Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-28
FRANCE IS STR0NG
T|LLFOR BATTLE
Enters Fourth Year of Con-
fIict With Financial Re-
sources Unexhausted.
RIB0T Halls U. S. ENTRY

PARIS. July 2s.-The military eitua-
ton Of the entente allies on the western
front at the end of the third year is
regarded by competent authorities here
as actually better than it was a year
ago and enormously better prospective
ly by reason Of the Intervention of the
United States The big change in the
relative position OF the allies was
brought about by the evacuation of a
part of France by the Germans This
retirement, which was announced in
Germany as strategical retirement.
made with the object Of attaining a
superior fighting position. has turned
out to have been simply a retreat so
that the German lines might be short
ened and held by fewer divisions
Wherever the lines have moved on
the west they have moved toward Ger
many. The allies measure their sue
cess not by the ground gained, but by
the fact that the Germans have had to
endure shock after shock and in doing
so have lost.
German Reserves Diminish.
The German reserves. in the belief OF
French authorities, have diminished
during the year by about 1900, 900, or at
an average rate of 100, 900 a month. The
German wastage during April. May and
June is placed at upward of 100000
month, the casualties rising during
May. according to German admissions,
to 10000, not counting those slightly
wounded, who may be able to return to
service.
The situation on the Russian front
Is cause of deep concern, but it is not
regarded here as possible for Germany
to spare many more troops from the
eastern front for action on the western
front than already have been brought
IN H. kHA
der the worst possible circumstances
the fighting power of Germany cannot
be greatly increased on this front.
France and Great Britain count upon
the American army to be In operation
under more favorable circumstances
than in any spring since the war be-
gan. The British army in France is
delivering powerful blows, which can
be maintained indefinitely.
France Calmly Confident.
France begins the fourth year of the
war in calm confidence and determination,
expressed today by Premier Alexandra F.
Ribot in these words:
Until the people with whom we are
at war finally awaken and free them
selves from the detestable regime that
Expresses them. nothing will stop the
allies in their effort that will bring
umph of their arms"
At the request of the Associated
Press. the premier wrote:
The entry of the United States into
the conflict that Is pending in the
world was the capital event of the
third year of the war. It was well
coined with enthusiasm by the allied
peoples. They know what may be the
effort OF the American soldiers who
have come to tight by their side.
Resounded Throughout World.
THAT event resounded nightly
throughout the entire world. Certain
Latin American states where France
received touching marks of sympathy
on the day Of her national fete already
have shown, by breaking OF relations
with Germany. that they had a clear
vision of the Germanic peril.
Greece. wrenched from the intrigues
Of foreign faction. is preparing to
send fresh contingents to fight with US
on the Macedonian front The cause of
national liberty In all countries is ind
ing more ardent advocates who are
heard with increasing attention.
The enemy. disappointed In his in
sensate nope OF stopping ocean naviga-
ton. disillusioned in his effort to sap
the courage Of the allies by false offers
OF peace. can do no more than to seek
to envelope the origins of his criminal
enterprise In a veil Of untruth.
May the peoples with whom We are
at war finally awaken and free them
selves from the detestable regime that
Expresses them. Until then nothing will
stop the allies in their effort that will
bring back peace to the world by tri
umph Of their arms"
French Finances Sound.
French finances have been unsbaken
by the war. in the opinion expressed
to the Associated Press by Charles Gid.
OF the University of Paris. an eminent
authority on economic questions, dis
cussins the outlook at the beginning of
the fourth year of the conflict.
France" said NJ. eide, has spent
about 70.0o0,0o0.000 francs on three
years OF military effort. Yet in the
thirty-sixth month of hostiiities the
French people are investing In short
term treasury bonds as freely as thew
were two years ago-that lis. at the