War in Progress

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 59, 30 July 1914, Page 5

War in Progress

Servians strike at Hertzegovina Huge Austrian Ariwes Marching on Servia Russian Forces on Frontier Feverish Military Activity By Cable—Press Association—Copyright

I OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF WAR. By Cable—PrtS!> Association—topflight London, July 28. War has been declared. Vienna, July 28. It is officially announced that war has been declared. Athens, July 28. The Servian Minister has announced that war commenced at mid-day. AI'STUIA'S l'LA.v-. TO CAI'TIKK SERVIAN AKTILLERi. WATCHING THE RUSSIANS. JBIG WAR INSURANCE RISKS. Received 19, 11.5 p.m. London. July 29.

King Nicholas of Montenegro and his Government have gone to Podgoritza. j RUSSIA WILL STRIKE. IF AUSTRIA CROSS US SERVIAN BORDER. ACTIVE PREPARATIONS. Received 29, 11.30 p.m. St. Petersburg, July 29. The declaration of war was publicly known late in the evening. Many thousands cheered wildly in the main streets, demonstrating in front of the British Embassy and elsewhere. Strong opinion prevails that in the event of war England will actively support Russia and France. , Russia has accepted the principle of Sir Edward {Trey's proposal. At thcsame time it desires to continue the direct exchange of views with Austria. It is generally believed that orders have been given to mobilise thirteen army corps.

It is not expected that Austria will be ready for operations in the field before the end of the week. It is believed that her object will be the capture of the Servian artillery and reduce the army to inoffensive proportions. The reduction of Servia to political servitude will be more advantageous to Austria than the re-occupation of Novibazar, as this would compel Austria to give Italy territorial compensation, though she may seize Louchen, which commands Cattaro.

An Odessa telegram states that lights have been extinguished along the Russian Black Sea coast, except at Sevastopol, where the harbor is closed to all except Russian warships. The Morning Post's St. Petersburg correspondent states that Germany is still regarded as the worst omen. Moscow merchants have opened a fund to assist Servia. Many volunteers are offering for Servian service. Russia's stock of gold, hoarded by M. KokovtsefF, is tinprecedentculy large. It is considered that Russia will 'be bettor able to stand the strain of war than any other country. High commands in the field have already been decided upon.

It k suggested that Austria may be content temporarily with the occupation of Belgrade and then accept intervention sucli as Sir Edward Grey proposed. If Austria promises not to enroaeh on Servian territory Russia might be persuaded not to intervene. The Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent point* out that Russia may be 'nelined to forbear, but if Austria goes beyond a certain point, Russia must invade Galicia, witli the Roumanians attacking next door. Germany then may make a violent attack on France in the | hope that she will profit by Russia's I slow mobilisation. Finally, the British | fleet may make a swift dash and annihilate the German fleet.

Russian opinion is that the only hopes of preventing a general conflagration are the combined efforts of the Powers to check Austria after the capture of Belgrade. It is positively stated that Russia will take the field the moment Austria crosses the Servian border, GERMAN ACTIVITY. FINANCIAL CRISIS FEARED. WHOLESALE RUSSIAN WITHDRAWALS. Received 29, 11.40 p.m. Berlin, July 29. Despite denials, palpable and farreaching precautionary dispositions oJ troops are in progress. Military Zeppelins have been despatched to Poscn. The fleet has been ordered to return to Kiel.

The Daily Chronicle estimates that ! Austria's army against Servia is only 160,000, as nine army corps are tied to the Russian frontier, where they have 1 been on a war footing since the Balkan wars. I The flood of Continental sales continued on the Stock Exchange, which closed before the declaration of war was known. Riotiutes opened at 61 and dosed at 56. Later ...ere were dealings at 54. Canadian Paci'.ics closed at £176 10s. There, was a sensational fall at Wall Street j after the declaration; £163 was offered I without buyers. Failures are feared. Underwriters arc doing a big business i in war risks at. 15 to 20 guineas per cent, against Britain, France, Germany and Russia being involved in war with'a si\ months. WHAT SERVIA HAS TO FACE. ENVELOPING MOVEMENT OF THREE ARMIES. MINOR FIGHTING REPORTED. Received 30, 12.15 a.m. London, July 29. The Times' military correspondent says that Austria is mobilising twenty-one division? against Servia, of which the twelfth corps is designed as a covering (force against Roumania. The other three armies, commanded by Generals Potiorekt. von Frank and von Auffcni'crg. will probably attempt an enveloping attack upon Nish and Kragujevatz, the landsturni divisions protecting the communications. The right army will probably advance from Serajevo and llcvatz eastwards, the central force from Seinlin south-eastwards, and the left up tiie Moravia Valley. Each army is auffieently strong to offer a stout resistance to the bulk of the Servian army. General Conrad von Hoetzendorf will probably be in supreme command, and General Paulohitch temporarily chief of tlie Servian general staff. Berlin, July 29. The Vnsidsche Zeitung reports that fighting occurred at Drina. Servians forced a passage in many places, but many were killed and wounded. Farther south, the Servians pushed in the pickets to Priboj, in Novibazar. where they were in contact with the Monte- . negrins.

There is a grave possibility of a financial crisis. Scores of speculators are unable to maintain their margins, and are dumping enormous blocks of stock*. "Bears'' are taking advantage of the situation. Tiie bankers in Berlin accordingly conferred before the opening of the Bourse with a view to supporting a standard of stocks, which means establishing a joint account, and all banks sharing losses and profits proportionately. The run on the savings hanks continues. No hanks arc paying more than It) per cent, in gold. There are wholesale withdrawals of Russian funds from German banks, which is accentuating the crisis. BELGRADE COMMANDED BY ENEMY'S Gi'Ns. GALLED TO THE <:ul.Oi;s. Received 29, 9.15 p.m. Vienna. July 20. The Berehtold, the olliual gazette, announces that as Servia has not given a satisfactory reply, Austria-Hungary j finds it necessary to sal, guard its -ri U '-its j and interests, and have recoiir.-o to force | of arms.

Austria announces that she will adhere to the Hague Convention of (Jctoj her IM, 1908, and the Declaration of London of February 20, ]!)01l. if Servia ' does similarly. j Mr. Donohue, war co-respondent, re. j ports that the legislative body sitting «t j Nish lias called all able-bodied Servian.:to the colors, irrespective of age. All j business, i s suspended ; n u^n,,].,, , Banks, offices, and hotels arc Foreign residents have left Belgrade. j There is no sign of t.t.e Servian army. 'Search parties have been out and have failed to locate it. j Belgrade is now dominated by Aus-

Man guns., which could put the Servian artillery out ol action the lirst day. WALL STREET PANIC. BIG FALI, IX STOCKS. Received 29, 10.30 p.m. New York, July 29. Aa a result of the war news, conditions approached panic on the Stock Exchange. Leading stocks lost ten to fifteen points in a few minutes. Foreign exchange rates were, demoralised, many brokers declining to deal. Produce markets chronicled sharp advances, but cotton futures fell rapidly, the conditions resembling the great panic of 11)07.

Gold shipments to Europe for the year were over twenty millions sterling. This is believed to be a record. T'ue possibility of the gold being seized as contraband increased the insurance on all vessels excepting American. SERVIANS CONCENTRATING. MONTENEGRINS HELPING. STRIKING AT HERZEGOVINA AND BOSNIA. Received 29, 10.45 p.m. Vienna, July 2!). News of the declaration of war created'no surprise. It was generally welcomed.

It is reported that the Servians are concentrating a large force at Novibazar, with Montenegrin troops in close contact, with the object of threatening Herzegovina and Bosnia, where the ground is favorable for guerilla warfare. FRANCE'S PREPARATIONS. 1,200,000 MEN READY. SOLIDARITY OF TRIPLE ENTENTE. BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE GIVES ABSOLUTE SATISFACTION. Received 29, 10.45 p.m. Paris, July 29. News of the declaration of war was received with calmness. The large commercial houses are establishing a census staff to. see how business is carried on if war- breaks out.

German Uhlans have occupied Eydtkuhnen station. Belgrade, July 28. - Military preparations are proceeding feverishly. Many Austrian families are quitting. The Austrlans captured the Servian steamer Belgrade on the Danube, and detained the passengers. They also seized a number of barges filled with contraband. SIR E. GREY'S PEACE PROPOSALS. REJECTED BY GERMANY. Berlin, July 28. It is stated in official quarters that Germany rejects Sir E. Grey's proposal, because it does not offer prospects of success. Austria and Russia could not consent to appear before a European tribunal like a Balkan State. Conversations between the Powers would afford a better means of settlement.

[ It is authoritatively stated that Austria has entered into direct negotiations with Russia respecting the quarrel with Servia. It was not true that Sir Edward Grey's efforts to effect a settlement were resented. AUSTRIA'S CONCENTRATION OE TROOPS. HUNGARIANS ENTHUSIASTIC. Belgrade, July 28. Austrian troops are concentrated in great numbers five miles from the Servian frontier.

Budapest, July 28. Count Tisza, in the Lower House, salfl that what was wanted now was deeds, not words. The whole country was enthusiastic, and would continue to fight until the honor of the nation was vindicated and future peace assured. M. Apponyi, on behalf of the Opposition, expressed confidence in Austria's action. •Parliament was prorogued amid wild enthusiasm. London, July 28.

Mr. jjonohue, correspondent of the Daily Chronicle, telegraphing from Semlin on Tuesday, says that no hostilities have taken place yet, except the exchange of shots" between patrols . on the Danube and Save. END OP THE RUSSIAN STRIKE. THE WAR SPIRIT PREVAILS. PROGRESS OP EVENTS IN ITALY. i Times and Sydney Sun Services. St. Petersburg, July 28. The late strikers are indulging in decorations and showing national ardor. The police were compelled hurriedly to commandeer cabs and carts for protective barriers at the Austrian and German Embassies.

The withdrawals from the savings bank do not exceed normal conditions. Encounters with anti-war socialists on the boulevards continue. Many arrests have been effected. The railway rolling stock is ready for any emergency. The guards for the wireless on Eiffel Tower have been reinforced. Leave of frontier garrisons has been stopped. France is able to put SOO,WX> men in the field immediately. If the field army is utilised the number will be 1,200,000. There is already a huge concentration of troops at Verdun, Tou), Epinal and Bclfort.

It is generally believed that Sir Edward Grey's speech implied the absolute solidarity of the Triple Entente, and has given the greatest satisfaction to France.

An official communique commends the patriotism displayed. The Government exhorts the people not to display enmity against 'Powers with whom Russia wislies to remain at peace. The newspapers regard Scrvia's reply as adequate.. Rome, July 88.

The Des Debats states that the stake is an entire change in the map of Europe analagous to what took place in 1864 and 1880. If France, Russia and England allow Servia to be strangled, as it allowed Denmark to he despoiled, they would be committing suicide. ADMIRALTY MEASURES IX ENGLAND. DISAPPOINTMENT AT WESTMINSTER. NAVAL ACTIVITY. London, July 28. The declaration of war has caused the keenest disappointment at Westminster.

International Socialists are discussing proposals for organising a general strike in France and Germany in the event of these countries fighting. Italians resident in Germany have been ordered to return to Italy.

A semi-official Berlin telegram states ' that Italy strongly urged Germany to accept Sir E. Grey's proposals. AUSTRIA ANXIOUS FOR WAR. THREE GREAT ARMIES MARCHING ON SERVIA. GERMANY WILL BEAR THE BRUNT. RUSSIA WILL NOT FLINCH. . Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 29, 5,25 p.m. London, July 29. The Times' correspondent at Vienna states that the entire policy of Austria since the crisis began has 'been to prevent the prevention of war. The absence of warlike news means that Austria is niarehinr three armies, each of ITii.OOO strong, upon Servia, attempting an enveloping attack..) Russia, he says, is mobilising thirteen army corps at various points. No one must suppose that Russia will flinch from armed intervention now that Slavism is attacked. Germany will not be too pleased at being dragged at the heels of the Austrian war chariot. While the Austrians are pirouetting amongst the Servian hills in the secondary theatre, most of the burden in the decisive theatre falls on Germany's shoulders. THE FEELING IN FRANCE. A CALMER TONE PREVAILS. ANTI-WAR DEMONSTRATIONS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 20, 5.25 p.m. London, July 20, The Times' Paris correspondent reports that France is exceptionally calm, though the, boulevards are a long, white, fluttering line of the newspapers' eager readers. He declares that the declaration does not necessarily involve a general European war, and has reason to believe that Germany has given more proofs of her desire for peace than have, yet become known. The. Socialists are holding demonstrations and demanding that the Government exert pressure on Russia to avoid

There is great activity at Portsmouth, men bring steadily drafted from barracks to the fleet. Naval arsenals are strongly guarded. Tiie British Admiralty has discontinued publishing the official disposition oi ships giving the movements of the fleet at home and abroad. The Newcastle coal market is receiving orders from Germany and Russia, who are begging merchants to sporl contracts. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IN BRITAIN. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 29, 5.25 p.m. London, July 29. The disposition of destroyers, submarines and aircraft is being altered, and the actual positions kept secret. Arrangements are being made for the protection of magazines, oil reservoirs, wireless stations, shipyards and coal deposits ; and generally precautionary measures with a wide scope are being taken. The leading British statesmen arc still hopeful of localising the war. KEEPING AN EYE UN RUSSIA. MILITARY ACTIVITY REPORTED. GERMANS PREPARED TO RETALIATE. SlO RV lAN PR KPA RATI ONS. Berlin, July 28. Tiie declaration of war lias intensified apprehension. It is announced that i veil a partial mobilisation in Russia will cause an immediate mobilisation in Germany which nothing can hold back. Considerable movements of Russian troops are reported on the frontier. Tile cavalry, pioneers, artillery and two regiment.-! of infantry have occupied the frontier station of Wirhallen. Troops ate,also occupying the roads.

SYDNEY STOCK EXCHANGE DEPRESSED. WHEAT PRICES ADVANCED. Received 29, 8.35 p.m. Sydney, July 2!). Receipt of the news of the actual declaration of war severely affected all stock exchanges. The metal section is very weak, with heavy selling at materially reduced prices, especially for topper and lead .-hares. Investment I stocks suffered to a le.sser degree.' Tlvc wheat market is strong. Buyers freely offered -Is Id, but sellers refused to quote or do business, anticipating a further material rise. FRANTIC WHEAT OPERATIONS. WAR RISKS RULING. New York, July 28, There was wild excitement in the wheat pit at Chicago. Excited and perspiring brokers were shouting frantically and struggling to transact business. They sold and bought wheat at the rat > of £'20,000 each minute. Tlie markets rose three cents upon the declaration of war. Wild fluctuations followed, and another rise of three cents immediately succeeded. New York is shippirig enormous supplies of gold to Europe. Pour million sterling' have been sent since the 2srd. Melbourne, July 2d. The Marine Underwriters' Association has advised extra war risk rates on steamers to and from the United Kingdom and the Continent, via Suez, out- . wards 5s per cent., homewards (Britbii owned 7s Od per cent, .others (except Austrian and Russian) 10s per cent., Austrian and Russian 20s per cent. Tha rates arc chargeable daily, and no forI ward contracts will be made, | AUSTRIAN'S FLOCKING HOMEWARDS Ottawa, July 28. Austrian residents in Canada are I leaving in scores to rejoin their regiments in view of the outbreak of war. j Numbers of Servians and Greeks are | holding themselves in readiness to depart. ! The Montreal Stock Exchange was compelled to close, owing to the tremendous selling, NEW ZEALAND WHEAT MARKET. By Telegraph—Press Association. Ashburton, Last Night. The Guardian states that the'war scare in Europe has had an effect oil the local wheat market, which, in sympathy with the Australian market; has firmed this week by iy 2 d, after having been dorinant for the last month. Growers are not likely to be affected, however, as lully 80 per cent, is now in the merchants' hands. CROATIANS IN AUCKLAND. Auckland, July 29. So far there has been no response to the Austrian Consul's summons to reservists. There are about 4000 Australia in the northern gumfields, and the time that has elapsed has been sufficient for the summons to be widely published. A meeting of 30 Croatians in the city passed a resolution to ignore the Consul's summons, declaring sympathy with Servia. They appointed a committee to open a fund for the assistance of Servia, and communicate with Croatians in New Zealand and Australia with a view to securing the complete independence of Croatia and repudiate allegiance to Austria.