GREAT POWERS AT WAR

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 87, 3 August 1914, Page 5

GREAT POWERS AT WAR

RUSSIA Invades GERMANY GERMANY Invades FRANCE What Will Britain Do? [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.]

AN ACT OF WAR, THE FRENCH FRONTIER »’ , t' ' t CROSSED. (Press Association Extraordinary.) London, August 2. Though France has not been notified of the declaration of war, Germany Invaded France at Ciroy. OUR FRENCH COUSINS. “VIVE L’ANdLETERRE!” [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] Times and Sydney Sun Services. Paris, August 1. The vast majority of the French are animatedly militant and enthusiastically appreciative of England s friendship. The Hon. A. C. Carmichael (New South Wales) and his secretary, dined together in a cafe where five officer* sat at an adjacent table. Hearing them speaking English,, they raised their glasses and exclaimed: “Vive L’ Angleterre I” Newspapers, owing to the immense editions, are suffering from a dearth of paper, and some have been compelled to appear in the form of a single sheet. .. ■ ;i ' . . ■ GENERAL MOBILISATION. PROHIBITION ON THE EXPORT OF CORN. - <,•». •. v; v- -■ 1 [United Press Association.] Paris, August 1. Shortly before five o’clock this even- ; ing a general mobilisation was ordered, and evoked tremendous enthusiasm. A procession bearing tri-color flags paiaded the Voulevardes, singing the Marseillaise, and shouting, “Vive Ls France I” “Vive ‘Tarmee!’’ and a man bearing the Red Ensign followed, the crowd shouting, “Yive I’Angleterre!” The Bank rate is six per cent. Le Temps says that Russian mobilisation on the Austrian frontier has been completed in five days. Russia insists on intervening for the sovereignty of Servia, not necessarily for her integrity. Russia cannot allow Austria’s suzerainty. Germans at Payny-sur-Moselle tortup the permanent way and placed guns in position in a cutting on the MetzOhalots railway. Four locomotives were seized at Moncel-sur-Seille, i frontier station, where the railway was torn up. It is officially stated that owing tc the world-wide rise in prices, and the probability of the crop being below the average, and the prospect of seeing foodstuffs seized like gold, the Go vernment has prohibited the export ol corn and meal of all sorts. A deputation of the Socialist-Repub-lican group informed the Government that though profoundly attached ti pacific ideas, it expresses full confidence in the Government. i THE BATTLE OF LEENITZA. SERVIANS HOLD THE ENEMY IN CHECK. [United Press Association.] Rome, August 1. The II Secolo’s correspondent at Nish gives details of the Battle of Leenitza, which he describes as the most important action in the campaign. A few hundred Servians kept several thousand Austrians in check for five hours, and only retreated at nightfall, after inflicting heavy losses. The Austrians did not, advance further, fearing a trap. HOTELS AND THEIR FOREIGN WAITERS London, August 1. ifThere is great anxiety in the big hotels. Of the 16,000 Austrian and German waiters fifty per cent, will possibly be called. DON’T BE FRIGHTENED. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Berlin, August 1. Manoeuvres are taking place at Strassburg. The public are warned not to be frightened at the sound of guns. The bridges in Alsace-Lor-raine are guarded.

“WE ARE BRITISHERS.” RALLYING ROUND THE FLAG. Loudon, August 1. Mr J. Norton Griffiths, who saw service in the Matabelo and South Ailicau wars, in the latter as an adjutant in Lord Rogert s bodyguard, has invited South Africans, Australians and Canadians who served in South Africa to communicate with him, with a view to acting in unison if necessary. ■ . , There is a complete revulsion ol feeling in Ireland, followed on Mr Asquth’s statement that all talk of party had ended. Irishmen of all complexions have become Britons. Ulster and Nationalist officers, questioned on the subject, used the same phrase, “We are Britishers! ULSTERMEN VOLUNTEER FOR ACTIVE SERVICE. London, July 1. Sir Edward Carson announces that if the Government requires them » large body of Ulster volunteers will give their services for home defence, and many will serve anywhere they may be required. CANADA’S CONTINGENT. 20,000 MEN READY TO SAIL WHEN REQUIRED. Ottawa, July 31. Mr Borden returned hurriedly to the capital and summoned the Cabinet Council. Mr Hughes, Minister of Defence, announces that a , force of 20,000 Canadians is ready to sail for Great Britain within a fortnight if required. NEW ZEALAND LEADS. New Zealand’s patriotic offer announced by Mr Massey was received by the Cabinet with groat satisfaction. The Press comments on the fact that New Zealand is always first to assist the Empire with ships and men. CLOSING OF STOCK EXCHANGES. New York, August 1. The Stock Exchange has closed. Several failures are announced. Exchanges throughout every large city in the United States and Canada are closed. CABINET CAN COUNT ON CANADA Ottawa, August 1. The British Government has chartered the Canadian Pacific line’s Empress of Russia, now at Hong Kong, and is mounting gnus on her. The Militia Department has arranged to mine the St. Lawrence river, owing to the Quebec defences being obsolete. The Hallifax garrison has been strengthened in case of a raid being made from cruisers in the Nortn Atlantic. Now York, August 1. The trans-Atlantic sailings of the Germ .an-Am erican steamers are suspended completely. The HambuigAmerican lino recalled the steamer President Grant and the North Ger-mau-Lloyd recalled the Grosser Kurfnrst and other ships. Thousands of European passengers are delayed. Shipowners regard the situation with immense gravity, fully expecting that the Kronprinzessin (Voile, now en route to America, will be captured in the Atlantic if war breaks out. A POPULAR WAR. Ottawa, August 2. - Cabinet has decided that immediately war is declared Canada will seize all the enemy’s shipping in Canadian waters by closing all Canadian seaports. It is expected that the Bri* tish China squadron will defend the British Columbian coasts in the event of raids. A naval conference was held today and reported the state of the Canadian forces. Mr Borden immediately cabled to Great Britain, offering every assistance possible. The prospect of war creates a curious situation amongst the peace party in Quebec province. It is realised that if Britain is about to fight it will prevent France being overwhelmed, lienee the war is likely to be extremely popular, and many French-Canadians are volunteering. Extraordinary war enthusiasm prevails in Canada.

A SECOND BOMBARDMENT. THE PLIGHT OF BELGRADE. Belgrade, July 31. Austrians bombarded the city for three hours in the forenoon of yesterday, and damaged the cathedral. The Servians are determined to defend the city till the last extremity. The inhabitants are leaving the capital, which presents a deserted aspect. PORTUGAL AND BRITAIN. Lisbon, July 31. According to the newspapers, 10,-1 000 Portuguese are liable to be mobilised by virtue of the treaty with Britain. RUSSIANS AND GERMANS. EXCHANGE SHOTS. NO CASUALTIES. Berlin, August 1. A Russian frontier patrol- fired on a German patrol near Prostken, three hundred yards on the German side of the Russian frontier. The Germans returned the fire. There were no casualties. RUSSIA ATTACKS AUSTRIA. RAILWAY BRIDGE BLOWN UP. Berlin, July 31. It i s reported .that the Russians have blown up a railway bridge near Grauitza, in Austrian territory. DECLARATION OF WAR. GERMAN EMBASSY STAFF LEAVE RUSSIA. St. Petersburg, August 1. At half-past seven this evening the German Ambassador handed the foreign Ministry the declaration of war. The Embassy staff loft to-night. GERMANS CUT THE RAILWAY. Paris, August 1. The Germans cut the railways on the frontier. AUSTRIA’S ATTITUDE. MONTENEGRO’S MIND. SERVIA AS A DEFEATED BELLIGERENT. London, August 1. Dr. Dillon, telegraphing from Vienna, says that Austria has resolved to deal with Servia without intermediation of any foreign State. She will abstain from territorial extension at Servia’s cost, but refuses to tell Russia how Servia will faro as a defeated Belligerent. Cetinje, August 1. Every diplomatic personal pressure : s being brought on King Nicholas >f Montenegro to prevent joining Servia. King Nicholas ha s postponed his decision for two days. GERMANY AND FRANCE. A PERTINENT ENQUIRY FROM GERMANY. [United Press Association.] Paris, August 1. It is reported that tho German Ambassador asked M. Yiviani whether France, in the event of war between Germany and Russia, would remain neutral. It is alleged that ho asked for a reply by noon on Saturday? At a late hour on Saturday, conversations wore proceeding between Germany and France, jjnd also between Russia and Austria. IMMOBILISATION OF THE FRENCH FORCES. ’ Paris, August 1. Mobilisation began at midnight. THE RUSH FOR PROVISIONS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, August 1. Grocery and provision firms aie being bombarded by orders for provender, some people leaving the shoos only when they bad stocks practically cleared out. The demand was chiefly for canned moat, flour and sugax.

j\“AN OFFENSIVE WAR.” ita>.y will remain neutral / Rome, August 1. Jt is offiically announced that Italy 1 will remain neutral, as she considers her Vriplo Alliance obligations only ap»ly to defensive and not to olfeuJJi ,var. Italy views the Austro-Ser- | viL ..var, supported by Germany, as i ,-‘ss|ntial!y an offensive war, WILL MOBILISE. Brussels, July 31. U The Government has decided to Sobilise. if, D|RK day for cermainy. t|e KAISER’S ADDRESS TO THE § PEOPLE. ■VAGING WAR FOR HONOR. % Berlin, August 1. rate is six per cent. The rw>er, at the Palace, addressed people, saying: “This is a dark day for Germany. The sword is being forced into our hands. The war requires enormous sacrifices. If at the last hour my efforts fail to bring our adversaries to see things in the proper light, and maintain peace, we, with God’s help will wield the sword in such a way that we can sheath it with honor. We will show our adversaries what it means to attack Germany. I now commend you to God. Go to church, and ask GoO to hell) our brave army.” Huge, processions marched to the Palace. Hen- Von Holhveg, Chancellor, said the Kaiser to the last hour had wonted for peace, and was still working for peace. “Should the sword be forced into our hands, we will talte the field with a clear conscience, and wage war for our existence and national honor to the last drop of om blood.” At Munich thousands of excited poopie caused demonstrations at the Palace. The King said there was a dark hour ahead. He was fully convinced that the people would rally round their ruler. STRINGENT MARTIAL LAW IN GERMANY. MOBILISATION OF THE FORCES, Berlin, August 1. The Reichstag meets on the fourth (Tuesday). ~ All the Royal princes and princesses gathered -at the Royal Castle on Friday. The Crown Prince, Princess and their eldest son had a tremendous ovation in the stress. J'jjj The martial law manifesto ordains death in case of arson or resistance ol civil or military power, with ten to twenty years’ servitude if there arc extenuating—circumstances. Circulation of false rumors regarding numbers, movements or supposed victories of enemies will he punished by a year’s imprisonment; the publication of the movements of ships and troops without the War* Office’s sanction, three years’ imprisonment, or a fine of 5000 marks. Berlin, August 1. The Emperor at 5.15 p.m. ordered a mobilisation of the entire forces.

AN EMPEROR IN TEARS. NORWAY AND SWEDEN PROCLAIM THEIR NEUTRALITY. DENMARK MOBILISING. Vienna, August 2. The Emperor has returned. ,He had a wonderful reception. One hundred thousand awaited the train. The Emperor shook with emotion, and saluted with tears in his eyes. Christiania, August 2. Measures have been taken to proteect Norwegian neutrality, Copenhagen, August 2. The mobilisation of 18,000 has been ordered for the protection of Zealand, Jutland, and Funen. Stockholm, August 2. Sweden has proclaimed her neutrality. Pekin, August 2. Austrian reservists are proceeding via America. SUSPENDING THE BANKING ACT London, August 2. A conference on Saturday evening took place between Mr Lloyd George and leading bankers. It is anticipated that the Bank Act will be suspended on Tuesday and pound notes issued for a few days. AUSTRIA AND THE WORLD. The Daily Telegraph, in its Sunday edition, states: “Austria on Saturday approved of Sir Edward Grey’s conference. It looks as if Austria desires to put herself right before tli© world, knowing the situation is beyond redemption.” the news in london A GERMAN WITH AN UNSHEATHED SWORD. Germany’s declaration was quietly received in London. A few knots of Germans and Frenchmen in the streets sang “Watch on the Rhine” and “The. Marseillaise.” Two Germans, one carrying an unsheathed sword, provoked a demonstration by hooting and jeering, but the police’ intervened.

THE KAISER AS PEACEMAKER. RUSSIA SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CALAMITY. MOSCOW VOTES ASSISTANCE. (Received 9.0 a.m.) Beilin, August 2. The North German Gazette says: “The Czar on Wednesday appealed to the Kaiser to do everything to avert war. The Kaiser immediately replied that he was willing to act as mediator and accordingly initiated diplomatic action in Vienna. Meanwhile Russia had partially mobilised and the Kaiser pointed out that mediation was endangered, but nevertheless be continued negotiations, and Britain’s proposals were cordially supported in ids decision. These proposals would have been come to on Saturday, but Russia’s general mobilisation upset everything, whereupon the Kaiser informed the Czar that he had gone to the utmost limit to maintain peace, and it was not the Kaiser who bore the responsibility for the calamity which was threatening the world.” The Berliner Tageblatt says: “It is clear Russia is playing a mendacious double game. M. Sazonoff intentionally brought things to a head, because he in conjunction with some of the Grand Dukes and other German officials, was desirous of frustrating the understanding.” St. Petersburg, August 2. The Municipal Council at Moscow has voted one million roubles for medical assistance.

THE ENTENTE. GERMAN SHIPPING HASTENING TO PORT. “BRITAIN’S NEUTRALITY IMPOS* SIBLE.” “WE MUST KEEP OUT OF IT.” (Received 9.30 a.in.) Loudon, August 2. The British and American trans-At-lantic lines have abandoned the Continental routes and will run solely from Britain. German vessels are hastening to the nearest neutral ports. “The Observer” says there is, no doubt, a section of tho Cabinet favors breaking the entente, but the paper declares that Britain’s neutrality would be impossible. Reynolds’ newspaper declares emphatically: “We must keep out of it.” GERMAN LINERS HELD UP AT SHANGHAI. Berlin, August 2, The Bank rate in Paris and Berlin is seven per cent. Pekin, August 2. Underwriters refuse Russian, German and Austrian business. German liners are held up at Shanghai. FRANCE AND GERMANY. GERMANY’S VIOLATION OF THE TREATY. HER REFUSAL TO WITHDRAW. (Received 9.30 a.m.) Paris, August 2. , Ministers held an all-night sitting ol the Council. M. Clemenceau has jointhe the Cabinet. M. Delcasse has been appointed Minister for War. An announcement was made simultaneously with the German inquiry as to France’s intention that the German ambassador had prepared to leave Paris. France lias drawn the attention of the Powers to Germany’s violation of Luxembourg’s neutrality. Germany refuses to withdraw, despite an official protest. She declares that the seizure is not with hostile intent but merely a precautionary measure to prevent the French using the railway. She promised an indemnity. THE KAISER’S SECOND SPEECH. The Kaiser made a second short speech from a balcony on Saturday night to an immense crowd. The Crown Prince commands the first division of tho Guards. FRANCE AND BELGIUM. Brussels, August 2. France has informed Belgium that she will respect Belgian neutrality, but will take action if another Power violates it. Constantinople, August 2. Bulgarian reservists have been ordered to be ready. The Wiener Bankverln has been closed. TOM MANN’S ADVICE. “THE AGGRANDISEMENT OF THE CAPITALISTIC CLASS.” WORKERS, REFUSE TO FIGHT, (Received 9.30 a.m.) Capetown, August 2. Mr Tom Mann, in a farewell speech at the City Hall, supported tho resolution urging the workers of the world to refuse to fight each other- because war was for the aggrandisement of the capitalistic class.

CORNERING OF FOODSTUFF PREVENTIVE MEASURES' BEING ADOPTED BY NETHERLANDS. ] Hague, August 2. Measures have been adopted to prevent the cornering of foodstuffs in the Netherlands. The hank gold payments in the event of war. GERMAN ACTIVITY. FOREIGNERS ORDERED TO t DEPART. SEIZURE OF LUXEMBOURG RAILWAY STATION. (Received 9.40 a.m.) London, August 2. A prolonged sitting of the full Cabinet was held. Germany lias declared martial law at Kiaochiao and ordered British and other foreigners to depart. Reuter reports that a small German force seized the Luxembourg station and several railway bridges to ensure the passage of military trains across the Duchy. (By the Treaty of London, 1867, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was declared neutral territory, though for commercial purposes the Duchy is included in the German Zollvereiu. Its area is 998 square miles and the population 259,891. It forms the southeastern corner of Belgium.) WHEN DANCER THREATENS BRITAIN’S CALMNESS IMPRESSES AMERICA. THE OVERSEAS OFFERS. Washington, August 1. The American Press comments on the magnificent spectacle that the calmness of Great Britain presents when face to face with terrifying possibilities of war, comparing the British sang froid with the Continental war hysteria, and the remarkable closing of party divisions to face the common danger. The Daily Telegraph gives prominence to Mr Millen’s statement that Australia is no fair-weather parfcnei of the Empire, and Mr Irvine’s assurance that the Australians will unite in aiding the Empire with men, money and ships; also the telegram Hon. Thos. Mackenzie, New Zealand’s 'High Commissioner, received regarding the New Zealand offer of an expeditionary force.

GERMANS INVADE FRANCE RUSSIAN AND GERMAN FORCES IN CONFLICT. (Received 9.40 a.m.) London, August 2. The Germans have invaded France at Circy. The Russians attacked the Warthe River railway bridge near Neustadt, but were repulsed. A later message states that the Germans are advancing on Longwy. The Russians attacked Miloslav Station, but were checked. A strong column crossed the frontier at Schwidden. Cossacks are advancing on Johaunisburg. IN THE NORTH SEA. WIRELESS REPORTS OF HEAVY FIRING. IS BRITISH FLEET INVOLVED? GERMAN ARMY REPULSED. (Received 9.45 a.m.) London, August 2. Britain inquired of Berlin whether Germany was' prepared to respect Belgium’s neutrality. Germany replied that she was unable to answer. The News of the World declares that a wireless message had been received announcing that there had been heavy firing in the North Sea. An unconfirmed Liege report states that 20,000 Germans crossed the frontier at Nancy, but were repulsed with heavy loss. (Received 9.45 a.m.) Sydney, August 3. Everywhere in the city streets are signs of suppressed excitement. The cable news is eagerly awaited, and is devoured with interest. ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE ENORMOUS WAR INSURANCE. [United Press Association.] London, August 1. The Metal Exchange has closed until further notice, also the Stock Exchanges at Liverpool, Manchester. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin Lloyds are overwhelmed with war insurance. The risk of war between Britain, Germany, France and Russia is underwritten at seventy guineas per cent., between Austria and Italy seven-ty-five per eenr... between Britain and Germany oly 50 per cent British steamers to and from Britain sixty shillings, for the Continent a hundred shillings, German or Italian ten pounds. Five guineas premium was paid on the P. and o._ steamers out and home.

THE AUSTRALIAN POSITION SPECIAL REFERENCES IN THE CHURCHES. NO POLITICAL PARTIES NOW. GERMAN SHIPPING CLEAR TO NEUTRAL PORTS. (Received 9.30 a.m.) Sydney, August 3. There were special references and, prayers in all the churches yesterday morning for peace after the service when it became known that Germany had declared war, and that a general European conflagration had not been averted. All political parties are working in perfect harmony. Mr Fisher declares: “The state of affairs is like this: There are no parties—the safety and welfare of our country is the first consideration. Mr Cook knows my views. The election campaign is practically suspended. ” It is rumored that Messrs Fisher and Cook, in view of the European crisis, have agreed to postpone the Federal election. The naval and military authorities are quietly elaborating precautionary defence measures. The cable stations are being protected, and guards have been placed at the wireless stations, which are fully manned. Arrangements' are complete to keep the, wireless statioins along the coast in constant touch. In order to meet the demands of these measures a number of the citizen force, about a thousand, were called up for duty. All movements of the fleet, which in all possibility will shortly be placed under the control of the Admiralty, are being withheld. At the present time there are thirteen German steamers, including mail steamers, in Australian ports or waters. Three loading coal at Newcastle, the Limberg, Linden and Ulm, left hurriedly yesterday, two with only part of their cargoes, clearing ostensibly for Java and other Eastern ports. From their hurried departure it is surmised that they received instructions from Germany to proceed to neutral ports. The German Consul disclaims any knowledge of the matter. Another German steamer, the Westfalen, coal-laden* cleared for ly-ffraen.. Several German sailing vessels remain at Newcastle. Shore leave of the men on the German steamers in Sydney has been stpoped. \ THE VISITING SCIENTISTS. GERMANS MUCH UPSET BY THE NEWS. AN OPTIMISTIC CONSUL-GEN-ERAL. (Received 10 a.m.) Sydney, August 8. Two Germans amongst the Makura’s party of scientists were much upset by the news of the war. Professor Goldstein declares Jt, is very terrible. He never dreamt that such a holt would fall. “We were all so friendly,” he said. “This, I fear, is going to cause estrangements.” Herr Pass said he had planned to stay in Australia for some time, but he must now hurry back. It was expected that an explosion would occur in Europe, but not so big a« this. Yesterday crowds gathered in the parks and on the foreshore and the patriotic references of speakers were eagerly cheered. A feature was German hands playing patriotic British martial airs. The German ConsulGeneral has no official information regarding the declaration of war. He does not believe that there is any chance -of a clash of arms between England and Germany and he will refuse to believe it till he is forced to do so. . “DOWN WITH AUSTRIA!” FLAG-BURNING INCIDENT IN AUCKLAND. [Paa Pbebs Association.] Auckland, August 1. A large and enthusiastic meeting of Croatians was held last night, at which a proposal was made to bum the Austrian and German flags to-day in front of the Austrian Consulate. The idea appeared to meet with general approval, and despitie wiser counsels an arrangement -was made to carry out this programme and further to parade the Servian and British flags. Information reached the police, who intimated that no such demonstration would be permitted. It was understood, however, that an attempt would be made this afternoon to carry out the programme in some form. At two o’clock this afternoon about a hundred Croatians assembled before the Austrian Consul’s office in Customs street, and produced an Austrian field-marshal’s flag, which they had had specially made. The poured kerosene on it and attempted to sot it ablaze, The participants were too excited to carry out the plan effectively before the police, attracted by cries of “Down with Austria!” quickly appeared. The demonstrators thereupon wrestled for pieces of the flag as trophies, and tore it into shreds. They then formed a procession and walked bareheaded through the main streets sing-

ing the Servan national anthem. The police watche<l the proceedings, but did not consider it necessary to make any arrects. MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. < STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER. Wellington, August 2. The serious news regarding the European situation caused a sensation in Parliament and the vicinity lastnight. The Governor was in constant communication with Ministers yesterday, and when the serious news came through, a meeting of the Executive Council was called, Gencial Godley and Captain Hall-Thomson being in attendance, and the sitting lasted an hour and three-quarters. The Prime Minister (the Hon. Mr Massey( afterwards made the following statement: “We now understand our position, and all arrangements are progressing satisfactorily.” Beyond this, no official information is available.

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT TAKES WELLINGTON HARBOR.

Wellington, August 3,

The harbourmaster has been informed that the Defence Department will to-day take, over complete control ot Wellington Harbor, All foreign-owned ships will be stopped, and other shipping will have to receive official permission before entering or leaving port.

General Godley, on being interviewed, said the examination of service vessels was put into force merely as a precautionary measure.

REFERENCES IN THE CHURCHES

In St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church last night, the preacher (Rev. T. H. Roseveare, of New Plymouth), referred to the latest cable news that Germany had declared war against Russia. Special'prayers were offered for peace, and the congregation joined in singing the hymn appointed to be sung in time of war. After reading the news just received per the Stratford Evening Post “extra,” the reverend gentleman made a few remarks, pointing, out the seeming certainty of Britain being involved. He said that the ideal condition was to lay aside arms and thus avoid the bitterness and cruelties of war. But we are not living in ideals, but actualities, and we are called upon to be prepared for some course of action. , He hoped is we would" be ready to fall in heartily with the wish expressed by the Premier that we should stand by Great Britain, and loyally do our part. Continuing, he .reviewed the situation from a religious point of view, and called on those present to trust in God as ; tsfael was required to do in times of national crisis. That religious aspect of history in the Old Testament must now be our and we shall find that God will preserve us and use the present crisis to lead the nation to forsake national sins and to rise to higher tilings. An urgent appeal was then given to the Christian people to earnestly pray that God will overrule events so that peace may yet be preserved.