Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-06-28
War Conditions.

Premier Lloyd George Of England has
announced that the next couple OF months
would be anxious ones. There might be a
great blow coming in the next few hours
and certainly in the next few days. and on
this blow the issue of the campaign might
depend. The entent allies. he said, never
felt better prepared to meet it.
Premier Lloyd George said the Austro-
Hunearians were in full retreat The ques-
ton now was. he added, whether they
would be able to effect retreat.
The Premier. who made his announce
ment in the House Of Commons, referred
to the amazing organization which was
bringing American troops to France.
Enough Americans, he added. have
arrived to satisfy the allies and to dsap-
point and ultimately defeat our foes"
1t was possible that within short time
the Premier said. the allies would be
stronger than Germany. The enemy, he
declared. had no further reserves to call
upon after another offensive except by a
drastic combins out Of the essential indus
tries which he already had started
Mr.. Lloyd George emphasized the diff
Guilty and almost impossbility of dealing
with Russia. with her many differing and
changing governments. He agreed, how
ever. that it would be to the interest Of the
British people and also just and equitable,
II Russia wanted it, that Great Britain
stand by Russia.
Confidence at Rome that the war may
be brought to victorious close this year,
II the allies give the Italians full meas
ure Of support in the offensive which has
been launched against the Austrians, is
reflected in official wireless dispatches re-
ceived from the Italian capital
Austria's disastrous repulse in its often
sive against the Italian front can hardly
fail to have most important consequences
Probably it marks the last effort of the
distracted Dual Monarchy to take an az
sressive part in the war. Threatened with
revolt at home. which may menace even
the existence Of the Hapsburg dynasty,
and compelled to give immediate heed to
the demands Of its starving population. it
is difficult to see how Austria can again
become a serious military factor. From
the very beginning Of the war she has suf-
fered the most humiliating reverses. Little
Servia whipped her to a standstill Russia
inflicted defeat after defeat upon her, and
made over million Of her soldiers prison.
ers Even Rumania was successful against
her until Germany sent Won Falkenhayn
and some German divisions to supply brains
and stamina to her armies. Italy was
beating her steadily backward until treach-
cry brought about the reverse on the lsonzo
With the morale Of her troops completely
restored. Italy may be able to repeat her
former successes and drive the invaders
from her soil. This latest victory is likely
to put the finishing touches to Austrian
decentralization.
Such an overwhelming defeat, in which
the Italians are said to have captured 50.-
600 prisoners and much war material, is
Of deep significance. because there is every
reason TO believe that Germany instigated
the Austrian offensive in the hope that it
might succeed in forcing Italy to accept
separate terms Of peace. II that could be
accomplished the Austrians would then be
diverted to the front in France, where they
would give Germany decided numerical
superiority over the allies. A vigorous
offensive could thus be resumed against
the allies in the hope Of achieving some
thing decisive before the rapidly arriving
American troops restored the balance be-
tween the two sides.
If these were really the plans Of the
Kaiser and his General Staff-and, of
course. they can only be coDjectured-it is
easy to see how completely they have been
disananeed by Austrias collapse. Instead
Of bringing new strength. the Dual Mon
archy has added to Germany's burden. A
powerful offensive becomes less likely. and
the Kaiser may soon be driven to take up
a defensive role.
II it shall prove that Austria's collapse
approaches in extent that which she suf-
fered two years ago before Russias on
slaughts, the effect upon the Dual Mon
archy's home policies may be far-reaching
A military reverse, added to an intolerable
state Of affairs as regards food and living
conditions, may bring about that political
disintegration which the world has looked
for SO long. but which has so far failed &c
materialize.