Hopeful outlook

German attack weakening

Losses compared

Russian advance

The statement is made this morning that Dixmude has been retaken by the allies. The claim does not appear in the official reports although we are told that the enemy's attempt to cross the Yser canal at the western end of Dixmude and at other points was stopped.

What is perfectly clear from the Paris bulletin although the facts are not stated in so many words, is that the bulk of the offensive is that of the Germans but it meets with but a scant measure of success, the ground they gain is for the most part only held temporarily and that the allies, whenever favourable opportunity offers , push forward their position in some cases by only yards , in others more appreciably.

To hold the enemy is apparently regarded as sufficient for the time being and often times the suggestion is that the allies wish to keep him where he is until further preparations are complete.

How far this idea is correct only time will prove but certain it is that however heavy the losses inflicted upon us, the Germans are vastly greater and the desperate effort so long prolonged , must eventually exhaust itself.

British casualties at the end of October amounted to 57,000. We have incurred very heavy liabilities since then for we have borne the brunt of the fighting, frequently against heavy odds.

The Germans however have suffered more than any other army in the field and their total casualties cannot fall far short of a million and a half.

It should be remembered that on many occasions the English made marvellous use of the ground , in fact it is almost correct to say that the allies in the west have, excusing the brief period from the Marne to the Aisne, been on the defensive all the time, while the squandering of life on the German side has been appalling.

The present stage of the war cannot last indefinitely and the day is probably not too far distant when we may emulate the Germans in the use of our flags and church bells.

Details of the defeat of the Prussian Guard Corps by British troops were issued by the Press Bureau last night.

According to this the guards had been brought up specially to act against our men in order to force their way through at a point where a previous attempt made by infantry of the line had failed.

The weight of the enemy's advance enabled then to break through the British lines in three places only to be hurled back with immense loss.

The Germans are apparently making an effort to stem the Russian advance towards west Prussia. A new German offensive in the direction of Thorn is recorded in last nights official message from Petrograd.

Further south the Germans continue their retreat to Silesia. It is unofficially reported that the Germans have been badly defeated in the north of Kalish and have lost twelve big guns.

The German warships Leipzsig and Dresden are said to have arrived in Valparaiso, if this is so we may expect further news in a few days. Two raiding submarines in the Channel are said to have been accounted for , but there is no official confirmation.