Kaiser goes east

Great movements pending

German reinforcements hurried forward

Heavy fighting in the west

The Kaiser’s departure from Berlin for the east synchronises with important developments and changes in the situation in that portion of the theatre of war, with preparations for stupendous efforts to stem the Russian advance and break the Russian offensive.

So far as the enemy is concerned this is probably good strategy.

No general advance of the allies in the west he argues, can be attempted for some weeks by which time if his endeavour against the Russian forces succeeds, he will be better prepared for the allies in the west.

To the east, therefore, he is hurrying huge reinforcements. To do this he does not hesitate to draw from the western front. In East Prussia alone four new army corps have appeared. These are composed partly of Russian troops from the west partly of recruits and reserves.

How will the new effort be met? It is no part of Russia’s policy to deceive the world or mislead her own people and there is no hesitation as to the course to be adopted.

Thus it is, that, confronted with a radical and threatening change to the situation, the Russian military authorities frankly announces their intention to fall back at some portions of the front so that in their own territory and protected by their own fortresses they can carry out desirable re-arrangement and concentration.

Retirement is not a pleasant announcement to make but it is often as in this case, sound strategy and makes for ultimate peace. In Russia’s patience lies much of her strength, every days delay means additional help for the forward movement.

Sharp fighting There has again been sharp fighting in various parts of France and Belgium. In the Argonne, in the region of Bagatelle a general attack was made against the works of Marie Therese but after a fierce struggle lasting for several hours the enemy was driven back with severe loss.

On Nieuport and the banks of the Yser the German artillery has directed a heavy bombardment. According to an Amsterdam message the reply by the allies has been decidedly effective judging by the number of wounded arriving in Bruges.

Protests more or less friendly continue to be made respecting the brutal piracy by which the Germans blockade Great Britain. More effective than these protests we hope will be the means adopted by the blockaded to dispose of the pirate submarines. No qualms of false humanity should be allowed to preserve the inviolability of our shores. There should be short shrift for Jolly Roger barbs.