New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-01
FRENCH PREPARED
FOR WIDER ATTACK
Confined from page !

bility gives them big advantage over
the heavier Krypns, but in country
such az Vcrdun. after the first often
sivc. they can he moved forward only
with the greatest Labor.
Nothing has happened 20 far 20 shake
the confidence in the French 75's, which
are admirably fulfilling the demands
made upon them. Germany has
launched nothing but new form Of
frightfulness and rs satisfied 10 slop
their way along. while the French are
willing 10 give way whenever they con-
slider the time ripe 20 reap a harves,
Of dead Germans.
Reports from Holland indicate tina.
the German peoples JOY over the gains
is greatly tempered by the news Of the
price they have had to pay. as train
load after trainload of wounded ia
brought into every town or city Of
Western Germany.
Every hour brings fresh news Of the
horror of the battlefield and the heroic
attack and gallant stand. The losses
on both sides are extremely heavy. bu,
all reports show that Germany has
been infinitely the greater sufferer.
Lord Sydenham to-day told The
Tribune: "Skoda has been working
practically exclusively IN Germany
since the outbreak Of the war, his
howitzers playing a great part IN the
BON bardmcnt of Liege. ! fully expect
that the Germans arc using a great
number of his 12-inch field guns at
Verdun, but | doubt much whether
they have sprung new gun on us, al
though they have had plenty Of time
10 do so if they wished 70.
"But the modern artilleryman is
pretty we'll satisfied with the present
development Of guns, which are now
able 70 do practically all that Is asked
Of them. When the full story of the
battle is told ] expect to find that the
German artillery successes were due
rather TO an enormous concentration OF
guns than the employment OF any ne"
or deadlicr type.
Even then the French guns. although
having no target like DOuaumont, have
done even greater execution than the
German. So far nothing has occurred
20 show that the French seventy-iivc Is
not still the best gun known
Speaking of the general effect Of the
battle. Lord Sydenham said: Even q
partial failure is bound to be "a great
disaster for Germany. The present
drive seems TO be undertaken. first, to
onhearten the country; secondly, to i'm
/ press neutrals.
"Thc terrific losses OF the Germans,
/ including the cutting up Of the famous
F Brandenburgcrs, must inevitably defeat
the first object. Certainly II wont
make the masses in Germany, who are
/ now known as beginning 10 suffer ter
ribly, any more cheerful.
"Anything but an entire success is
likely TO induce Rumania or Greece 20
take the Entente side. Because Of this
we are bound 20 expect that, now the
attack has started, the Germa, will
continue with unbounded frenzy, not
only az Nerdun. but at several other
parts Of the 500-mie front.
"What astonshcs an old soldier il
that no counter movement seems 70 be
taking place on other parts Of the
front. The rest OF the lines seem 20
be standing still and applauding the
combatants IN the main arena, when
one naturally expected, anyhow, a tire
mcndous artillery attack
TO indicate what the feeling here Is
the following extract from west
Minister Gazette" editorial ~ typical:
"No temporary success on the Yer
dun or any other sector Will shake the
resolution of the Allies TO stand to
gcther and TO stand firm until the fury
Of these attacks has worn itself out.
We are unfortunately unable 10 stand
shoulder 20 shoulder with our allies
in the defence Of their line. but there
are other things We can do 10 bring
them comfort and support, and they
may be assured that no demand on us
will 90 unanswered. Germany IL stak-
ing all on forcing a conclusion before
the new Russian armies get 10 work
and simultaneous attacks can be dcliv-
cred By the Allies on all the fronts.