• At first sight this may seem depressing. We have
pointed out, however, that if the balance-sheet is calculated not in terms of ground but of casualties, the balance is distinctly the other way. When we say this we do not mean to suggest that the French losses have been small and the German looses terrific—the losses in the aggregate have been great on both sides, though great rather because of the length of the battle and of the huge number of combatants than great in proportion to the numbers engaged in a battle lasting three and a half months. Granted that we are right, and that while the Germans may have gained in ground they have lost in men, there can be no doubt that the losers in men have the disadvantage. Ground can be re-won, but men never. L'ombre passe et repasse, mais sans repasser 1* homme passe. At the present rate of progress, and unless all the conditions at Verdun are suddenly changed, it will only be an army of ghosts that will stand before the trench-line of Paris.
