Northern Advocate Daily With which is incorporated the Northern Mail Daily. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1916. THE ROUMANIAN POSITION.

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1916, Page 2

Northern Advocate Daily With which is incorporated the Northern Mail Daily.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1916. THE ROUMANIAN POSITION.

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The cables to-day do not throw a »reat deaJ of light upon the position in Roumania. There is little which can be added to our review of the situation

yesterday, but one ominous message is worthy of notice This refers to the fact that Ministers, Legations and Banks are being removed from Bucharest to Jassy. This can only mean one thing, namely, that th« Roumanians anticipate the occupation of the capital by the enemy. It is not likely that this ocupation will be accomplished without a stubborn resistance. The Roumanians, with their Russian Allies, have fought magnificently, and there is no reason yet to accept total defeat as a foregone conclusion. But the fact that arrangements are being made to abandon the capital shows that disappointing issues must be expected, and it also serves to prove that the Germans have secured possession of Western Koumauia. At tliis point, however, the enemy triumph ceases, for the present at any rate. The possession of Western Houmania does not biing any great tactical advantage beyond the control of. the Dauubian waterway. This is important, but not vital to the conquest of the country. The communication with Russia remains and the only progress which the enemy can make will be in the direction of driving back the Roumanian forces into a region where they will be in closer touch with supports. IjL.s l d the Germans succeeded in breaking through in the north-oastern passes they might have cut off the Russian reinforcements and thus had unhappy Roumania completely at their mercy. This, fortunately, has not been accomplished, and although the situation is deplorable all is not yet lost. A recovery has been shown in Dobrudja and with gathering strength the Roumanians may yet clear Wallachia. At the same time it must be admitted that the proposal to remove the administration to Jassy is not encouraging. As might have becu expected, ''inquests'' are being held upon Roumanian intervention and we are now informed that M. Bratiauo (the Premier) jumped into the fray without giving proper warning and that it is not fair to Maine the Allies for the trouble whii-h h;is ensued. But the argument does not seem sound. There was a period of two years in which both Roumania and the Allies had to prepare for the opening of hostilities and surprise action does not seem to have been possible. The only surprise met with is the remarkable mobilty and resourcefulness of the enemy.