Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-04-05
EXPECTED ALLIES DRIVE
Baltimore !American)

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Movements in Holland indicate that
the government of that country Is
looking for the storm upon the west
before great while. The expected
drive of the Allies, which, it is be-
lieved, was all prepared for in the
recent conference at Paris of the rep
resentatives Of the Entente Powers,
may involve Holland. 1t will place
that country in a position that at
best can be styled exceedingly UNI
comfortable. The London dispatches
indicate that Germany is spreading
disquiet in Holland, based upon ru-
mors that the Allies intend to violate
its neutrality. This may be done as
excuse for the stimulated activity OF
the Germans upon the Holland bor-
der. Holland may thus be made the
Greece of the west side, without the
!double-dealing of Greece. 1t is not
believed that Holland would willingly
enter into the war, despite the fact
that its sympathies and interests SO
strongly lean toward the cause Of the
Allies. But when the full storm
breaks Holland may be borne before
it's might. Wisely anticipating Sc
rous hamperings of its freedom OF ac-
ton and commerce, it is now making
large purchases of wheat IN the
United States for its depleted reserve
and showing many signs of prepare
ton either for military activity or
the Incidents of such. as they may
affect its neutral relations. Sweden
is growing ever more sensitive over
British interference with its mails and
with its commerce. Sweden may be
brought into the war by the issues of
the spring campaign.
The Allies evidently have we'll
prepared campaign of offensive ac-
ton planned for the time that shall
be regarded as opportune. This may
account for the comparative COM
placency with which the French are
observing the intense action OF the
( Germans in their assault upon YER
dun and the gradual eating away OK
the line bv the resourceful foe. Inc
fall of Verdun appears in fact only
matter of sufficient time. But Ger
many is wearing away its resources
Of men and money and munitions. II
! is dccimatng its ranks and reducing
its strength. When the progress has
been carried on far enough, it is be-
;cyed that the Allies will begin
/ countcr-offcnsi that will witness
scale of action beyond anything yet
produced by this tremendous war
Germany has sent all her available
/ troops in Belgium to the fighting Inc
II is q safe hazard that the issue OF
the victory in the war will be fought
/ out this spring upon the west sldc'
Not absolutely, perhaps, Tor IN case
the Allies shall fail to worst their
foe, the war would continue, but 1or
Germany to be beaten would mean
calamity for the Tcuton.
The countries fighting in the En-
.cntc NUMBER in populations seVcrai
times greater than are found in the
i countries fighting upon the side oil
tho Central Powers. Thus in wear
ing war, the Tcutons would inevita-
bly, have to succumb. Thcy-cannot al
ford to have the war wear on, ana
hence their earnest, fcvcrish and he
roic conduct of the actions they I'M
dcrLakc. Hence their indispositlon u
| yield at any point. either i'll The mat
ter Of air raids directed against tht
military works Of English cities or II
the matter of the use Of submarines
for the destruction Of enemy com
5 mercc. They feel that they cannot
t give up any agency whatever. a:
.Ithcy are not by nature aTcrucl people
, and certainly have held the torch o.
r civilization as high as any other. i
,u'rst be assumed tl.sL tlia fear 81 ls