From ‘The Struggle in Russia‘, The Spectator, 31 July 1915:
We must not write more than a few lines, but we cannot do less, in admiration of the Russian endurance, doggedness, and skill. If we indulged our inclination in this respect, we should write an article about nothing else. All our sympathy and deep respect goes out to these splendid men. Inferior to their enemy in everything which is implied by long preparation, they are making good the defects during the bad time—for the good time is coming, never doubt that—by a wonderful example of stubbornness and resolution. Every soldier salutes them, every civilian raises his hat. Their reward is sure and will be well earned. At the beginning of the war they sacrificed themselves, and sustained without a word of repining the serious reverse of Tannenberg, in order to relieve the pressure on the western front. They are now rendering even a mightier service. This will remain true whatever the outcome may be. Suppose that the Russians, acknowledging their defects in equipment, had withdrawn in many places behind some Torres Vedras lines, as they might have felt themselves justified in doing, in order to complete their preparations. The bolt being aimed at Russia might have been launched iu the west. The Russians, as it is, give their attackers no breathing-space. Their counter-attacks are incessant. The gain to Britain is that she is able to devote a time of comparative quiet to producing the munitions which are essential to our safety. In expressing gratitude for the immeasurable indirect help of the Russians, Mr. Asquith used not a word too much or too strong when he said. that military history did not contain a more magnificent example of disciplined, patient endurance.
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