The Daily News. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1918. SEEING THE CRISIS THROUGH.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1918. SEEING THE CRISIS THROUGH.

When President Wilson declared that the culminating crisis of the war hod arrived, that this year's achievements must determine the issue, and that the Allies "must, and shall, win" this great last war, it was no raere idle boasting, but the outcome of a conviction resulting from a close study of the factors of victory- Moreover, he was voicing not only his own views, but those of the great nation over whose destiny he is He knows the strength of his country's vast resources, and that knowledge alone would suffice to justify his confidence in victory. According to the latest cable message America is now considering the question of increasing her forces 011 the West front by sending wen to be trained in the camps in England, a step that would greatly promote the speedy efficiency of the men. Kow that the United States has entered heart and soul into the war that mighty republic may be relied upon to see the culminating crisis through with that characteristic vim which is part and parcel of the life of the nation. The splendid way in which America is squaring her shoulders for the struggle, and hastening the necessary organisation of the country to stand the war strain, should be an inspiration to the Allies. Thougli late in entering the war arena, America is doing all in her power to make up the leeway. Thus we find that one of her first acts after war was declared was to attend to the vital matter of war economy in food, pleasure, and national labor. Then followed the equally important task of arranging for finances on a colossal scale, and it speaks volumes for the nation that the great loan of four hundred million sterling was over-subscribed, though the interest was only three and a-half per cent. By adopting the standardising process great strides are being made in shipbuilding, aeroplane construction, and every branch of war equipment except artillery, and that is being left for the Allies to provide. It is not surprising, therefore, that Presidnt Wilson is so confident of seeing the crisis through, but there are other factors which lie is well aware will have an important bearing In the final issue. The breakdown of Italy neeewi-, tating help by the Allies, lias been overcome, and onee more the Italian morale lias been restored, as evidenced by the Italians having not only arrested the Austro-German advance, but taken the offensive again- By preventing the capture of Venice the Italians have gained a great moral victory over the enemyThere is a disposition on the part of some people to smile at the idea of Chinese aid being much use in this war. We must not forget that not only will every particle of assistance be a factor in winning the war, but We should also take into account the spirit that is behind the decision of China to send troops to France. The same may be said of the South American Republics. Tt is n world-wide war, and though the fiermans, in their chagrin at fresh allies joining'the Entente Powers, may sneer at the action of Britain in making use of the services of these nations, the mere fact that such services are offered in a damning indictment, *sfera»t the Central Towers and conclusive evidence that ir parts of the world there is a de-sir" to put an end to Prussian militarism Oerm»nv has not far to ?o in order to >m- | derstand this onttraifct of antipathy.

She is experiencing its effects within her own borders; while in Austria, Bavaria, and other States of the German Empire the voicing of anti-Prussian feel-1 ing is becoming more and more insistent. Very little has been heard lately from the Balkans, except as to Eoumania and a denial from the Greek Premier that the Balkan front was to be abandoned. M. Venizelos states that the Balkan front, instead of being abandoned or weakened, is a solid barrier to invasion, and will, later, starting point for vigorous action in which the Greek army will take part. It is said Greece will put in the field in two months a force of 400,000, and that the AlHe» will commence the "drive" with an army of a million. In Palestine the British forces are continuing their victorious advance, and the Turks are growing war weary and discontended at Germany's action in not coming to their assistance, while the Arabs are making the beat of the opportunity in their struggle against the Turks for national liberty. When the history of the war comes to be written it may be referred to as "The Liberty War," for the nations are struggling for freedom from menace and oppression—they are fighting for liberty to work out their own destinies unmolested by Prussian militarism with its low intrigues and high explosives, its gross barbarities nnd ruthless horrors- "The Allies must, and shall, win the'war." We have alluded to some of the factors that must determine the issue, but there is no more emphatic corroboration of this significant statement of President Wilson than the cheerful and confident manner in which our men on the West front are enduring'another winter in the trenches. The knowledge of their determination to see this crisis through should stimulate the 'people in every part of the British Empire to strengthen the manpower and alleviate the lot of our hrr.ve •soldiers so that thoy'may be the M ter prepared to resist the coming German offensive and strike that final blow which will usher in the era of peace.