If as a a to a of far-reaching by Bleep-less V. AFTER THE BATTLE. SOMME For all practical purposes what history will call the Battle of the Somme ceased few weeks ago. Like the battles of the Aisne and Ypres, it passed but owing to a graduat-but profound change in the conditions. Insensibly an altogether altered situation wasereated Since the early part of October there has -been an aftermath of trench attacks, TSfany little gains have been made. It has been, however, relatively to the scope of the jsara time of small things Jixcept at Verdun, " very few German prisoners have swelled the Allies' previous captures. The enemy has fought better than ever fought witb-pluck and brain . so .admirable that' . we trust, indeed, there will be no more facile trash about the supposed' demoralisation and broken spirit of thefoe. So far from being broken, his morale has n&w-fully recovered from the r,ude shaEngwe had given him between July and October. As a result of this and other factors Which we shall state, the prospect before us is harsh and stern. It would be not only futile, but dangerous, to blink its character.. In our last survey five . weeks ago we examined two propositions. We showed that there was not the slightest, faintest chance of breakingthrough the brerman lmes in the presentTsumpaign. Tn next question was whether any,, extensive German withdrawal in the . West could be forced before Christmas. This seemed more possible. But as we then showeduitdepended upon the ability of the Allies in the last three months of the year October-December to double their previous rate of advance? Was it not . just conceivable that they might do this after mastering the main ridges.-fortifieoMjy two years of German ability and toil 1 The five weeks which have elapsed since we put that question have given the an8KfrvrIt is plain, and unmistakable. The Alliessp far from being able to double their rate of advance, nave naa to siow aqwn in so marxed a manner that, as we have said, the battle of the Somme has ceased and there must be a new battle with a new character before there caB-be-Tany important change in the present situation of arrested development. Towards that ancient barrow or tumulus, the Butte de -Warlencourt, now battered out of feature, and towards Lo Transloy our men are nearer Bapaume on two sides. Bapaume may, of cour8e,7be-taken' in the next few weeks,: just as-he French may lo dge themselves beyon d S t. P ier reVaast in - a more threatening position .above eronna...' 7 If, indeed, these things are accomplished, such further gam of positions will be important for next year's purposes. But we - must again give the straight reply to the real jjuestion. Not only will there be no Throughbreak " nor anything like it by the Allies in the West this year, but between now and Ohristmas-there. will be no extensive withdrawal of the Gerhmn lines between Arras and Noyon. ' -metal f -before. -tainJapjien:German . , -futi is is