To sum up, the Allies, in the words of M.
Thomas, the French Under-Secretary for Munitions, have done well already ; they must do better. That is, however, a statement which, it it errs at all, errs on the Bide of understatement. A splendid beginning has been made, and there is good ground for the hope expressed in Sir John French's message to the Lord Mayor of London that the successes already gained will be pressed to a decisive issue in conjunction with our allies. Thoug,h there is the usual crop of denials in the German despatches, their admissions as to the intensity of the artillery fire, and the loss of trenches, men, and materials, afford reluctant testimony to the success of the Allied advance. Not only have important strategia positions been gained and heavy losses inflicted on the enemy, but the pressure on the Eastern front has been relieved by the recall of the Prussian Guards, who have suffered heavily in the battles of the last few days. The French have shown magnificent élan in their offensive, while the refusal to expend their energies on premature jubilation does them infinite credit. On our aide we have to record the first great success of the New Armies, who in a most trying ordeal have shown the moral, the discipline, and the tenacity of seasoned veterans.
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