European War Imminent

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 86, 1 August 1914, Page 5

European War Imminent

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.]

I "BACK OUR FRIENDS." "THE ACE OF SPLENDID ISOLA- „ -~ TION , s CONE." , London, July 31. The Times, in- a leader, says:— "The age of splendid isolation is gone. We cannot stand alone in Europe and be dominated by any single Power or group of Powers. We must make instant preparations and back our friends. Were we to show weakness and pusillanimity now none would trust us again." ' FOREIGNERS IN GERMANY PACKED MILITARY TRAINS OFF TO THE FRONTIER. Berlin, July 31. Foreigners in the German schools . have been ordered to return home. : . English boys travelling between Bonn and Cologne, Counted eight long military trains going to the French frontier, packed with soldiers. >• ■' : • NOT FOR LAND HUNGER. AUBTRIAN PEOPLE ENTHUSIACALLY SUPPORTING. THE RISE IN FOODSTUFFS. (Received 8.5 a.m.) *■ Vienna, July 31. An official commentary on the declaration of war declares: "Austria has drawn the sword for political honesty, and morality in life, and not for land-hunger. We stand for the ethical culture of the west. The Austro-Hungarian press emphasises the national unity m the hour *of danger.. Polish papers point out that an peoples of the Empire are rallying, round the Throne. During the closing session of the Hungarian Parliament, Aponyi and f other Opposition leaders affirmed their entire accord with the Government. Leading Hungarian nobles are offering to serve in the army. Hundreds of women, married and single, including aristocrats, are daily . applying for permission to act as nurses. There have been tremendous war demonstrations throughout the Monarchy. One hundred thousand demonstrated at Rathaui, and formed : processions to the Palace. The authorities are taking measures to cope with the artificial rise in price everywhere, and an official maximum tariff has been proclaimed in Moravia. Wives in Hying in provisions contributed largely to the food panic. A RUSSIAN COMPLAINT. St. Petersburg, July 31. The German Ambassador called on Sazonoff on Thursday morning and renewed the discussion, which was of a less minatory tone. Russian diplomatists complain that the discussions with Austria and ■ Germany were dictated by the theory that the Servian conflict was no concern of Russia. The unanimity of ' these bland responses forced Russia to believe that it was merely by-play to gain time. DOES GERMANY DESIRE WAR. Rome, July 31. Diplomatists consider that Germany must now show whether she really desires war, as she alone can address Austria. Italy is seeking to persuade Montenegro to rest on the defensive. BRITISH ACTIVITY. TROOPS PATROL COAST LINE DAY AND NIGHT. THE RESERVE TERRITORIALS. (Received 9 a.m.) London, July 31. A battalion of Grenadier Guards up to war strength has been drafted from , London to Newcastle to guard bridges, railway sidings, coast defences and docks. The piers at Dover are patrolled by troops day and night, who are watching the whole coast. Similar precautions are being taken in the Isle of Wight and at the ports in South Wales. A Royal proclamation ig necessary before the reservists can be called out and the Third Fleet supplied with full crews. It is estimated that if the reserve Territorials are called out seven-ty-four Unionists and thirty Liberals will be withdrawn from the House of (Commons.

RUSSIA PURSUES MBIUSfIION Position Unexampled in History THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE CLOSED

•oft*- . •-■ .'■< tf& *•'•"■ - 'ftot^'^'-fei^v "RUSSIAN WAR FEVER. WAITING A PRONOUNCEMENT FROM THE CZAR. STRENGTH OF THE ARMY. St. Petersburg, July 31. Russia's mobilisation is not partial, but absolute. The general reservists from the northern districts have also been summoned to arms. The Finns, Jews, and other elements will whole-heartedly support the Government if war is declared. The Czar goes to Moscow to deliver a pronouncement at the Uspinsky Cathedral. Gold has been withdrawn from Warsaw. The lights have been extinguished an the Finnish coast, and navigation at night is prohibited. It is understood that the German Ambassador on Wednesday protested against Russia's mobilisatioih, adding that if it were partial it would force Jermany to mobilise. M. Sazanoff replied that mobilisatioin began on Wednesday, and it could not stop now. The war fever seized St, Petersburg when the mobilisation was announced, and increased almost to delirium upon the receipt of the news jf the sailing of the British fleet, -.vhicfi is interpreted as localising the conflict to Austria, Servia and Russia. London, July 31. The Times' military correspondent estimates the Russian mobilisation m the Austrian borders at 400,000 rifles, 1500 field guns, 800 machine runs, and 30,000 sabres. He deprecates England's delay in mobilising, and proceeds: "Mobilisation is not war, but it affords to diplomacy that backing which it needs. In view of mr position and the special difficulties vhich beset our army, the Government is incurring grave responsibility Sy the delay." OUR BROWN ALLIES. WHEN JAPAN WILL TAKE A HAND IN THE CAME. Washington, July 31. Diplomatic circles are discussing che likelihood of Japan being involved in the war. The consensus of opinion is that Japan will only participate in the event of the Far East becoming the theatre of war. The Japanese Embassy states that it is unaware of any secret clauses in Jie Anglo-Japanese Alliance. THE STOCK EXCHANGE. MANY DEALERS SUGGEST CLOSING DOWN. UNEXAMPLED SITUATION.. London, July 31. The situation on the London Stock Exchange is unexampled. Many dealers suggest closing, which has nevei ieen done in the history of-the exchange. The banks point out that men action would increase the public mxiety. It is also suggested that the Exchange should suspend the publi--•ation of official lists or markings of >rices. The mid-August settlement is ziewed with anxiety. Failures involve 22 members. LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE CLOSED INDEFINITELY. FINANCIAL CRISIS IN GERMANY. (Received 9 a.m.) London, July 31. The Stock Exchange has beenfclosed until further notice. This is reported ;o be due to fifty members intimating ;hey would "hammer" themselves. Owing to the postponement of the Paris settlement, the committee postponed. August settlement of Consols Dill September 1, and the ordinary niffcAugust account till August 17th. Berlin, July 31. The bank rate is five pe* cent. Martial law has been proclaimed in uermany. The financial resulted in the suicide of a number of leading financiers. There were a dozen minor failures on the Bourse. The finanical press state it is evident, that foreign countries, notably France, are withdrawing capital from Germany. A bank of some 'importance in Southern Germany is in dillculties owing to the manager's speculation. The latter is missing. The liabilities amount to eight million marks. Official quarters deny that Germany demanded an explanation of the' mobilisation. The police suspended Pour newspapers, stating that mobilisation had beou ordered,

before Belgrade. SPARSE NEWS OF THE BOMBARDMENT. AUSTRIA'S MAIN PURPOSE. Vienna, July 31. It is officially stated that the Servian machine guns at Belgrade opened fire at midniight. The Austrian monitors, carrying 4.7 guns, replied, bombarding the city and blowing up the powder magazine. The Servians at dawn made another unsuccessful attempt to destroy the bridge, and sixteen Servians were captured. As the Servian Customhouse opened fire, the Austrian artillery demolished it. Simultaneously fires broke out at different points in the town. The Servians are massing their main forces in the Moravia Valley, between Kragujevatz and Krushhevatz. The Daily Mail's Berlin correspondent sums up the situation as "peace or mobilisation within twenty-four hours." London, July 31. A letter received from Vienna shows that the mobilisation orders, which were issued on Sunday night, were unprecedented since 1866, as they not only included the Landstrum, but men up to fifty years of age were ordered to present themselves twenty hours later. The letter adds: The troops are being sent to the Galician border, not to the lower Danube. It i s believed that Austria's main purpose is to revise the Treaty of Bucharest, so as to restore to Bulgaria the fruits of the Balkan war. SERVIAN ACCOUNT OF THE ATTACK. NO SERVIAN LOSSES. (Received 9 a.m.) Bucharest, July 31. Putnik has arrived at Serciorova on the Hungarian border, suffering from asthma. Belgrade, July 31. The Servian account states that the Austrians at eleven o'clock on Wednesday night opened the second attack on Belgrade with a heavy cannonade oi guns on the monitors and batteries at Semlin jand fired until two o'clock on Thursday morning. The Servian guns only occasionally replied vigorously, and repulsed the attempt to cross the river. There were no Servian losses. (INFLUENCES FOR PEACE. EVENTS MOVING WITH DANGEROUS RAPIDITY. London, July 31. Very powerful influences are working for peace. Sir Edward Grey is in continual interview with Prince Lichnowsky, the German Ambassador, and Count Mensdorff, Austrian Ambassador,. but events aro moving with dangerous rapidity. PRAYERS FOR PEACE. JOINT APPPEAL OF CANTERBURY AND YORK. THE PROTESTANT DENOMIN- ! ATIONS. London, July 31. The Archbishops of Canterbury and > York have issued a joint appeal for peace, but are not issuing special collects, suggesting an emphasis of the prayers for peace contained in the Prayer Book. Sydney, July 31. The heads of all Protestant denomi- , nations have apepaled to ministers on Sunday to make special intercessions that humanity will be spared the calamity of the awful war now threatening. AUSTRALIAN VIEWS. ?yiR HOLMAN'S ADVICE TO THE DEMOCRATS. AUSTRALIA AN EMPIRE. (Reecived 9.35 a.m.) Sydney, August 1. Mr Holman (the Premier) on the possibility of an European war, says: 'Tn Australia we cannot be plunged rtlo calamities of that kind merely at he bidding of some irresponsible ruler because we have won the right of selfgovernment. Europe to-day presents i spectacle which should arouse every lemocrat to continue to fight for the supremacy of the people themselves over our own affairs." The Austrians working at the Broken Hill mines are perparing to obey "he call to arms. Melbourne, August 1. Mr Cook, referring to the European •risis, says: "Whatever happens, Aussralia is part of the Empire. When the Empire is at war, so is Australia. All our resources in Australia are in the Empire for the preservation and security of the Empire." A PURE FABRICATION. GERMAN LINERS NOT ARMING. (Received 10.15 a.m.) Sydney, August 1. The German Consul repudiates the report of the arming of the German liners as a pure fabrication. The manager of the North German Lloyd states that none of their steamers carry guns. The marine underwriters give notice of further increases in the in- / surance rates on all steamers except < Austrian from one. to four per cent, ;

'MARKET EXGtfSD. v JAS A RESULT OF THE WAR. r \ — [Per Pipss Association.] Wellington, August 1. The Department of Agriculture lias received the following cablegram from the High Commissioner, dated 31st July, in regard to the effect of the declaration of war on the grain market :—■ On account of the declaration of var, the'grain market is excited, and fcices are likely to go higher. %ince last sable, the wheat market .icjjanced for cargoes afloat 3s and ijSttore ss. market advanced If-: ;.i.f. are not anxious to jell, whilei»yers are cautious, pending a definim decision concerning the European position. Australianfflour is at 28s for SJSOlbs jx-store. There is no New Zealand wheat on die market. OUR ATTITUDE. MAY BE AUTHORISED. [Pbr PUESB ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, July 31. In the House of Representatives to-night, an important statement regarding the attitude of ' the Government of New Zealand in the event jf the Imperial Government being involved in a European war was made jy Mr Massey. The incident arose jut of a question, without notice, bj xVIr G. M. Thomson. He asked the Minister whether, in view of the present very serious situation in Europe, :he Government will offer the services )f an expeditionary force to the Mother Country in the event of her requiring it. Mr Massey said: "In reply to the honorable gentleman, I should just ike to say this: So far as it is possible to judge from information that has reached us there is no occasion for serious alarm, but under such circumstances as now exist we have to prepare for possibilities, and if occasion arises—and it may—the Uovernment of New Zealand will nidi Parliament and" the people of New Zealand to do their duty by offering the services of an expeditionary force to die Imperial Government.—(Hear, hear.) —I have no fear of volunteers iot being forthcoming. I may saj that an understanding,has beert arriv)d at with regard to the numbers and constitution of a force which Will fit in with the Imperial requirements. 1 would just like, to add that so fails Britain's domestic troubles are concerned, I trust ; that a, settlement vill be arrived at;'which will enable the citizens of the Empire to stand together as one man—(Hear, hear.) fust one word more.- With regard ':o Canada'scoffer that is reported in his evening's paper, my opinion of it may be summed up in three words, 'Well done, Canada!' " (Applause.) Sir Joseph Ward said he had heard the statement made by the Premier with the greatest satisfaction. He sincerely hoped there would be no necessity for co-operation, and he trusted wise counsels would prevent widespread war. But on behalf of his side of the House, ho said they would co-operate in sending an expeditionary force or taking any other fiction necessary to serve the interests of the Empire as a whole. The House then rose and sang a verse of the National Anthem. NOT WANTED YET. Wellington, July 31. The Commandant of the Forces has issued a statement to-night to the effect that there is no present intention to call for volunteers for a possible expeditionary force, but in the event of these being required later it is understood that volunteers would be taken only from those now serving in the Territorial force and its reserves. All applications from volunteers would be dealt with locally, and would have to be made bj those wishing to volunteer through their squadron, battery and company officers to .the regimental commanders, who would forward them on to the district headquarters. No applications would be dealt with at the Minister's office, or at the headquarters of the Department in Wellington. Applications should not be made until further notice. They will be called 1 for later, should they be required. AUSTRIA AND THE SLAVS. THE ALIEN PEOPLES WITHIN HER GATES. ETHNOLOGICAL CHESS-BOARD.' The' many difficult questions awaiting settlement at the moment between Austria and her neighbors in South-Eastern Europe are made more complicated by the admixture of populations, and consequent divergence of interests, found in those regions (said the Daily Telegraph last year). All through the course of history these fertile districts have invited the cupidity of races in less favored countries, and each conquest has been divided and subdivided by succeeding invaders, until the territories southward of the Vistula have become an ethnological chess-board over which the harassed politician may well ponder with something approaching to despair. The widespread Slav race, whose politics and aspirations are the anxieity of the moment, are the predominant element in this quarter of: Europe. As a people they ore divided geographically into throe groups;' an eastern, comprising all the Rus-

sians; a north-western group, including the Poles, Czechs, and others ; and, thirdly, the Southern Slavs, Serbo-Croats, and Bulgarians. The position of Austria in regard to lack of homogeneity in her population, and consequent diversity of popular sympathies, is particularly difficult. The Slavs under her sway inhabit the outer portions, north, east, and south, of the empire, while its central districts are occupied by more / or less assimilated Germans. The Hungary of the Hungarians is likewise in large measure surrounded by people of more or less pronounced alien character. Austria's extreme north-western corner is inhabited by Czechs, who have for neighbors along the southern bank of the Vistula a large number of Poles; while southward dwell Slovaks, numbering, perhaps, 1,200,000, and a few Ruthenians. In her north-eastern territories, centring round Lemberg, these latter Ruthenians are dominant, their number, with their brethren elsewhere, amounting, according to the latest estimates, approximately to 3,381,000. From Chotin down the extreme eastern frontier to Orsova on the Servian border, and including a part of Hungary, the population is chiefly an overflow from the adjoining State of Roumania. In the same way north of Belgrade, the Servians, during the last century have made a peaceful invasion of Hungary, and, with scattered colonies of Germans, though in no great numbers, occupy a good deal of land along the line of the great railways approaching Budapest from the south. From Belgrade throughout the whole of the territory between the rivers Drave and Sava, to the Northern shores of the Adriatic, the Croa-tian-Slavonians are in the majority, their language being Servian, their number's over 2,700,000, and sympathies entirely with the other portion of their race to the eastward. Finally, the immense population of the Dual Monarchy, over which the aged monarch Francis Joseph holds sway, has been increased by the seizure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, both regions inhabited by Servians, who still chafe under the enforced absorption of their country into the northern empire four years ago, and, though they contribute a large number of soldiers to the Imperial forces, are not, forgetful of the ties of kinship, nor forgive what they considered an act of political brigandage. The provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina were, by the Treaty of Berlin, handed over to the Austro-Hun-garian Government in 1878 for administration and military occupation. The revolution in Turkey led to the inevitable succeeding step of annexation. It was an incident which alarmed the entire Slav people, and was particularly resented by their traditional guardian, Russia, though a: the time she was in no position effectually to resent or prevent it.