Reprisals

A real blockade

The German rout

Thousands of prisoners

WORDS which are so closely related to deeds always command attention and it is the fact that the principle topic of conversation just now is not what is happening in the actual theatres of war put Mr Asquith’s placement in the House of Commons last night.

Briefly it was stated that soon the war will be costing us £2 million per day, but that the war will be continued until we have achieved three great objectives; the restitution of Belgium, the dissipation of the menace to the peace and security of France and the smashing of German militarism.

No doubts are entertained as to the victorious issue of the struggle and our reply to the alleged blockade of our coasts is a very real blockade of Germany with nothing allowed to go in or come out of that country.

Our new fighting forces are equal to the best troops that have ever taken to the field.

Mr Asquith’s speech was marked by a lucidity and note of confidence and it received full endorsement and support from the other side of the house.

The British and French Governments will hold themselves free to detain and take into port ships carrying goods of presumed enemy destination, ownership or origin.

The opinion is now gaining ground that Germany’s outcry as to shortage of certain foodstuffs is not all bluff and that despite a calculated silence on the point, there is a shortage in copper and shortages in the manufacture of explosives and projectiles.

That Germany is becoming increasingly anxious was shown in certain telegrams which showed a change in the tone of their Press.

Telegrams to hand this morning further corroborate the story of Von Hindenburg’s discomfiture.

The retreat at several points has certainly degenerated into a rout and may yet end in disaster greater than any so far recorded in the war.

In the west, to which all eyes will soon be turned, there have been recurrences of German activity at points where serious danger has been recognised.

Our brave Frenchmen have been equal to every emergency however. German official statements are either ominously brief or ominously verbose.

In the near east bad weather has hindered operations in the Dardanelles but they will be resumed immediately the conditions improve.

Another fortnight should see the culminating operation in sight.

An interesting piece of news comes from Marseilles, Italian shipowners have purchased a number of large sailing vessels there.

There are speculations as to the use those ships are to be put.