New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-31
Preserves in PrOfus-
ion; Know No Nu-
merical Superiority
"BRITAIN SENDING
FRANCE TODOOM"
Sees Republic Near Ex.
haustion "Rumania's
Reckoning Coming

Berlin, Oct. 80 (by wireless to Say
vile, N. Y.).-"Germany's enemies
shall never break through"
This is the keynote of an interview
given to-day by Field Marshal Won Hin
denburg, German Chief Of Staff, on his
first visit to Berlin since the begin
ming Of the war.
Germany has a profusion of re-
serves" he said, "and in Austria Hun
gary the reserves are by no means ex-
hausted. We know no numerical supe-
riority."
Line Will Hold Thirty Years
Germany's war hero expressed com
plete confidence in German arms wher-
ever they were engaged. He declared
that the front in the West stood "as
firm as a rock; that the Allies could
smash those lines in thirty years, "pro'
vided they have men enough" France
he asserted, was slowly wearing out.
For Rumania, the field marshal said
"the day Of reckoning is coming.
Everywhere" he added, "the situs'
tion is as good as possible"
The duration of the war, declared
the field marshal, depended on Ger
many's enemies. 1t was possible, he
added, that 1917 would bring decisive
battles.
General Won Ludendorf, first quar-.
termaster general, was present. He
made similar declarations Of Germany's
intentions and prospects. Peace, vor
Ludendorf asserted, was not to be
thought Of yet. The Central Powers
were determined 10 fight the war to q
final decision. "No way but war leads
TO peace" declared General Won Luden.
dorf
British Sacrificing France
With respect to the situation in the
West Field Marshal Won Hindenburg
said:
"The French show great tenacity, but
they are exterminating lives by their
method of fighting. All their tenacity
will be of no avail for in the end there
will be none Of them left. This fate OF
the French nation is owing above all
else to the British. If the British ask
next spring for one more offensive cam
paign they will rob France of the re-
mainder of her army and her national
strength"
The correspondent asked whether. in
the opinion Of the Chief Of Staff, the
termination of the war was only possi-
BILE in the east.
people don't know what nonsense
they talk" Hindenburg replied. zone
does O. great injustice to an army COM
mander by attributing to him a pro-
gramme. Ne certainly has in his head
a plan of war, general view of war.
But there is no prepared programme,
except that one-to gain victory. Where
and how that shall be done can only
be decided each moment anew on the
basis of events. Therefore a decision
can be looked for as we'll in the east
as in the west.
Will Not Shorten Front
at is nonsense if they tell you that
I intend to shorten my front in the
west. never thought of it. Why
should I do it? The front in the west
stands as firm as a rock, and il our
enemies, by gigantic use of artillery
here and there, gain little terrain,
they shall never break through. In
order to do this they would still have
to attack for thirty years, provided
they had enough men,
Speaking of the situation in the East
Hindenburg said:
"The Transylvanian situation is ex'
cellent. The Rumanians are in retreat
and the day of reckoning is coming.
welcomed their entrance into the wal
with JOY. BY 1t we got out OF the
trenches.
"The Russian masses are already be
coming exhausted. The Russian army
commanders have themselves to blame
for that. There is no doubt also that
new masses will grow up in Russia
Rut that makes no difference. We, too
have enough men. We never were
afraid of the Russian numerical
strength"
Will Command Fate
General Won Ludendorf, taking up the
suhiect. said: Numerical superiority
and danger exist only for the weak
Who objects against fate ought better
to object against himself. A hrm will
commands fate. There is no blind
fate"
Won Hindenburg hen'continued:
"The new Russian armies are as good
and as bad as the former. The main
ouaIitv of the Russian soldier Is bind
obedience. He makes no progress OF O
military kind; oply the Russian artii'
lery has become more eficIent' on &C,
count of instruction by French and
Jananese officers, who partly command
But our artillery remains superior;
'During certain period the Rus'