The Republican journal., 1914-11-05
THE WAR NEWS.

The advent of Turkey in the European war
as an ally of Germany promises further COM
plications, the extent and nature of which
cannot now be foreseen. That it must pro-
long the struggle and increase the slaughter
now going on is evident. That it must bring
other countries into the conflict also seems
assured. Portugal. Roumania, Bulgaria, Greece
and Italy can hardly maintain their neutrality,
but must eventually declare for one side or
the other. we'll informed writer in the Ban
gor Commercial says:
Turkey is not going to war without some
thing more in the wind than has SO far ap.
peared. The talk of Holy War of Moslem
against Christian has for years been the Black
Beast whose shadow has been cast across
Europe. The possibility of such an outbreak
is now increased almost to probability.
Of the result no man can predict. The Mos
lem hurdles are millions. Every man is re-
ligious fanatic, sure of the seventh heaven if
he dies in battle In comparison to his charges
German recklessness of advance is nothing.
1t would be humanity en- masse pitted against
modern instruments of destruction. The hor-
rors of war which we have seen in Europe
would be nothing to the atrocities COM
mitted in such a struggle.
If Turkey should rouse this monster one
the awful possibilities, at the spectacle of a
Turkish alliance with the Kaiser (und Gott)
agai nst the Christian world.
One prediction is that Turkeys action
means, probably, an extension of hostilities to
large areas in Africa and Asia and general
Balkan conflict.
The fighting in Flanders continues without
decisive results and the Germans no nearer
the goal. In the east the enemy continues to
fall back before the Russians.
Tuesdays papers brought the news that the
Grand Vizier of Turkey has apologized in be-
half of his government for the warlke opera
tons of the Turkish fleet under German COM
manders in the Black Sea, but it was further
stated authoritatively that the Porte will
have to go very much farther than this
before the Powers of the Triple Entente will
agree to resume friendly relations with the
Ottoman government. This apology is said to
come from the peace party and may not be ad
hered to by Enver Pasha, the minister of war,
and his Young Turk followers. France, Russia
and Great Britain not only will demand repair
alton fot the warlike operations of the Turkish
fleet in the Black sea. but will insist that
Turkeys entire fleet. or at any rate the
cruisers Goeben, Breslau and Hamideh be put
out of commission until after the war. Turk
ey's neutrality being guaranteed in the mean
time. 1t is suggested also that demobiliza-
tion of the Turkish army would be demanded
which would mean that the troops which
have crossed the Egyptian frontier must be
withdrawn.
The backbone of the rebellion in South
Africa seems to the broken. Col. Maritz's army
in the northern Cape Province has been COM
pletely defeated. Several of the raiders and
most of their men have been captured. Gen.
Beyers is in flight and Gen. De. Wet has open
ed negotiations for surrender, it is said
Russia tells Turkey her apology is too late;
and this, with her war party at home and the
urging of Germany. will no doubt commit
Turkey to war that can only lead to her des-
truction.
Yesterday the situation in the north of
France was reported unchanged, and it was be-
lieved the erman army had abandoned its at
te mpt to reach Calais by way the Belgian coast
In naval battle off Chile German squadron
destr yed two British cruisers and third had
taken refuge in Corone Harbor. Servia has
severed relations with Turkey.