The Washington times., 1914-09-13
THE GREAT BATTLE.


in progress along the lines to the
east and northeast of Paris. 1t may
last for several days.
While Berlin sends practically no
news of the operations in the last
three days-that is, since the allies
have consistently claimed they were
gaining important advantages-the
French and British war Offices are
making public some statements of
the positions. which, if read care
fully with good map as guide,
are decidedly enlightening. Not
since the war began has either side
given out such satisfactory state
ments of the general situation. They
give for the first time an intelligent
bird's-eye view Of substantially The
whole field of operations.
The formidable German right car
ried on from the beginning the most
daring movement, that was included
ir the general staff's plan. To sue
ceed it was necessary that that
movement should eryelcp the allies
left before Paris should be reached;
and this did not happen. The allies
overmatched all expectations of the
Germans, for steadiness and
strength.
Sc when the left wing of the allies
had been forced back to the very
puI,ieus of Paris, and still no de-
cisive victory had been secured, the
first part Of the German program
had failed. The German right had
to choose whether it would make
one yet more audacious sweep to-
ward the west, and encircle Paris, or
whether it would turn directly
against the capitals Notifications
and attempt 20 nreak into the city
by assault. The first Of these plans
was too dangerous; it would have
split the Germln invading force in
two, abandoned all effort to keep
the segments in touch With each
other, and ris;sed the loss of COM
murications, and therefore supplies,
for the big western force.
To assault Paris would have been
folly; for it is now plain enough
that the hug siege guns on which
the Germans relied were not at the
front. Quick action was necessary,
for the constantly increasing forces
Of the allies were pressing harder
overy day, threatening to ta.:c the
offensive whenever there should be
hesitation on .hc German side.
So the German right was ordered
to fall back slowly. away from Paris.
That was { dangerous effort, because
& retreat in fnrce is most difficult
maneuver. Should it become too
animated a movement the retiring
force would be IN danger of Gcmor-
s.lization, Of being crowded away
IRON us lliItS VI SOliIiiluil'SdtiO''. anu
of being jammcd in back Of the ad-
vanced center IF the German line
farther east.
But the retirement was ordered,
End these very results are now
claimed by the allies to have fol-
lowed. The Germans tried to offset
the dangers by pressing harder than
ever their assaults on the allies
center; but they :ailcd here. as they
had previously failed on the allies
left, to smash through.
Meanwhile the retirement nt the
German right, under the terrific at
tack of the allies. seems to have
become progressively demoral'Zed.
Reports say tEat German prisoners
taken in this quarter were near s:ar-
walton, and that German ammunition
was exhausted in some parts IF the
line. In other words, cornmunica-
tions and supplies had failed ewing
to the too hasty retir ement.
Today's dispatches picture retire
ment, in increasing haste, rlong
nearly the whole German line.
Whether the exhausted allies can