In the north-eastern theatre of the war the Germans are
for the moment reaping the reward of the tremendous sacrifices they have made elsewhere in order to attack Warsaw. Russian troops holding the centre have been forced back a considerable distance, and are now resting on the river Bzura, only twenty- seven miles from Warsaw. There is, however, no need for alarm. In all probability the Russians will be able to bring up a sufficient force to save the uncovering of Warsaw; but even if they cannot, and the city is lost, the Germans will not have gained much, except in prestige. The main object of the enemy is, of course, to keep the war out of Germany, and, if posaible, to relieve Cracow ; but there seems little ground for thinking that the Russians will let go the prize so nearly within their grasp. They may have to suspend their activities in the south for a time, but it is not likely to be more than a suspension. The tremendous character of the Austrian defeat in Servia will, it must be presumed, oblige the Austrians to send more troops to Bosnia, and the Austrian Army is not strong enough to do this and also to show a great force on the Galician border and in the Carpathians. We admit, however, that the situation is for the moment so confused and confusing in the eastern theatre that anything said about it must be regarded as "without prejudice."
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