The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-07-28
THREEYEARs or WAR

" THREE YEARS OF WAR ,-".'
As the war enters upon its fourth
year, the United States shoulders a
portion of the load with the Alias.
The decentralization of Russia increas-
es this nations responsibility and un'
doubtedly will prolong the war kitch-
ener knew conditions when he said
the war would last at least three
years when hot heads about him were
predicting three months as the lie of
the struggle which now encircles the
globe. Each month neutral territory
is growing less and who knows but
that economic pressure if nothing
else will force more nations into the
conflict.
Military experts declare that the
third year ends with the advantage
on the side of the Entente. Entry of
the United States doubtless has tip
ped the scales in favor of the Allies
although it may be year or more
before the military weight of this ma
ton is felt on the west front.
But the conflict is far from won.
Germany is not beaten. France is
suffering severe losses in man power
and the submarine still keeps the
wolf at the door of the En-
tente. Russia is sadly distraught
between the royalists who are
admittedly pro-German and the revolu:
tionists who in turn are divided on
the war, some seeking peace and
others under the leadership of Ker-
ensky who realizes that a separate
peace at this time would mean
restoration of autocracy are heart
ann soul in the struggle.
But Germany cannot win despite
the victories of the first three years
She has been unable to consolidate
territory won. Her losses in men and
supplies have been greater during the
third year than at any other time.
Political conditions at home are far
from ideal although not as dangerous
to the perpetuation of the criminal
regime as some optimists would have
us think. There is however, a strong
ray Of hope that the German people
are realizing their Fpredicament and
slowly relinquishing the hope of Pan
Germanism and world dominance
which can never and must not be.
Second in Importance to the entry
of the United States is the addiction
of Contantine and the freeing of
Greece from Germanic intrigue. This
year should see developments in the
Balkans that will relieve the pressure
on the West front. The failure of
British diplomacy in the East during
the early months of the struggle and
the i'll fated Dardanelles campaign
should be wiped out this year by Cen
eral Sarrail.
Italy is an inigma in the war. The
geography of the country makes the
campaign against Austria a slight fac
tor in its general effect upon other
fronts. The labors of Hercules are
Insignificant in comparison to the en-.
cheering problems involved in the
drives toward Triest.
1t seems trite now to say that this
Is the greatest war in history. That
statement is mildly suggestive of the
conflicts proportions The Civil War
for instance was only one-twentieth
the size of this war in its first year.
Never did the men under arms in the
Civil War exceed 100000. Napol-
cons largest army was 100000.
In the battle of the Marine
alone 100000 men were engaged
and no one knows accurately to-
day how many men are under
arms. In fact the world is
vast military camp with it's teeming
millions under arms.
Despite congressional procrastina-
ton, the administration has been &C.
tive during the first three months of
this nations participation in the war
1t has taken US weeks to do what it
took England; n dire peril of its life,