But the fear of a practical defeat of the Allies on the continent is become general.

Russia may have to pay a huge indemnity, going far to reimburse Germany for the cost of the war; Belgium may be permanently held unless Germany receive an indemnity to evacuate, and her seaports may be held anyhow; the Germans may reach Constantinople before the Allies, and Germany may thus hold, when the war ends, an open way to the East; and France may have to pay a large sum to regain her northern territory now held by the Germans.

These are not the convictions of men here, but they have distinctly become the fears; and many men's mind are beginning to adjust themselves to the possible end of the war, as a draw, with these results.

Of course such an end would be a real German victory and--another war as soon as enough men grow up to fight it.
When the more cheerful part of public opinion, especially when any member of the Government, affects to laugh at these fears, the people say: "Well, make known the facts that you base your hope on.
Precisely how many men have volunteered?
Is the voluntary system a success or has it reached its limit?
Precisely what is the situation in the Dardanelles?
Are the allied armies strong enough to make a big drive to break through the German line in France?
Have they big guns and ammunition enough?
What are the facts about the chance in the Dardanelles?
What have we done with reference to the Balkan States ?" Thus an angry and ominous political situation is arising.

The censorship on war news apparently becomes severer, and the general fear spreads and deepens.