Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-10-22
BY OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

- BY OLIVER OWEN KUHN.
Rays of sunshine are breaking through
the ominous clouds overhanging the Bal
kans. where week ago the very life OF
nation seemed to hang by a tiny thread.
The world has witnessed during the week
just. closed one Of the most dramatic
fights for existence that has been waged
during the present war-a fight in which
the Rupanians have turned back from
their doors at practically all points an
enemy bent on crushing out their very
existence, Ut has been a night to stir tho
blood of the least courageous, 1t has
been contest of far-reaching importance
to both the cause Of the entente and the
central powers. 1T has been conflict
highly significant
But even though the Germans at the
present juncture, be largely on the de-
fensive in the Transy lvanian regions.
vicious counter attacks registered by
the combined forces of Rumania and
Ru STA, the danger to King Ferdinanfs
realm. speaking from the standpoint Of
and months, has not been entirely re-
mgyed- Only time will prove conclusively
whether Teutdnic aspirations. in so far as
Rurnania is concerned. are to be ever
scotched. AT the moment Austro-German
CRIMES. on the eve Of advancing to points
where they would completely menace the
life of the Rumanian nation. were halted
with their goal in sight weeks-possibly
months-may elapse before the Germans
can hope to advance far from the
west into Rumania- And in this connec-
velopments either upon the Transylvaniaa
or Dobrudja fronts will entirely inf1u-
erre the final result, for such is not
the case. Activities in other arenas Of
N vxy0n
plexion of future events along the Ru-
manian battle lines.
In at least three different directions
Won Falkenhayn directed his German
is forces through
Tide of Battle dan gerous
Suddenly Changes. es and inx pass
Euniania several miles. He is declared
to have pushed his forces as far as
twelve miles into the interior of Ru-
mania after having crossed the Car
pathian mountains at the Guimes pass.
South of Kronstadt his forces smashed
their way on Rumanian soil toward
Clabucetol and TauruIui. and at oituz
pass substantial gains were made.
threatened the enemy. particularly that
into the Trotus valley. But as Won
Faikenhyn was on the eve Of over
whelming successes the Rumanian line
stihened. possibly due to the presence
of King Ferdinand at the battle front,
but 1t is more than likely that the vast
Russian achievements that were i'm
mediately dispatched to the Transyl-
vanlan front changed the tide. Ger
manic forces launched attack after at
tack to the east Of Tulghes. in the Bicaz
valley. along the River Alt in the gem
eral region Of Praedel. but they were
unable to advance farther. The Ruma-
mans and the Russians. on the other
hand. by stiff counter attacks, turned
the enemy backward and with the ex-
ception OF the Dobrudja region where
new and important battles have begun,
and near Guimes pass. Rumania. it may
be said. is practically clear of her enc
mics. And all this has been accom-
pIished within six-day period.
As has been stated, the situation at
the present moment is highly important
W h c n future
Germans Face operations are
Greater Difficulties. assa .n INTO con
mountain Businesses which the Germans
must now traverse will be more deter
minedly held than at any previous De-
riod because of the activities of the
Russians. Germany. if she succeeds
along the lines mapped out by the Ger
man general staff. must so rearrange
ner forces that tremendous weight will
be thrown against the foe at one or
two points. where such compact will
De irresistible. or she must attempt
through an offensive in the Dobrudja
region. to force Withdrawals of large
enemy forces from the Transylyanian
line. But here the question naturally
arises as to whether the German and
bulgarian forces in the Dobrudja
section are of sufficient strength to ef-
rect gains OF proportions justifying Ru-
manian Withdrawals from the TransyI-
vanian battle line. Since Rumania en-
tered the war the Russians have been
INTO this country and assembling them
for drive upon Constantinople 1t
might. in the first analysis, be assumed
that the allied forces in the Dobrudja
are sufficient to hold back the enemy,
and. in fact. large enough to press him
entirely out of Rumania when the hour
enough TO press him entirely out of Ru-
arrives to strike. but most recent Ger
man successes would seem to belle any
such surrnise. The Rumapians declare
that their left wing and center have
fallen back before the enemy, but on
the right the Germans have been held
Arm. The battle is declared to be still
aging. and in view of the important
hearing il may have on operations on
the Tansylyanian front the result is
watched with keenest interest.
-
But the big and significant feature
Of -the developments during the week
is the demon
Action Shows stration the
Au;.l rs:.; entente pow
ers a e
given of their thoroughly co-ordinated
scheme of military undertaking. Not
since the war started have they moved
with such dispatch and accomplished
ny much In such . short time rs during