25 DECEMBER 1915, Page 2

Though the Army in France regret the loss of General

French (they would be ingrates if they did not), there is a general feeling that he could not have had a better successor than General Haig. He is a man of stern resolve—now more than ever indispensable in a General—and we may feel surd that he will not hesitate to require the greatest sacrifices from' the men under him if he thinks such sacrifices necessary to obtain victory. We need have no fear that in such a policy of " Thorough " he will not have the support of his countrymen at home. The nation is " set," and will shrink from no sacrifices in order to win the war and gain that security which has always been our essential object and is now also the passionate desire of the whole people. They want peace, but they will accept no peace which is not linked with complete security. The notion of leaving off fighting with a prospect of having to fight again later is one infinitely more dreaded, nay, loathed, than the continuance of the war for another two years.