The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 1918. ANOTHER ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 1918. ANOTHER ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR.

The entering upon another year of the greatest war in history is an event that demands more than passing notice. On August 4,1914, Britain declared war on Germany —not hastily or in the heat of the moment, but calmly and deliberately as a matter of national honor to maintain the neutrality of Belgium. There was at first a strong public opinion in Britain in favor of neutrality, and Sir Edward Grey did all in his power to try and effect a diplomatic settlement, of the trouble. On August 3 Germany showed her hand by addressing to Belgium what amounted to an ultimatum relative to the passage of German troops through Belgium. The King of the Belgians immediately telegraphed an appeal to King George for diplomatic intervention by the British Government to safeguard the integrity of Belgium. On the following morning (August 4) the British Minister at Brussels telegraphed that Germany intended to carry out, if necessary by force of arms, the measures .considered indispensable "in view of the French menace." Simultaneously Belgian territory was violated at Gemmerich, the German Foreign Secretary giving an assurance that even in case of armed conflict m Belgium, Germany would "under no pretence whatever" annex Belgian territory. Before midnight of the same day Britain was at war with Germany, anil to-day sees the fifth vear of the struggle in progress. In the interval much has happened and many nations have been drawn into the conflict. Tt v,'ill be remembered that the original declaration of Avar came from Austria against Serbia ; then Germany declared war on Russia and France, followed by Britain throwing down the gauntlet to Germany. Since then Montenegro. Japan, Italy, Portugal, Roumanin, the United Slates, Cuba, Greece, Siam, Brazil, China, and some of tile South American republics have joined the Allies, while Bulgaria and Turkey threw in their lot with the Central Powers. Today it is practically a. world-war against Anstro-Germanv, really against Germany, who is still unbeaten, but whose great gamble for world supremacy has ended in a sickening fiasco. They will go cn lighting, but they realise, as never before, that it will and can only be to their bitter end. The third winter of the war found Germany forced to defend-apparently definitely baffled—no longer struggling to win, but frantically battling to avoid defeat, and the once hoarse demands for annexations !#nd indmmiitipfl ,

a cry for an "honorable peace." But .Russia's collapse changed, the aspect of the German fortunes for the time being, and the swaggering tones of the Pan-Germans wore heard demanding fabulous indemnities and limitless annexations. Yet even with the aid of all her eastern forces Germany was unable to gain more than temporary advances. And then from across the Atlantic the American armies came in an ever increasing ratio, so that to-day once more witnesses the Germans with their backs to the wall, while in Russia there is growing a great movement of opposition to the enemy, Austria is being sorely pressed by the Italians, while the Slav races are uniting against the Central Powers. There have been several very anxious moments for the Allies, but at no period of the war have the omens of success appeared so plainly as at the present time. The outstanding features of the position that we have to encourage us to-day are (1) the existence of that unity of command which is so essential to victory, and (2) the unabated determination on the part of all the Allies to pursue the war to a victorious conclusion. This is really the keynote of the entry into the fifth year of the war —undying resolution to fight to a finish. There is also the reaffirmation of the righteousness of the war, and without this the resolve to continue the struggle j would be incomplete. The cause of freedom and justice for all peoples must be upheld and the doctrine of rieht vindicated as against the doctrine of force. Germany appealed to force, and must take the answer that force will give. The Empire is being drained of its noblest and best sons as well as its resources; but having put its hands to the plough there will be no looking backwards, Irather a determined progress that will be continued until such a victory is obtained that thereon may be evolved an era of peace and security for the nationsgreat and small—a victory that will be worthy of the immense sacrifices that have been made in order that military despotism may he utterly crushed. Such is the i smrit m which the Allies enter upon another year of war's horrors—war weary, but determined, and profoundly hoping that it j may be the final phase of the struggle. They are confident of the righteousness of the cause, and, whether the end be far or near, are.more than ever resolved to Teach the desired goal.