Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 January 1918 — Huns Prepare Mighty Blow; Hope For K. O. [ARTICLE]

Huns Prepare Mighty Blow; Hope For K. O.

The last week has been one of anxiety among the allies rather than one of positive military action. This was caused by uncertainty as to Germany’s' plans. There is a firm belief, founded on almost unanswerable argument, that Germany is preparing a tremendous blow to be delivered against some part of the western front The British intelligence department has ascertained positively that the Germans have and still are transferring considerable forces from the Russian front -to France and Flanders. In some cases complete divisions have been sent westward. In others the men on the Rusrian front have carefully sorted out and the physically fit sent to replace the casualties among the old western divisions. With this greatly increased strength the time cannot be far distant when it may be expected that the attack forecasted in these columns some weeks ago will be launched.

Germany has reached the stage in the war where its people no longer want nor allow themselves to be blinded by political victories. No victory in any other theater can alter the situation in the west, can satisfy the German people or can bring the allies to discuss a compromise peace. If Germahy had any doubts on this score the peace aims of the allies, as recently expressed by both Lloyd George and President Wilson, must have stilled them. Germany knows she must fight and fight to a finish or else consent now to a peace which will strip her of her ill-gotten gains and reduce her to a state of military innocuousqess. Fully cognizant of the crimes she las committed against the civilized world, she knows that her word is worthless and will not be accepted; that no nation will accept as a pledge of good behavior or of intention to keep the peace a paper with the seal of the German state. Jn other words, Germany realizes that only the guaranties that the world will consent to must be backed up by the permanent destruction of her ability to wage war. The world must be assured that she will keep her word through sheer inability to do otherwise. There is but one escape' : rom such a conclusion—a victory on the battle field—for, unless the allies win, the peace that is to be made will be a German victory.

Therefore, Germany will fight as long as there is hope, and in fighting will light for victory. Nothing else will do now. Neither Egypt nor the Sast nor Saloniki will divert the alies from their purpose. Whatever vaporings the German press may manage in official Germany is not >lind to America. We have been needlessly, inexcusably elow, but our strength is mounting steadily. Before it reaches its apex Germany nust have won the war—or it will >e absolutely lost to her. (Copyright, 1918, by the New York Times.)