The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1915. THE WAR.

Southland Times, Issue 17455, 9 March 1915, Page 4

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1915. THE WAR.

There is a fair quantity of war news to hand this morning, and the most of it, from the Allies’ point of view, is of a highly satisfactory nature. That things are progressing as favourably as can bo expected is strikingly evidenced by that reliable barometer, the market. We are Informed that the market for all war risks has widened; that business is easy, and that a more cheerful feeling prevails. It is also stated that the impression is that never since the start of the war has the watch that is being kept by the British Navy been of keener effect. This indicates unmistakably that, so far as the sea is concerned, the British people have no longer any fears regarding the German Navy. There is 4 considerable activity reported along the Western European front, and the news regarding operations is generally good. In Alsace the French are reported to be masters of the situation in the I-argue Valley and the Valley of St. Martin, in the Vosges district. The Germans are said to be making Altkirch the pivot of their movement in this region, and are extensively fortifying that town. Altkirch is situated near the Swiss border, and is east of Belfort, and south-west of Mulhausen. The cables have of late been very quiet in respect to operations in this quarter. The Germans are reported to have made a slight success in the Munster Valley, where they have been reinforced, and the retirement of the French has apparently in the meantime jeopardised the holding of

the top pass. In the Argonne severe fighting has again taken place, and here the French have gained ground and have successfully repelled several counter-attacks. Comment has previously been made regarding the severity of the struggle near the villages of Perthes, Mesnil, and Beauscjour, and evidently the fight for this bit of territory is being continued with unabated vigour. It is stated that a large force of German troops has arrived from the Eastern front at Tournai, and that the Germans are boasting that this time they will reach Calais, sp that something interesting may be looked for shortly from that quarter. From this distance the news would appear to presage a renewal of the conflict between La Bassee and Bethune, where a few weeks ago the hardest fighting along the front was in progress. At La Bassee the Germans have been holding a slightly salient position right through the winter. It has been several times pointed out that they hold there not' only a salient which points dangerously to the coast, but one which' has great natural advantages of defence. The Allies, in order to push the Germans back from the Arras-Lille line, are confronted with a serious problem, splendid means of shelter and defence against attack and gunfire being provided the enemy, while also affording every opportunity of concealment for artillery. It was hoped that the capture of the villages of Laventle, Givenchy, and Fcstubert by the British and Indian troops would soon give the Allies complete control of the La Bassee Canal, and this would go a long way towards relieving Lille of the presence of the Germans. As the possession of the Canal offers a good road to Calais, it can be taken for granted that the German forces to a man will be commanded to make a special effort to gain the ascendancy. Further partisulars arc to hand regarding the recent fighting in East Prussia, and the senseless and criminal sacrifice of German troops is said to have been so pronounced as to cause a feeling of nausea. If the cabled reports may be accepted as reliable, as has already been mentioned. German troops have been withdrawn from the Eastern theatre in order to deliver a smashing blow along the Western front. This is in accordance with German tactics in the past, but the results have been mostly that the smashing intended for the Allies has had to be endured by the Germans themselves. Meantime, however, in North-eastern Poland several Russian successes are reported, and in this region the Russians appear to have again completely asserted themselves. Further severe fighting thereabouts may be looked for, as none of the successes gained appear to be by any means decisive. If it is true that German troops have been withdrawn from this theatre, however, it may he that the enemy will act strictly' on the defensive in the meantime. There is no report as to how things are faring in Central Poland; hut in the South-eastern theatre there has been continued severe fighting, and from all accounts the Austrians have had much the worse of the deal, lu the Carpathians the Russians continue to more than hold their own, and in Bukowina, where they temporarily held a winning hand, the Austrians arc said to be in full retreat. Altogether, the accounts that have come to hand regarding operations in the Eastern European theatre are very encouraging indeed. From a spectacular point of view, the attack on the Turkish forts, both from the Dardanelles and from the northern sea front of the Peninsula of Gallipoli, easily commands the most attention at the present time. So far as can be gathered the attack is proceeding as actively as over, and good progress is undoubtedly being made. The cabled reports do not call for extended comment, as they are sufficiently lengthy and comprehensive to explain themselves. It is stated that the heavier Turkish guns are skilfully hidden, and it is necessary to concentrate attention on each gun individually until it is put out. of action, a task calling for the most skilful marksmanship. Already it is claimed that fifty of these guns have been silenced, but the huge task is yet a loug way from being completed. A graphic description is given by a spectator of the magnificent spectacle afforded during the opening bombardment, and from it confirmation is obtained of the poor Turkish marksmanship. In this morning's cables the recently built Queen Elizabeth is again singled out for special mention, but it is evident that the whole of the Allies’ fleets are doing good and effective work. In consequence of what is happening in the Dardanelles, Constantinople is said to be panic-stricken, and a general massacre of Christians is feared. Continued great efforts are being made to fortify the environs of the city. The signs and portents unmistakably indicate that the Allies will accomplish the great task that they have undertaken in reducing the Dardanelles forts. An interesting item is conveyed regarding the situation in Greece, which country is said to aspire to gaining possession of Smyrna. It is also said that, the present political crisis, which is much in evidence in Greece at the present time, merely delays the entry into-the war of that country.