With such figures before us it is difficult to find
words to express our satisfaction. The strategic objective of the Russian advance has of course not been disclosed, and cannot therefore be described with any degree of accuracy. All we know is that the attack at Czernovitz, the capital of Bukovina—i.e., at the most southerly point of the line—has been very strong indeed. Though as we write the town has not been taken by the Russians, there has been fierce fighting in its streets, and the Russian cavalry are stated to be in possession of the " Mesopotamia " between the Dniester and the Pruth. Towards the northern end of the hundred and fifty miles of Russian fighting front the main objective appears to be the possession of Kovel. From Kovel the railway runs almost due north to General Hindcnburg's lines. If this oom- munication is cut, the Germans will not be able to render effective aid to their allies. It is stated, indeed, in Thursday's Times that the determined onslaught made by the Russians on Baranovitchi is due to their desire to prevent the Germans sending down troops to save Kovel. In any case, the fact that the Russians are able to take a spirited initiative not only against the Austrians but against the Germans is an omen of the best sort.
