with a. thorough determination to win her fight to future greatness, freed from the evil of the German menace. Let us hope her darkest hour ha s passed and that the dawn of a new era has arrived when, with the po.ver of her might, R USsia can and will aid the cause Mr which both the nation and the Allies arc equally interested in securing a triumph tlia. will permit humanity to breathe freely and allow the nations to develop the arts of peace.