New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-09-14
General Joffre's Successful Strategy

capscitv Of General Johre: THE strategical idea
conceived by the foresight of the commander III
chief and realized with so much GOODNESS OF
method and resolution has been followed during
the recent operations by impeccable tactics In
the enthusiasm following what General Johre mas
now pronounced IAN undeniabe victory for the
Allies some extravaganza Of euogy might nave
been expected from q grateful government bu'
NJ Poincares praise is not extravaganza, and there
fore all the more effective General Joffre has
faced critical situation calmly, inteligently ana
theoretically. The success that he has won has
been due to the exercise of the prime military
qualities Of self-control and patience.
Nothing can be more trying to general in CHIEF
IN the first stage Of a great war than to see MS
armies steadily yielding ground to the enemy
Even though he knows that he is not yet strong
enough to risk q critical engagement. the tempta-
ton is almost irresistible to try TO repel the FOE
instead of retreating before him. Popular criti-
cism and the panic of politicians are likely to
force him TO fight under adverse conditions, just
as in 1870 popular clamor and the interference OF
the Empress Regent Eugene compelled Marshal
NIacNahon to make the foolish demonstration
toward Metz which ended in the captuation at
Sedan.
General Joffre had to resist enormous pressure
when he decided, on account Of the incomplete
ness Of the French and British mobilization, to
make no serious resistance to the German adj
vance through Belgium, and even to retire before
Won Kuck's turning movement until the German
armies came within a days march of the FORTH
cations of Paris Although the government was
compelled to seek basty refuge in Bordeaux, he
adhered TO his plan Of fighting general battle
only when he had brought his armies up to their
full strength and had been put into a particularly
favorable position to strike by the failure Of Won
Kmck's attempt tc envelop the French left wing.
Then he exerted all his energy and beat back the
German armies OH the entire front from the
skirts Of Paris east TO verdun
In the Civil War General George H. Thomas
come near being removed from command because
he would not hurry himself in attacking Hoods
army around Nashville. But Thomas knew what
he was doing. He was strong on patience and
thoroughness, and when he got through with
Hoods army it was only memory. General Jof
fire. has shown the same admirable qualities of
restraint aud tenacity. He has also known exact
ly what he was doing, and even those who criti.
eico vrh no
running Northeastern France must now admit the
superiority of his judgment
The situation in Belgium was one that keenly
excited the worlds sympathy, and on sentimental
grounds France was expected to rush at once TO
the defence Of Brussels and Antwerp. Few
French troops were sent into Belgium and when
the Germans easily disposed of the Belgian army
it was charged that France and Great Britain
had failed to sustain an unfortunate ally But on
military grounds an attempt to defend Belgium
would have been glaring bunder. Those who
talked of fighting decisive battle at Waterloo
on the line Of the Dyle River or on the Mons
Charlero line did not realize that French strategy
required the playing Of a careful waiting game
until the advantages of early and rapid mobiliza.
lion on Germany's part could be neutralized That
sane was played out consistently by General
loire, who knew that the French army ought 10
light only on a fcid selected by itself and only
When it was entirely tit to fight. II it should
vim on that lcld the problem of the German oc.
cupaton of Belgium would settle itself
The other day we referred to the remarkable
torecas. of the course of the present campaign III
belgium ard France made in an article signed
~" in The Fortnghty Review for Septem-
Ter 1911 The writer predicted that Liege would
prove only temporary obstacle 10 the German
invasion and that Namur would fall more quickly
than Liege did The capture of these two fors-
resses. he said, would allow two additional Ger
man armies to advance through Southern Belgium
and Luxembourg. Continuing, he said:
Il is not easy 10 see how German success up to
that point can be prevented. and il is 10 be hoped
that France, in vain attempt 10 hinder what is prac
tcaly inevitable, may not squander her magnificent
oud phase Of the struggle the scale in her favor
70 obtain hcr primary detectives Germany is pre-
uareG to waste large number OF men, II the French
poGr over into belgium TO NEE. her halfway they
N''. ~ piayip$ her game and eQualilng the chance