Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-10-27
An Incident Of War

Disappointing as is the defeat of the Italians on
the Isonzo front, il is merely an incident in the
great war; it cannot possibly save the Central
! Powers from complete defeat. "
The Italians have lost perhaps their bloodlest
battle, for the figures claimed by Germany-3OOOO
prisoners and 300 guns taken-indicate more sub
stantial victory for the Teutons than either OF the
other two important riumphs credited to Austrian
arms. -
Yet the Italian reverse cannot avert and can
scarcely delay the inevitable Teuton downfall.
BY far the most spectacular triumph of the Cen
trail Powers was the smashing of Rumania. 1t was
more spectacular than the defeat Of the Russians
because il can after many months of war and at a
time when many military critics supposed that Ger
many could not strike decisive blow. Germany
struck--struek with tremendous force and efec
I tiyeness. .=
Immediately profound feeling of disappoint
ment and Of uneasiness amounting almost to dis
J. encouragement, went like over the Central
Powers. Germany, supposed to be so hard pressed
that she could not muster armies for new Offens
i've, had in few weeks driven almost through Ru
mania, shattered fine army, gained rich spos of
victory. -...<.. Sa %-s# *~*s:s II
Yet what has the Rumanian conquest done per-.
manently to extrieate Germany from the plight in
(which Germany was placed when Won Kluck's army
was turned at the Marine and German strategy was
4 baked? We know now that the Rumanan victory,
spectacular though it was, figures merely as minor
incident in the great war; 1t will be referred to by
The war historians of the future as furious, des
perate, frenzied effort the part of Berlin strate
gists to bolster up failing cause.
The Italian defeat is another incident, Of even
: less Importance Italy has won far more from the
enemy than the enemy is now winning from her.
Undoubtedly this reverse will be setback to Italian
plans, and the large peace party which is allowed
to talk with remarkable freedom and -yehemence in
Italy will have new cause for mouthing, but Italy
will continue in her fight, "A separate peace now
Is impossible 1t will be discussed but it will not
come about for Italian craftsmanship is wiser than
that.
German generals must know that their blow at
Italy is not decsve military stroke. 1t was prob
ably not meant for that, butsto bolster ND their
weakening credit at home. Like rats in trap they
are rushing around the guarded circle seeking TO
escape here, there, at every opening. Their prom.
se of ending the war this year through the achieve
ments OF submarines has not been made good At
Berlin and Vienna there is one internal crisis after
another. Their peoples are not merely growing
weary of sacrifice, but are beginning to ask ques-
TONS
So the arrogant warlords, sensing intuitively the
coming storm when their tricked and tortured ma.
tons awake TO the truth, striving to lull the
people once again into confidence and into sacrifice
Perceying possible weakness on the Italian 'front.'
(. they have summoned numerous reinforcements and
offered up whole army divisions on the altar OF tenn
porary military gain.
The Austro German drive viii be stopped as
every such drive has been stopped. Meanwhile the
Allies will grow in supremacy of men and mate
rails, and through the winter, while Germany is
weakening, the iron ring will be inexoPabJy tioht.
ening.