Weekly journal-miner., 1914-09-16
GERMANS PLAN GAVE
 THEM AN ADVANTAGE

NEW YORK, Sept. 9.-An inter esting development of the campaign in France is the new plan of action adopted by the Germans. From Louvain to Compeigne, fourteen days fighting, the Germans have clung to the military maxim of "a simple plan of action, steadily pur- sued with every available force."
 Throughout this fighting they have steadily hammered at the left wing of the allies, while their big turn ing column of cavalry and light in fantry pushed around the allies left flank.
 By this strategic plan the allies were turned out of position after po- sition and the Germans advanced 125 miles in thirteen days. The en- tire period of fighting has been practically a rear guard action on a grand scale, the allies holding each position only long enough to delay the German advance.
 Judged by the official announce ment of British losses, few of their positions were stubbornly held. They seem to have retired in each case before being seriously involved. This is largely responsible for their or derly and rapid withdrawal from po- sition to position.
 Predetermined Withdrawal.
 Everything points to the with drawa1 of the entire line of the al lied forces to the Marne river as part of a predetermined plan. A general engagement at an earlies date would have given the Germans just the opportunity they were seek ing-that of infiicting a decisive de feat on the French before the full of the British and Rus sian armies could be developed. Time | has now been gained sufficient for | France to place on the battle lines | the bulk of her fighting strength. Great Britain has steadily, though | slowly, been adding to the strength l of her armies at the front and her territorials must by now be land ing on the continent. The armies | of Russia are now advanving in such | strength that Germany and Austria | will have to devote a large part of | their military farces to stopping this invasion. The time has ap- preached when the allies have as sumed the offensive.
 Ostend Operations.
 A large and increasing British | force is operating from Ostend and | has driven back the Germans cover ing force at Dendermonde ten miles east of Ghent. To check this threat ening move, the Germans must strengthen their army in Northern Belgium and must divert against the British and Belgian army large number of the reserves that would otherwise be available to reinforce he German army in France.
 British Forces
 The British force in Belgium is -eported at 75,000 men, which seems l reasonable minimum, as smaller orce would be in danger of being quickly crushed by the Germans Counting 125,0O0 British near Paris. 5000 in Belgium and 25,000 losses, '25,OOO British troops can be def litely placed; they must have as many more either at the front or on he way there.
 Il ne French army ot the north vest has gradually increased in strength and is assuming some i'm 'ortance. The drawing in of the German forces from Senlis and their evacuation of the cities in the north ,f France indicates a gathering of orces for the biggest assault yet made on the line of the allies.
 Their Best Chance.
 The Germans have landed blows ,n the extreme left flank of the al ies, forcing it back. At the other md of the line of battle they know hat the French are concentrated in orce near Nancy. This leaves the enter of the allies line as the only 'oint where the Germans have a nance for an carly success. From III directions they are drawing in heir forces for this battle which 'ids fair to be the greatest of the var.