PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3037, 26 March 1917, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

' The most gratifying news to hand at time-of writing- relates to Russia and the reorganisation following, on the revolution. The most disquieting feature in the Eastern situation has beei* the suggested possibilities of further internal strife in Eussia owing to the activities of the Anarchists; : and extremists, . who are not- content with a steady and progressive programmo ,of reform. ' 'Iheir plans, if given effeot to, would mean the demoralisation and disorganisation of the whole of that portion, of Russia most immediately concerned with the conduct of the war. Happily, the news to-day is of a reassuring nature. The enemy, threatening Russia from without is upsetting the plans of the enemies within Russia who have been pursuing a course which was likely, to paralyse her ef- ' forts in the conduct of the war. The idea is gaining ground in Russia that the shortening,of the Gorman line in the West will be seized on by Hindenbueg to detach troops for the Eastern. frontier to onablo him to strike another heavy blow at the Russians. It is' extremely, likely that the German High' Command will endeavour to mako the most of the unsettled conditions in Russia. The disturbing effects of the revolution would be expected.to interfere to some extent both with the production and the transport of munitions, and our allies might for a time at least be placed at a disadvantage. The threatened attack, .however has at least had a good effect in arousing the Russian people to a.sense of the folly, of.permitting internal strife cripple their efforts against the ruthless enemy who threatens-them with a deadly peril ■which it will require l all thoir energies and all their 'strength to repel. t lho Petrograd correspondent of the London Body Chronicle states that many factories have now resumed work, that recruits for tho forces at the front may be seen drilling in the streets, and, generally speaking, his reviow of the situation is tho most encouraging we have bad.

Wβ may be certain' that the possibility of danger to our Allies in the East IB not being overlooked on tho other fronts The Sommo front still continues'a sceno of the great-' est activity in spite of tho weather conditions having again proved adverse. The withdrawal of tho enemy now extends over a front of some 130 miles, and along practically the whole of this front his rearguards and patrols are being harassed and forced back with all the sneed possible commensurate witli a propo* regard for the trapa and I ambuscades jvitfe ,wMpbi, the enemjr

has sought to make our uueecss as costly as ling within his power. Here and tbel'ri lib has developed a sliiibb.Oi'ii resistance, notably between the Sommc and the Qise to the Bbuth-west of St. Quehtin.- Hero he ha,s Itiade a desperate counterattack against the French, which, however, only served as a temporary check to our Allies at Artemps. At tho south-eastern extremity of tho forward movement on tho line between Vergny and Chivres, northeast of Soissons, ''there has also been desperate fighting, which strengthens the view that the Germans intend to make a stand along the lino running to the west of Cambrai, St. Quentin, and Laon. The Allied line now/runs from a point to the east of iapaume in a south-easterly direction, passing about four miles to the west of Sfc. Quentin; then, save for a slight curve to tho west, almost due south to Tcrgnier, .then a few miles further south, swinging 4 in an easterly direction along the line of the Eiyer Ailette, then southeast to Chivres. It will be noted that the Allied advance has now slowed up materially, and this was only to be expected. • Now that our infantry is practically without artillery support, owing to the rapidity and extent of the advance made, it has becomo necessary to move with greater caution and to. consolidate the positions gained. But already our field artillery is reported to be well advanced, in spite of tho enemy's efforts to impede progress by roads and bridges. With the arrival of artillery the pressure on the enemy will "bo again accentuated. "

The information gathered from the unfortunate residents of the abandoned French towns and villages, who have been in close and unhappy ■ proximity- to the German troops !or the past two and a half j years, is of much interest and value, i They tell us that tho German troops have of late been getting to know more of the real facts of the war situation, and it has' not improved their fighting qualities. Quite the contrary. There is universal apprehension " nmongst them of another British offensive, and it h even suggested that the broken moral of his troops' may have been a factor in determining Hindenburg to abandon his old.positions on the Somrae. The German High Command would know, however, that any respite from the terrible battering of the British artillery so gained could only be of a. temporary nature. The apprehension would still remain, and probably be accentuated by tho fact of & compulsory retirement. We may be quite/certain that with, the possibility : of Russia being threatened with attack at the present critical juncture the British and French "attacks on the Western front iwill bo pressed, with all possible strength and speed. It will be surprising indeed if Hindenbuk<i will be able to spare men for the Eastern front. What: is more probable is that he may., find it 'necessary to make an exchange i and transfer tho battered and dispirited remainder of hie Somnie forces.to the East, bringing therefrom troops who ba,ve yet to learn what artillery bombardment. ; really means. ',■■■'■•'. -Y ■'.. , ■

The atrocious behaviour of. the Germans towards the civilian population of the occupied towns and villages juuet stir the blood' of any but the most heartless pacifist. .Itwill steel the friends ot' Franco as it will steel all France to pursue this war to an end whioh will enable a bitter reckoning to be madd with the monsters responsible for such appalling crimes.

The recent activity on the .Macedonian front was no doubt designed to relievo pressure on Russia, and we may expect at any moment now to hear ,of our friends .on the Italian front, increasing their pressure on the Austrian Forces facing them. The fact that reinforcements ■have had to be sent to the Bulgo-Gernian-Turkish forces in Macedonia is a good sign. • ..

So far as America, is concerned we must continue to await the der velopment of events with what;patience .still remains to us. The.latcsfy. story from that quarter -is, a. fitting sequel to what has gone "before. In effect, it tells us that the majority of the"members,'of the United States Government now hold the opinion that America ' should not eend 'her sons to fight for their rights and the protection of the lives of their countrymen, but' that the Government should assist .the Allies financially, so, j presumably;, that the Allies can continue,to do the fighting for the liberties of.Ame: rtcan , citizens and the safety of American ships and commerce.: But to-morrow probably wo • shall have yet another version of what the United States intends or does not intend to do. It is all very confusing and very unedifying. When Congress meets next week perhaps we may get at the' truth. It is about time.' -. ■-.'... ■;•.: .■,'./, : ;