The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1914. WAR IN EUROPE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 87, 3 August 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1914. WAR IN EUROPE.

The startling intelligence which reached us last evening in a brief cable message stating that Germany had declared war against Russia, confirms the most pessimistic predictions regarding the upsetting of the tvorld’s peace. That Germany, the predominant factor in the Triple Alliance, should have refused to accept Sir Edward Grey’s proposal for a conference with a view to mediation between Austria and Servia, is not now surprising, for in the light of her action it becomes plain that she has been all along in accord with Austria in commencing the fearful conflagration which blazed out a day or two ago at Belgrade. In great matters as in small, it is the unexpected which often happens: that Germany should have taken the bold initiative by declaring war against Russia is certainly tbe unexpected. Publicists and writers the world over have for long feared a collision first with France, with Russia subsequently coming to her ally’s assistance, as the line of outbreak which a great European War would take. Six years ago. however, when Russia, supported by France and England, protested against Austria’s breach of faith in the seizure of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Turkey, Germany warned Russia that at the first sign of interference with Austria, Germany’s hoses would cross the Russian frontier. Then neither Russia, France nor England was prepared for war. but while to-day they may no more desire it, each of the Powers of the Triple Entente is better prepared to face the situation if the worst should come, than it was at that time. Sir Edward Grey has been so positive and outspoken in his declaration of England’s intentions that at this distance we can only fear that now Britain herself is on the very brink of war. When that greatest of English newspapers, The Times, declares as it has done, the situation is indeed grave. Britain can hardly fail to back her friends, for “The age of splendid isolation is gone.

Wo cannot stand alone in Europe and be dominated by any single Power or group of Powers. Were wo to show weakness and pusillanimity now none would trust us again.” Every son and daughter of Britain at Home and in her Overseas Dominions will pray that war may be honorably averted, but if this may not lie then that our great country may be able, with her allies, to take a stand that will speedily end the frightful conflict and forever afterwards make impossible such frantic wasteful militancy as Europe has been driven into by the policy of Germany.