I do not believe that any great forward movement can be made on either side from or against these trenches in the winter time.  In good strategy and diplomacy, the break-up of Germany should come from other quarters.

There is considerable typhoid arising from the trench-work, but I heard it stated in medical circles that the Servian troops, with their milder climate, had found a new way of healing wounds.  Not having the hospital base and equipment of other countries, they heal their wounds in the open air with the result that there is no tetanus or lock-jaw.  In Switzerland human tuberculosis is now being cured by exposing the chest, directly over the affection, to the full rays of the sun.

The casualties of this war have been tremendous for France.  No lists of her dead or wounded are published; it was at first a life-and-death struggle.  While the total casualties—­killed, wounded, missing, and prisoners—­were estimated in the press reports and by the people as 600,000, I happen to know that they were more than 1,000,000.  Of these, of course, one third or more will return to the battle-line, and the French have the satisfaction of knowing that the German losses are far larger.  But, viewed from a financial standpoint, if this war is not too prolonged or too costly in life and treasure, France will emerge from it rejuvenated and reenergized.

Her people are serious and determined as never before.  They now welcome strong work and strong hands, and if the Republic does not respond to the responsibilities of the hour, they will not as in 1870 burn and destroy, but will set up another government in quick order and wipe out the weakness and inefficiency found to exist when the strain came in August, 1914.

The French nation has never before been put to such a trial.  In every other war there has been no threat of the destruction of France.  Indeed, up to 1870 France was the great nation of Europe, greatest in war as well as greatest in peace.  When she attacked Germany in 1870, she started for Berlin with full confidence in her greatness.  And when she paid to the Germans a billion dollars in 1871, it was with scorn and contempt:  “Take your money and get out!”

When Bismarck in 1875 discovered the prosperity of France, he cunningly set about encompassing her downfall.  He knew the world would not approve of Germany attacking a foreign foe; there was no excuse that could be found.

Therefore, as he himself has confessed, he started France into empire-colonial upbuilding in Africa and Asia, with the full intention of leading her into a clash with England.  When this point was reached many years afterwards, Delcasse clearly saw the situation, and, instead of war, made friends with England.  All the world knows the result.  Germany demanded his resignation from the French Cabinet under threat of war.  France was humiliated, Delcasse dropped.  Later he led the movement to strengthen the navy of France as well as the army.  It may be declared that Delcasse created the Triple Entente and thereby saved France and Europe.  To-day France fights a wholly defensive battle, supported on the one side by the Russian bear and on the other by the British lion.  And strongest in the new cabinet of France stands Delcasse.