The Washington times., 1914-09-06
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

The ogcrmastering strength OF
the German and the expected weak
ness of the Austrian war establish
ments have been clearly demonstrat-
ed in the first five weeks Of war,
Austria's effort to outiank the Rus
sian advance into Germany has re-
suited in a terrific blow to Austria,
Probably it is not the complete
wreck shat Russia would represent
it, but It is a tremendous defeat.
Achievement of that defeat by
Russia has, however, taken time.
The Russian invasion of Prussia re-
ceived a severe check at the hands
Of the Germans; then the Austrians
demanded attention; and between
the two the German campaign has
been able to make for more posi-
tive progress in the west than Ger
manv's enemies have made in the
east Germany is before Paris; Rus
sia is very long and tortuous way
from Berlin.
1t is reported that the Germans
are prepared to ignore the prize
of Paris, and to make destruction
of the allies army their first aim.
Thus the allies are placed in some
what the position that the Con-
! federacy was when Lee was forced
to give up Richmond and withdraw
his army. He did, indeed, get his
army safely outside. But it had lost
its base, it was compelled to live
off the country. and it was presently
compelled to surrender. Can the al
lies hope for muci1 better fate?
1t must be remembered that Lee
was fighting in an exhausted coun-
try; the allies are not. To the south
of Lee vas the great army of Shcr-
man, pressing on to join Grant.
Lee had behind him a government
that could provide no more men or
money or supplies. The allies have
behind them the resources of
France, the wealth of Britain, and
millions Of Russia's fighting men.
But these factors have not been
brought TO the fighting line in
France. Before they can lie placed
where Trey will count Germany
hopes to finish the campaign in
France with vast coup de force.
All the testimony is that, desTite
their losses. the Germans continue
able to bring forward new trcops to
meet every demand. to rccoup every
loss. Their millions already in the
field may yet he strengthened by
ether millions of the later reserves.
1t is still a game between the per-
feet machine ard the greater but un-
organized resources of the allies.
The German machine, despite all the
wonders it has performed, IS not yet
up 70 maximum strength; is not yet
even up to the point where its ratio
# effectiveness musE begin 20 in
crease more slowly than that of the
allies.
How long can Germany vet ccn-
tinue to oNermat"h every showing
Of numbers and strength that her
enemies can bring forward? That is
the question to-day.
Not Indefinitely; not for many
months. Eut within the period of
her capacity to do this. Germany is
entitled % go on gaining.
Can She win The war within this
period!
Thus far the rost frequently
voiced wonder of the allies soldiers
and officers has baen the scoring
reckle5sGcSs Of Germany about
losses, the apparently inexhaustibIe
numbers Of rc-enfcrcemcnts ready
to take thc places Of those lost. But
that cannot 90 on always. The Ger
mans know it cannot, 50 their every
effort is TO win before the tide
turns.
They haze not yet DESTROYED or
captured the army, or even an army,
of their .nemy. The Fabian policy
Of the allies has been successful; and
the next few days must show
whethe~ I decisive stand shall be
made before Paris, or whether the
allies viii continue their program Of
retiring and trying to wear down
the Germans. in anticipation Of the
time when the tide must begin to
slacken and at last tn ehh.
Kitchenrr's half million men are
Ering -aisei ard trained very f2st in
Great Brit1in. Arorhcr half r,illion
nav possiDlv be brought out from
Russia by the Archa1gcl route be-
fore ice shall close the Arctic ports
against this flow Of ;ne Sla"ic
stream toward the west. France has
called every man who is caparlc of
bearing arms. The drafts IN ulti-