“At last, in the splendid despatches from French and British Headquarters which we publish to-day, the nation has news that will cut at the roots of the rank growth of domestic bitterness which the weary waiting of six months had fostered among us. South of La Bassée, and in the Champagne district, blows have been struck that will sound their echoes round the world and will revive once more in the peoples at home that eager enthusiasm which inaction and hope deferred had also crushed, leaving only the stoical determination to endure and strive to the appointed end.”