The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 1915. THE RUSSIAN RETREAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 1915. THE RUSSIAN RETREAT.

Although the public have been led to expect that the Russian forces would not be able to withstand the Austro(icrman attack in the vicinity of Warsaw, yet gnat disappointment will be felt at their enforced retreat. The feeling of regret will bo all the deeper by reason of the heroic stand our allies have made against overwhelming odds in munitions. Their bravery cannot fail to r.voke the liveliest sympathy and warmest praise. There was just a slender hope of their being able to cope with the enemy, but now the most that can be looked for is a safe retreat. The great aim of the German military authorities was to break the Russian armies and end the menace from the east, but the tactical skill of the Grand Duke Nicholas, combined with the splendid fighting power of Ins troops, has so far thwarted the design of the enemy. The crisis, however, has not yet ended if the German account is to be believed, which states that the only line of retirement for the Russians is via Brestatovsk, from which place General Mackensen is only three days' march. There can he no doubt that Russia, while inflicting great losses on the enemy, has received a severe blow, but judging, by past rearguard actions her reu'eat, the wisdom of which is apparent, should be safe, orderly, and successful. It can only be a matter of time when the Russian forces will again assume the. offensive. The loss of Warsaw seems to be inevitable, but the Russians have removed everything likely to Vie of '.ise to the enemy, and have loft only greybeards, women, and children behind —presumably only those who could lilt travel on foot. Tho Austro-Gcrman losses in this campaign must have boon colossal, especially when compared with the barren victory achieved. Once more it has been demonstrated that the wail's a war of munitions, and once (lie Russian troops are adequately equipped (hey may bo relied upon (o do splendid service ill assisting the Allies fo accomplish the task they have dot.'''-