THE NEW FACTOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 207, 30 August 1916, Page 4

THE NEW FACTOR.

Messages from various parts of the| world show that tbe intervention of Rumania has created a profound impression, an impression greater perhaps than i tiiat produced by any similar event sine. August 4th, 1914. Official circles i_ Washington are said to regard it as "the most propitious event for the Allies since the battle of the Marne." This ifi per.lmps not fair to Italy, but if we except her entry into the war, thie view is not exaggerated. Rumania's decision is a mere serious matter to the Central Powers than Bulgaria's decision was to the Allies last year. It is true that the Allies' fortunes were then at a low point, and that this addition to the strength oi cur enemies was highly embarrassing to us. But the Allies' fortunes were

really rising; we were "sparring for time," and victory was certain if the Allies Tcmained united and were patient. But to-day it is the fortunes of the Central Powers that axe at a low point, and they are sinking, not rising. Rumania has chosen as the hour to strike a time when the Central Powers are on the defensive on the three main fronts, and

tne of them is reeling under a series of blows which must have cost it fully a million men. Moreover, this is the Power against which Rumania will direct Icr main offensive. Rumania is a mucb more valuable ally than Bulgaria. Her population is much greater, and her military strength has not been weakened by the losses of two wars. Further, in Rumania the decision to make war waa arrived at in a constitutional, manner. While Bulgaria's participation was largely the King's doing, in Rumania the King bowed to the will of the people. We may get news at any moment showing the importance of this difference.

Hostilities have begun on the _iis.roRumanian frontier, but there is as yet no information to indicate the lines of Rumanian strategy. War with Bulgaria has not been declared, and it may be tbat the Staff mean to concentrate their attention on Austria, leaving a sufficient force on the southern frontier to contain a considerable Bulgarian force. The peril to -Austria is obvious. Her front has been suddenly lengthened by several hundred miles on her flank, and she must protect this flank from attack by a large, well - equipped army. Seeing that she has not been able to hold the Russians in Galicia, and tbat Germany is hard pressed on both fronts, where arc the men to come from to resist this new attack? There may be sufficient reserves to cause the Rumanians a good deal of trouble, but if they arc used there they cannot be used elsewhere, and the Allies' situation on the Eastern and Western fronts will benefit accordingly. The Bulgarians •will be too fully occupied with General Sarrail'B array to be able to do much to help their allies, and it is extremely doubtful whether Turkey can . send strong forces to' the rescue. While the world is awaiting news from the Rumanian frontier, it has an interested eye on developments in Greece and where there must be acute depression in high places.. The King of Greece is reported to-day to have told Ihe 'Kaiser that he could not restrain the people. The resport is one of those that must be received with caution. Dut it fits in with the situation. But Constantino's feelings can' hardly be so unenviable as those of Ferdinand of Bulgaria. Constantino lias brought his country to the edge, of ruin, 'but there is still time and opportunity to save it. Ferdinand, by plunging his country into war on the wrong side, ihas put it into a hopeless position. We should say that life ins_rance canvassers are not worrying Ferdinand very much just now.