Moroccan War

Concerning the war between Abd-el-Krim, "Sultan" of the Riffs, and the French in north Morocco (TIME, May 11 et seq.), there were, last week, rumors, rumors everywhere and hardly a fact to print.

The Riffs conducted several fierce onslaughts on the French positions along the Wergha Valley, Riff artillery being used in support with deadly effect. On each occasion, according to French communiques, the enemy was repulsed, but the losses on both sides were heavy. Little, if any, territory changed hands. A battle was continuing.

In Paris, concern over the expense of conducting the war was manifest in official and business circles. It is now six weeks since the conflict began; and, judging from the appropriations asked by Finance Minister Joseph Caillaux (100,000,000 francs, covering a period of three months), there is no immediate prospect of defeating the Riff rebels. Meantime, the franc depreciates in value and finance reforms daily become more difficult.