Der Deutsche correspondent. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1841-1918, 1916-08-14

AAOIlNN ANIAlNOI IIDHlLs
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When on July /, the Anglo-French
offensive on the Somme in Northern
France was inaugurated by terrif-
fic bombardement of the German
trenches with heavy artillery and it
was proclaimed to the world that at
last the Great Drive" had started
which would drive the German army
out Of France and Belgium, the
German Correspondent said, if the
Allies should feel that they cannot
accomplish their object without
sacrificing hundreds Of thousands
or probably millions of their men,
tho world would soon hear that the
offensive on the Somme was not the
Great Drive" at all but simply a
"feeler". What we predicted six
weeks ago has actually come true.
Reports from Paris and London now
indicate that the present offensive
of the Allies is not the long dis
cussed and awaited Drive. Accord
ing to these reports the fighting on
the Somme is simply feeling out
process" designed to test the ability
Of Germany to stand up under the
strain of the blockade. Paris and
London claim to have knowledge
that the copper shortage in Ger
many has forced the army to use
steel instead of copper in the bands
for shells and in the manufacture of
heavy guns. The result, it is said, is
an impairment of the endurance
quality Of the German guns by two
thirds. Thus, it is figured, that by
the spring of 1917 the blockade will
have weakened Germany to a point
where resistance will be less formid-
able.
The copper shortage" of which
London and Paris speak exists in
their imagination. AS has been
stated time and again, Germany
has copper wire and copper roofs
which can be replaced by steel wire
and roofs Of other material to such
an extent that for years to come the
supply will last. In addition the
Central Powers have the copper
mines in Servia and in Asia Minor,
which belong to the richest mines Of
that class in Europe and Asia. And
furthermore are the Germans and
Austrians working their own copper
mines to the fullest capacity.
II the strain of the blockade" is
the Allies only hope for crushing
Germany they are hoping in vain.
Their present feeling out process"
has convinced them, the same as the
feeling out process" in September
1915 did, that with military power
they cannot drive the Germans out Of
France and Belgium. And il they
cannot do it now, they never will be
able to do II in the future. Be
cause Germany's resisting power will
not diminish. So far as human
reserves are concerned, the empires
needs are fully covered for a war OF
indeterminate length.
More than 100000 new troops
are constantly In training in the
barracks throughout Germany The
young men Of the 1917 class, which,
according to advanced mastering, is
expected to yield close to 100000
high standard troops, have not yet
been called to the colors. and it Is
said that there is no possibility Of
their being mustered In before 1917
as would be the case in peace times.
or the 1916 class only GO per cent
so far have been called to the colors.
In addition to these, more than
100000 able-bodied men between
the ages of / 8 and A 5 can be thrown
in the field While they have been
mustered and found physically fit,
they have not yet been called to the
colors. With the age limit for active
service now raised from As to so
years, it is estimated that over A
100000 men between 8 and SO are
still in reserve and available.
Germany cannot be conquered for
want Of food. Germany cannot be
conquered for want of copper or any
other material essential to warfare.
And Germany cannot be conquered
for want OF fighting men.
What, therefore, is the use of
continuing the slaughter? The ans
wer seems to be, Great Britain
meanwhile wants to secure for her.
self control of the entire world trade.