The fact that the enemy made a regular attack, preceded
by a strong bombardment, on the French lines east of Oulchy on Tuesday, coupled with the reference in Tuesday's German report to " our new lines north of the Ourcq," seems to confirm the belief of the French military critics that the enemy means, if he can, to make a stand on the low hills forming the watershed between the Vesle and the Marne. The events of the next few days will doubtless reveal his intentions or his hopes. There need be no disappointment if the enemy's retreat stops short of the Vosle or the Aisne. General Foch has gained a really magnificent victory over the enemy by thwarting his offensive and reducing him to the defensive, but the Allies are probably not strong enough yet to do more. General Foch owes his success in no small degree to his patience—a virtue that the layman also needs to cultivate.
