Hopeless struggle

German losses estimated at 100,000 a month

The Germans have discovered by this time that two can play at the bomb-dropping game.

One day last week the King of Belgium is reported to have had a narrow escape, bombs having been dropped in the garden of the villa where he had taken up his quarters.

A Rotterdam message now informs us that there was pronounced activity among English airmen.

It had been discovered that the headquarters of one of the German armies was at Thielt and with investigations leading to a more precise location the compliment paid to King Albert was returned in full.

Our message states that three German staff officers were killed and the alarm of the remainder may easily be imagined.

Apparently a very useful piece of work was accomplished, for although it is difficult to accustom ourselves to this type of warfare, reprisals are occasionally necessary and it is as well to give the enemy reminders of what we can do in this direction.

The news from the eastern frontier continues to be of a satisfactory character, including the statement that the Kaiser is with the forces which are attempting to break through the allied line near Ypres.

If the emperor is really on the spot it is further confirmation of the importance the enemy attach to the operations in this quarter and about as a good a guarantee as we can get of their failure.

So far nothing has happened to shake the confidence felt in the ultimate victory of the allies.

In yesterday afternoon’s report there was only one area where the invaders could claim a measure of success.

This was in the Dixmude and the Lys areas where the Huns succeeded in getting possession of part of a village, a joint tenancy in which it must end with one of the parties giving notice to quit.

Judging by the latest communique, it will be the Germans who will have to go, for the allies report progress in that particular locality and we have held all our other positions in Belgium.

Credit must be given to the Germans for the persistence of their efforts and the determination they display.

For some days past they have been busily engaged in testing our line, making attacks at various points along almost its entire length.

We are fighting a very resolute foe and the circumstances are such, defeat to them means so much, that we cannot expect them to give in for some time yet.

So far the violent offensive has done no more than to add to their heavy death roll as we continue to hold our positions and, at numerous points, to make headway.

This is disheartening to the foe and we may hope before long they will become convinced of the utter hopelessness of their position.

If the failure of their attacks does not bring home this fact to them then it may be left to the allies offensive to do so.

Generals Joffre and French know what they are about and it is rumoured that a most optimistic report has been sent to a very high personage in this country. There is nothing for us to worry about.