Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-09-06
The War Situation.

Reports regarding the relative posi-
tions Of the German and allied forces
in France are somewhat conflicting, SO
that 1t Is impossible to form an esti-
mate of the progress Of the campaign
In that region. The unofficial state
ments that the Germans had retired to
st. Quentin appear to be at variance
with later dispatches from English and
French sourceG which suggest that the
Germans have reached positions both
east and west Of Paris and that the
attempt to outflank the allies on their
left has failed This would indicate
that the allied armies have withdrawn
somewhat to the east. leaving an open
ing between them and Paris. 1t was
thought that they would endeavor to
retire SO as to bring their left to bear
upon the outer defenses of Paris, In
which case the Germans would be COM
PEELED to detour around the city to
give them direct battle and thus thin
or open their lines. II the allied line
has been drawn to the east. leaving
Paris out of touch. 1t must mean that
1t is the Anglo French design at pres
ent to concentrate for a sitter re-
sistance to the Germans while they
are battering at Paris. There Is no
direct relationship between the defense
of Paris and the field operations of
the allied force. the latter remaining
the chief objective Of the Germans,
who, in order to win the western CAIN
paign. must crush these organized
forces in order to be able to turn to
meet the advancing Russians In the
east
Tho Russian victory over tho Aus
TRANS in Galicia grows with addt-
tional reports, and with the later an
nouncement that an Austrian army has
been surrounded at Lublin. In Poland,
a German relieving force arriving too
late, it would seem probable that a
fresh disaster to Germany's ally is i'm
pending. The Importance Of these
maneuvers In the southern portion of
the field Of Russian operations cannot
be overestimated. They signify that
the Austrian force is not dependable,
whether on account Of quality OF sol
diership or weakness Of numbers re-
mains for disclosure. At the present
rate Of success Russia will soon be
general westward movement. without
AScA Va AAAuNLA6 Sp0A atibuS AgVlu IIlo
south. Tho menace to Berlin IL plain,
and II 10 altogether likely that, as the
dispatches from London. bringing con-
tinental news by way Of Amsterdam,
assert. heavy drafts have been made
upon the German armies located in the
western field to resist the Russian
pressure. 1t Is variously stated that
these detachments have gone from Al
SAGE and Lorraine and from Belgium.
factor to DO borne In mind in cousid-
erins the state Of the general campaign
Is that England at this time possesses a
large reserve strength which has not yet
been called upon for actual service.
This consists of the volunteers, who are
now enlisting at an increased rate since
Prime Minister Asquith appealed to the
people to appreciate the nations need
and to meet Lord Kitchener's requisition
for half a million men. From the colo
MES. too. detachments Of considerable size
are certain to be received In season for
active work In the field. France IL now
drawing upon her last reserves, and Ger
many and Austria, It is believed. have
put practically all available men save
the final line under arms for immediate
service. This English reserve. regardless
Of the virtually unknown resources of
Russia. must tell heavily IA the later
stages Of the war.