New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-16
Gear Predicts Disaster
For Foes in Balkans
Tells Admiral du Founet That Change in Rumanan Situa
ton Is Near--Germans Worn Out by Russia
To Be Crushed by France

less ready. not less brave. II will be TO
the eternal glory OF the French army
to have overthrow on it's own soil the
German beast
"The indications have brought back
from the Eastern front are of a nature
to show that in the future. though it is
still clouded. there are comforting per-
spectives for public opinion, still af-
fected by the misfortunes OF Rumania
and a prey TO anXieties inspired by the
military situation in the Balkans.
Rumania Upset Plans
Russia had grave doubts about the
sdvisability of Rumania entering the
war. So long as Rumsnia was neutral
The Russian army supporting Brusssi-
lofts offensive had its flank protected
By Wallachia and Moldsvia and its rear
covered by Dobrudja. On the other
hand, the Russians thought that if Ru-
mania interviewed she would remain on
the defensive in Pennsylvania and at
tack Bulgaria, whose army was held
before Salonica.
Russia thought that this would give
her time for necessary change OF
front TO cover and support a Rumanian
offensive against Bulgaria before Ger
man reserves could be brought up
This was also the plan of General
Averesco. but unfortunately other
views prevailed and the Rumanisns
hrst offensive was against Transylvanis
/ instead Of Bulgaria.
Nearly the entire Rumanian army
attacked Pennsylvania, turning it's back
on the principal enemy and weakening
ltself by every mile Of advance into
hungary which enlarged the front
Then the Rumanians encountered the
German reinforcements hurrying 10 the
1 defence of their ally. Ferdinand's
forces we're thrown back across the
frontier. losing most of their artillery
and nearly one-third Of their electives
Bucharest's Capture Easy
Meantime .hc Bulgarians. cleverly
taxing advantage Of the opportunity
lnV@ded The Dobrudia and. easily cross.
ing the Danube-which was guarded
on front Of several hundred miles BIZ
but single division OF Rumaniar
mil marched on Bucharest.
nder the conditions the capture
o. Bucharest and the conquest Of the
most Of Rumania were inevitable. The
Russian army. surprised by the quick
reverse of the Rumanians. left of the
( Brusslloh offensive TO send reinforce.
| ments TO Rumania. These we're Sc
placed. however. that they could not
I cover their own flank IN Wsllachia MOI
inc rear IN Dobrudja fast enough Il
stop the advance OF the Germans.
III was only OF the Sereth that tho
Russians could deploy the first corn,
OF Sakharof 10 arrive. supported bS
several good Rumanian divisions. Re.
distance on this front and the support
ing points behind il, coupled with the
arrival Of a number OF reinforcements
allow IT to he hoped that the worst IS
nov over.
Gar Assures French
The Car himself gave me these as.
surances in telling me that in a few
weeks the situation in the Balkans
would begin 10 change. A few days
after the Gar told ne this he issued a
war 70 the knife. And immediately
after that the Russian offensive in the
Riga district began.
There is no reason 10 doubt the
firm purpose that snimates the Car and
General Gourko, his new chief Of staff
who is one OF the best qualified men in
the Russian army.
. Going through Rumanis, which
covered by automobile, | found all the
roads filed with soldiers. finely
equipped. in excellent physical condi-
tou and in high good humor. Their
discipline was perfect.
40 get a proper understanding o.
the difficulty the Russians had in bring
ing I'D reinforcements it must be re-
membered that they had At their COM
msnd only single railroad and a sin
gle practicable wagon road. The in
fsntry had to march the full distance
in order TO let the artillery use the
railroad"