GERMAN CHECK TO RUSSIA

The ultimate outcome of the Russian offensive movement now depends, not upon the operations of the Austrians, but upon events in the north. For a week the Germans under Field Marshal von Hindenburg and Gens. Linsingen and von Bothmer have been engaged with the Russians. These commanders have been feeling out the strength of the opposing forces. The actions fought show that the Russians' movements against the Germans, far from being a feint designed to confuse the German strategists, was a bona-fide attempt to launch against the Germans north of Lutsk the successful offensive which has netted the capture of Czernowitz and a large number of prisoners the exact number does not appear to be determinable-to the invaders.

This attempt, in the light of the most recent official bulletins from Petrograd, does not appear to be proving successful. On the road to Kovel, the key point of communication between the German and Austrian forces, the Russians have not only failed to make any progress, but they actually have been forced back by the German counter-attacks. At other points the Germans are demonstrating their ability to hold the Russians in check.

Even in the southernmost region of the operations, where the Austrians were caught by one of the great surprises of this war of surprises, the progress of the Russians is much slower than it was at the beginning of last week. This fact is expressly admitted by the War Office in Petrograd.

In view of these military facts,

the operations as a whole have not reached a stage that would justify some of the extravagant unofficial claims emanating from Petrograd. A strong German offensive, which does not appear at all improbable, would menace the Russian right flank and duplicate the strategic situation which last year compelled the Russians to withdraw rapidly from Galicia after they had advanced to the Carpathians.-June 21, 1916.

THE MAGYARS

The Magyars or Hungarians have performed two notable services in western civilization. Coming from Asia, they first acted as a buffer against the onslaughts of the Turk. In the last half century they have served as a wedge between the Russian Slavs and the Slavic races on the Balkan peninsula-Serbs, Bulgarians, Montenegrins and the Slavonic elements in the southern part of the Austrian empire, such as Dalmatia and Croatia. The Magyar wedge was the physical hindrance to the realization of PanSlavism, the movement to Russianize Europe east of the Adriatic.

Without understanding this no one can realize what it means in Petrograd to read that the Russian army is at the Carpathian passes looking down upon the plains of Hungary. It means the open road to Constantinople. It means the inevitable dominance of Russian civilization in Europe.

Whatever our sympathies may be in the world war, civilized neutral nations cannot but hope that the Magyar dam will hold, as it has held in the past.-July 21, 1916.

HINDENBURG

There is magic in the name of Hindenburg. Germany, confronting a complication of her military problem by the latest developments in the Balkans, has received with an impressive demonstration of enthusiasm his appointment as chief of

staff.

The rugged, powerful personality of Hindenburg appeals mightily to the imagination of his countrymen.

His great feat in pounding the Russians out of East Prussia and all the made him a tradition of military way back to the Dvina has already force and thoroughness.

In the Napoleonic war the whisper "The emperor is here!" many a time sent an electric thrill through the French armies facing decisive battles. The German nation has responded in similar manner to the name of Hindenburg. - Aug. 31, 1916.

ITALY AND THE ENTENTE

Whatever doubt may have existed about the future course of Italy as a member of the quadruple entente has been dissipated by the reiteration of all the powers included in that grouping of their purpose to maintain their common military action to the end of the struggle. The value of Italy's continued adherence to the purposes of the alliance is somewhat modified, however, by the previous declaration by Baron Sonnino, Italian minister of foreign affairs, that Italy will confine her participation in the Balkan campaign to furnishing supplies to the hard-pressed Serbians. This resolution is evidently the principle upon which the supplemental agreement among the members of the quadruple entente is based.

The presence of a considerable number of Italian troops in the Balkans, or their participation in any operations outside of the zone already occupied by Italy in Albania, would offer so many hazards to the entente that it is unlikely that Great Britain and France could consent to the reinforcement of their Balkan armies by an Italian contingent.

To begin with, the appearance of an Italian army in the vicinity of the frontiers of Greece would create a strong revulsion of feeling against the entente at Athens. The interests of Greece and Italy are

diametrically opposed, as both Italy and Greece aspire to territorial accessions in Asia Minor and Albania, and it is believed at Athens that Italy has received substantial assurances from Great Britain, France and Russia of acquisitions to which Greece considers herself entitled.

To Serbia, even in her present plight, the pretensions of Italy also present an element of peril from the Serbian point of view. Servia lays claim to the northern part of Albania, of whose independence Italy has constituted herself the special guardian. Baron Sonnino's pledge of aid to Serbia (in the form of supplies) was coupled with the announcement that the integrity and the independence of Albania are vital features of Italian policy in the near east.

As between the prospect of alienating Greece and confronting Serbia with a new cause for apprehension, Great Britain, France and Russia have chosen a compromise course by dispensing with the direct aid of Italy in their Balkan campaignfor the present at least. What path they would pursue in the event of the decision by Greece to join the central powers is another question. -Dec. 7, 1915.

THE ITALIAN SUCCESSES

These are stirring times in Rome. The exultant cry of "Italia Irreden

ta!" is heard in the streets. There is some justification for the popular enthusiasm. For the first time since

her entrance into the war, Italy is accomplishing quick results. Gorizia has fallen to the valor of the Italian troops. The success has been purchased at an admittedly high price. And it has been made possible by the weakening of the Austrian lines, due to the withdrawal of a large part of the Austrian troops for the defense of Hungary from the Russian menace. The Italians are fighting well under the circumstances. It is too early to say, however, that the taking of Gorizia furnishes any guarantee for further achievements on the same scale, or to predict the complete invasion of that part of Austria which the Italians claim, although it is inhabited largely by Slavic peoples.

The results of wars, even of successful wars, are not always logical. Fifty years ago to-day the Italian commander-in-chief was glad to sign an armistice with Austria in the war of 1866. In that conflict Italy was crushed on land and on the sea by Austria. The Italian army was defeated at Custozza.

The god of battle frowned upon the Italian fleet at Lissa. It seemed that Italy would come out of the war a loser territorially.

But Austria at that time, as now, was fighting a foe far more powerful than Italy. Prussia had dealt telling blows at the Austrian armies in the battles of Sadowa and of Prague. Accordingly, Prussia dominated the peace conference of Presburg, and it was at Prussia's insistence that Italy, the defeated, obtained the province of Venetia.August 11, 1916.

ITALY

Italy's declaration of war against Germany is largely a technicality. It merely imparts a legal status to a military act already accomplished

the appearance of Italian troops against the Germans in Macedonia. It probably does not foreshadow any

material addition to the enemies with whom Germany is now dealing on various fronts. Outside of the part which she is playing in the Balkans-and it may be assumed to be a modest part-Italy cannot divert her activities from the Austrian border to any great extent. She needs all her available men on the front where she has been hammering away at Austria for fifteen months with results which are accurately described in Berlin and at Vienna as insignificant.

Italy,

In a military sense Italy's break with Germany is an incident. In an economic sense it is an event. Italy, like Roumania, has been largely financed by German money and developed by German enterprise. Again, like Roumania, Italy would like to be rid of German financial control. What easier way of accomplishing this purpose than by the confiscation of German property? Laws are silent during war.

Italy has somewhat delayed her declaration against Germany. There is a reason for that-a sentimental reason. There are still men living in Italy who ought to remember that they owe Venetia to what is now Germany. In the war of 1866 Italy was soundly thrashed by Austria on land and sea. But her ally, Prussia, was victorious over the same antagonist. Prussia compelled Austria to cede Venetia to the Italians. It was a free gift to Italy.

In 1911, when Italy started her adventure in Libia, Germany remained her friend. The world was given to understand that the Triple Alliance stood behind Italy. Again Italy made a successful step toward the achievement of what she regarded as her destiny. As in 1866,

she did it with the help of Germany.

But 1911 is a remote date in these swiftly moving times. As for 1866, it exists only in the textbooks. Italy has forgotten it completely.-August 29, 1916.