The following extract from an article by Dr. E. J. Dillon in the June
number of the _Contemporary Review_ would seem to indicate that England
was at last deeply impressed with the formidable character of her foe
and the terrible nature of the task before the British people. Dr.
Dillon says:
“The first phase of the world-conflict has closed with the bitterness
of exploded illusions, the alarming growth of the spectre of
destruction, the quick materialization of the danger that threatens
the noblest possessions of the human race, and the primary necessity
of unanimous sacrifices before that danger can be displaced. Taking
stock of the present situation just as this war is about to enter its
second phase, we cannot but see that the central fact which calls for
recognition is the amazing strength of the German nation. After ten
months of warfare against Russia, Britain, France, Belgium and Serbia,
it continues not only to live its own life, drawing from its own
resources, but is able to send reinforcements of all kinds to Turkey
and Austria, to achieve new conquests, plan grandiose operations, and
win noteworthy victories over the allies.”
If England had realized the actual and potential strength of Germany
from the outset, and made her dispositions accordingly, there might be a
different story to tell. France seems to have girded up her loins from
the start and to have accomplished wonders with her comparatively
limited resources. Russia has made a gallant fight under the handicap of
poor preparation and an immobile population. This is a war in which
masses do not count against organized and trained efficiency. Great
Britain alone has had the requisite resources and has failed to utilize
them to the point of the utmost efficiency.
The only hope of the entente powers is in a long drawn out war. If given
time, Russia may train her undisciplined hosts. France will make
continuous sacrifices. Great Britain may focus her resources and bring
them to bear at the point where they are most needed. If the entente
allies can continue to hold substantially their present lines for
another year, it would seem that Germany must begin to show signs of
exhaustion. Any hope the entente allies may have had of invading Germany
and crushing it must at the present time seem far from alluring.