Belgrade Taken

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 60, 31 July 1914, Page 5

Belgrade Taken

Austrian Armies in Servia European Upheaval Imminent Mobilisation Proceeding Everywhere British Fleets Leave Port Jy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright (

AUSTRIA CROSSES THE i'J&ONTIER AND OCCl>j. J uiS THE SERVIAN OAfITAL. Rceeiwii 31, 12.15 a.m. Vienna, July 30. A telegram .vuich was delayed >n transmission, uatcd Wednesday, states that after a heavy bombardment by t'ie Danube gunbuati, Belgrade v.as occupied. A BKiUij S BLOWN UP. AS ARTILLEui DUEL PROCEEDING. Received 30, 12.20 p.m. Vienna, July 30. Early on Weu;;esday morning Serviaas blew up a bridge at Seiulin. The Austrian .mantry and artillery, in co-operation > 1 1li three monitors, -i~ the confluence ui me Save and the Danube. fired on the Servian positions, daui aging the barracks and other publ.e buildings. The Servians withdrew alter a brief engagement. SERVIAN' .SHIPS CAPTURED. Received 3';, 10.30 p.m. Vienna, Jul/ M *. A detachment of pioneers captur-.-i tw-» Servian steamers laden with ammiiiiition fn. mines, after a sharp incount< r wii:i the crew, who were in superior numbei Shells fell in various quarters in Belgrade, causing great damage and wounding a well-known banker. An artillery duel is proceeding at Cislinitsza, four miles from Belgrade. The Austrian--, have another bridge in lections on their side of the Save, which they can erect in a couple of days.

BELGRADE BOMBARDED. St. Petersburg, July 2i>. A Belgrade telegram states that liberty has been bombarded and the bridgeover the Save blown up. Paris, July 20. Telegrams from Vienna confirm t'i.' dynamiting of the bridge over the river Save and the bombardment of Belgrade forcing the Servian dynamiters to retire. iC** -~-" #■ " •' THE DIE IS CAST/' " ONLY A MIRACLE CAN AVER! WAR." Received 30, 9.55 p.m. London, July 30. Renter's St. Petersburg correspondent writes: "In Russian eyes the die is cast, and only a miracle can avert war. Austria'* proposal to discuss terms when Belgrade is occupied is regarded as inadmissible.''

GERMAX FLEET OX THE MOVE. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 30, 5.10 pan. Copenhagen, July 30. There are reports that twenty-eiglrt German war.-hi;s pas-ed through the Great Belt southwards, and another large fleet has arrived in tin Baltie. RUSSIA'S EFFORTS FOR PEACE. IS RUSSIA'S STRENGTH OVERSTATED? GERMANY'S UNCTUOUS RESIGNATION.

! J'RITIISII PRECAUTIONARY MEA- | SUKJiS. AFFKCTISU SCENE A I PORTSMOUTH AS - Tilh IliilTlSll ELECT SAILS AWAY. Received 30, 11.30 p.m. London, July 30. The Admiralty, in a note circulated among the fleets, cautioned officers and men against communicating information to newspapers or other unauthorised persona. The First Fleet has left Portsmouth. There were affecting scenes on the piers. # Thousands of relatives farewelled the tars, and women in evening dreSß wished their husbands and sweetl.carts goodbye. The ships passed out with bands playing and crews cheering. The Stock Exchange crisis is largely due to foreign banks withdrawing their funds used on the Stock Excliange in order to face the drain at home. The withdrawal of the loans necessitates real sales by holders of shares. THE REASON' FOR DELAY. AUSTRIA MATURING HER PLANS. NO .MOltiLls.vi'lON IN BRITAIN. R.'ceivec! 30. HU'J p.m. London, July 3U. Optimistic views are largely based on the belief that lighting has not commenced, but these are discounted by the knowledge that the Austrian plans will not permit of her armies crossing th» frontier until next week. Meanwhile it is still doubtful how far the mobilisations, particularly the Russian, extend.

The Daily Mail points i.ut the possibility that correspondents' messages are withheld and altered for the direet purpose ~f misleading, as in the Balkan war. The Hernial! Press is abstaining from ; ; .-iy iiientiiiii of the movement of troops, The BiitMi War Olticu announces thai it has taken no steps in the nature >f mobilisation. Orders given have been of a purely defensive character, and the naval measures are also precautionary. AUSTRIA'S LITTLE GAME. AS AX ITALIAN SEES IT. SERVIAN POLITICAL SERVITUDE. Times and Sydney Sim Services. Received 30, 5.10 p.m. Rome, July 30.

Received 30, 5.10 p.m. London, July 30. Three Italian warship* on the Civile have been recalled. The Times' military correspondent saye that Russia has done all in her power to avert hostilities, and has been handsomely snubbed for her pains. Tt was as a result of M. SazanofTs pressing advice that Servia positively crawled in humiliation before Austria. Subsequently Russia commenced direct communication with Vienna. If war is U6prevcntible, Germany will be likely to use her whole armed strength in its terribly automatic war, and if Russian mobilisation is announced it will be a miracle if all Europe is not aflame. Berlin, July 30. The Prussian military or<;an gays that the fighting power of Russia is overstated, and that in recent times she has never, without assistance, defeated a first-cla's amy. Preparations for war are complete, and Germany can face the advent of grave events with complete calm, tru<-

The Corricre Delia Sera, the leading journal in Milan, says that though Vienna denies all intention of territorial conquest, Austria can better attain he r object by reducing Servia to political servitude than by occupying her territory. The success of Austria will upset the balance of power of the Triple Alliance to the detriment of Italy. TURKEVS TEMPORARY -NEUTRALITY.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 30. 5.10 p.m. Constantinople, July 30. Turkey has informed the Powers that she is adopting a neutral attitude for the present. A CONFERENCE OF HIGH AUTHORITIES. GERMAN MILITARY CIRCLES PERTURBED. Received 31. 12.15 a.m. Berlin, July 30. A conference was held between Herr Von Bethmann, the German Chancellor, and Herr Von Jagow. German Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all the high military and naval authorities, but the result was not announced. The Crown Prince conferred with the Kaiser for three hours. INCESSANT ACTIVITY AT MALTA. OFFICERS RECALLED TO THE NAVAL BASE. Received 31, 1.5 a.m. Malta, July 30. There were incessant Tiilitary and naval preparations throughout tie night. All leave has be»n stopped and officer* recalled.

ENORMOUS GOLD RESERVES. FREXCII DIPLOMATISTS PESSIMISTIC. ONLY ONE CIIAXKJE Of' PEACE. FRANCE MAY RECALL RECRUITS. Received :10, 10.55 p.m. Paris, July 30. European Governments have been io/ two years hunting gold, especially Fiance, Germany and Russia. The Triple Entente has in hand 426 millions sterling in gold and silver. The Triple Alliance has £211,440,000; Russia over £180,000,000, and France £182,000,000. The Foreign Office is still pessimistic, holding that the only chance of peace lies in Germany and Italy inducing Austria to postpone active hostilities and ace. >t Sir Edward Grey's proposals. l).|ili iiiatists decline to he reassured by the German hopes that the conflict can be localised by a declaration of territorial disinterestedness on Austria's part. Russia cannot tolerate interference with Servia's status as an independent nation. The French view is that Austria is trying to repeat her coup of 1909. It would be fatal for Russia to allow herself to he bluffed a second time.

M. Viviani has invited MM. Delcasse, Pichon and Ribot to give their views on the situation prior to a Cabinet meeting at which M. Poineare presides. It is expected that Cabinet will recall the recruits of 1910 who did only two years' service. TREMENDOUS LOSSES IN GERMANY AUSTRIAN ENTHUSIASM GROWING. Received 30, 10.20 p.m. Berlin, July 30.

Fervid patriotic demonstrators continue, but a strong under-current opposes war, the objectors being chiefly Socialists. Many crowded protest meetings have been held at Berlin and elsewhere. It is calculated that losses on the Bourse since the end of June are.a hundred millions sterling. Tlie Reichsbank is besieged with persons changing notes for gold, this heing practically the only means of obtaining gOi,. ...e ordinary banks paying only *n notes.

The Hamburg insurance market quotes l\"ir per cent, for ships between Australia and Hamburg, conditionally upon the outbreak of war the sliips must make for the nearest neutral port and remain there. Vienna, duly 30. The Emperor is at Ischl, and is working from five o'clock in the morning- till seven in the evening, with only brief pauses for meals, lie desires to go to Budapesth to be nearer the seat of operations. The Emperor's manifesto has intensified manifestations of patriotism. Great ovations were s.:.'orded the troops going to the front. It is announced that all Servians liable to military service will be arrested as prisoners of war. NEWS FROM EXCITED MARKETS'. ALL THE WORLD OVER. Received 30, 11.55 p.m. London, July 30. Wheat—Owing to the sharp advance in American options, the market is excited. Holders are very reserved, asking Is 3d to 2s advance. Buyers are cautions, and business is restricted. For Australian cargoes to arrive there is offered 39s Od to 39s 9d.

Cotton July-August, 0.'.k1. Spot trade is very limited, and futures demoralised. Buyers and sellers are awaiting political events. Chicago, July 30. Tim wheat pits arc crowded, with excited sessions, and prices are startling. There was a fall of four upon heavy profit-taking, and the market suddenly rebounded three points, followed by another fall. September deliveries SB'/ 3 to HI Ms; December, 1)1 to 9-1%. Several firms with important Continental connections are awaiting remittances -rom their clients, and unless these are received the position of many linns will- be jeopardised. Calcutta, July 30. The tension in Europe has caused stagnation in Continental business. Jute sellers refuse to operate, and the banks decline to forward exchange business until tlie situation is delined.

BETTER TONE ON STOCK EX CHANGES. received 30. 9.55 p.m. New York, July 29. The stock market has greatly improved. Heavy buying has replaced the pre vious selling. At Chicago wheat is quiet, and price: are lowering slightly. HEAVY INSURANCE RATES. BRITAIN'S FOODSTUFFS. Recei\id 31. 12.5 a.m. t London, July 30.

FRANCE RAPIDLY PREPARING FOll EVENTUALITIES. <:r.KMAN'S RKPATRIATID. OIiCAMSINfi TRANSPORT SEIOTCIiS. Received 30, I'].s p.m. Paris, July 3fl. Tlie Government is quickly but rapidly preparing for eventualities. In Paris the reservoirs and aviation factories are guarded. Manoeuvres have been, cancelled.

Four Germans employed at the Corbel flour mills have been discharged and repatriated. The waggons of Paris have been requisitioned and the drivers held at the Government's disposal. The city's stock of flour is seven thousand tons, and is being rapidly augmented. Working-class families are stocking provisions. There is no sign of financial panic, bjt gold is increasingly scarce. The uovemment has forbidden Socialist anti-war meetings, and Socialist demonstrators who in normal times would have been discharged, have been severely sentenced.

Yesterday a group of well-known aviators, including Garros and Chevillard, petitioned the Premier offering to form an air squadron. SOCIALISTS' ANTI-WAR SCHEMES. Received 30, 11.5 p.m. Brussels, July 30. The International Socialist Bureau, including Mr. Keir Hardie, discussed the possibility of common action among the proletariat to avoid the extension of the conflict. A general strike and revolutionary action were suggested, but definite decision was postponed. TIIE RUSSIAN MOBILISATION. HER SUPPORT OF SERVIA STANDS. PEOPLE READY FOR SACRIFICES. Received 30, 11.20 p.m. St. Petersburg, July 29.

The following army corps have been mobilised:—Seventh and eighth, under General Nikstin; fifth, thirteenth, seventeenth, twenty-fifth and the Grenadier corps, General ilavaninth; tenth, eleventh and twenty-third, General Ivanoff; sixteenth and twenty-fourth, General Salza. Tlie incorporation of reserves raises this force to 700,000. The Czar has ordered the temporary suspension of the Council. Ministers pressed a'resolution restricting the service of Jews a« directors of companies.

Renter's St. Petersburg correspondent says that Russia lias not swerved from her determination to defend Servia. Partial mobilisation has already been ordered, and there is every indication that the whole vast military machinery will soon lie in motion. Political parties have sunk their differences, and the general attitude is one of resolute confidence and readiness for all sacrifices. AN OMINOUS CESSATION. DIPLOMATIC INTERCOURSE BROKEN OFF. SOUNDING BRITAIN FOR HER POLICY. Received 30, 11.38 p.m. London, July 30, Direct diplomatic intercourse between Austria and Russia was suspended yesterday, indicating that there is a growing tension. It is understood that Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary, is p.-eparing fresh suggestions. lie had a lengthy interview with Count Mensdorff, the Austrian Ambassador, this evening. It is understood in diplomatic circles that M. Sazonofl', Russian Minister for Foreign All'airs. intimated that though the conversations with the Austrian Ambassador had proved rcsultless, he remains conciliatory to the end, and will welcome steps taken in other quarters. Amongst many suggestions one is made in Berlin that Russia might reconsider her action if England made clear ilier intention to remain neutral. Russian French public opinion, however, is convinced that England intends to support the Entente. The Czar and Kaiser exchanged tele grams yesterday. SYDNEY MARKETS DEPRESSED. BAD FOR THE WOOL GROWERS. Received 30. 0.30 p.m. Sydney, July 30.

'l.loyd's are doing a large business in msiiranee against Britain fighting a Continent;;! Power within three months at twenty guineas per cent. Flour has risen 2s Gd f. sack at Liverpool since "Friday. If a further increase takes place it is expected that the price of the. quartern loaf will lie increased by a farthing. Fears are entertained that ContinentI al countries are placing an embargo on

In sympathy with London advices, the stock markets were again depressed today, though the rush to sell has been less noticeable than yesterday. Sales made showed an increased weakness at concessions on the previous day's prices for both, mining and investment stocks. The wheat market is practically at a standstill. Buyers art prepared to give an advance, hut sellers are holding out. Bidding at the wool sales was again very slack, and the hulk of the offerings passed. Better classes may he quoted at 5 to It) per cent, below the extreme rates ruling at the previous sales, and inferiors even lower, though the sales were too meagre to fix really delinite quotes. THE MEDITERRANEAN FLEET. London, July 2!). The Mediterranean fleet will arrive at Malta to-morrow. It will take coal and provisions immediately. Renter states that the Russian mobilisation affects the Austrian frontier, not the German. The peace footing strcngfc.'i of sixteen army corp3 has now been doubled.

YESTERDAY S CABLES. FINANCE AND RJOO SUPPLIES. CONTINENTAL ]SO<tJRSES CLOSED. KNCLISH EXCHANGES AT A STANDSTILL. AMERICA'S SPECULATION SOBERING London, July 20.

The Stock Exchange is at a standstill, dealers refusing to make prices. Consols have fallen to 69%. There have been five failures on the Liverpool Stock Exchange. The Russian and Dutch Bourses are closed. The Manchester Stock Exchange is at a standstill. Two failures are reported on the Glasgow Stock Exchange. The Berlin Bourse has closed. The Paris Bourse is at a standstill. Belgium has urgently summoned three classes of reservists. Mr. Asquith, in the House of Commons, stated that the situation was extremely grave. The Government was doing everything possible to circumscribe the area of the conflict.

Mr. Lloyd George, in the House rf Commons, declared' that the Bank of England had informed him that there was nothing in the present financial situation necessitating a meeting of bankers to deal with it. Tiie Stock Exchange is still stagnaut, members declining to deal with the Continent, especially Germany. France is throwing large quantities of stock on the London market, which till now has taken everything sent. Gonsok closed at 71, affjer the Government broker had bought at 70%. Seven failures are reported altogether.. New York, July 29. The Chicago grain exchange has been compelled to favor the demand for increased margins. Wheat gamblers ami brokerage houses now demand lOd a bushel margin, which is likely speedily to restore normal conditions.

Mr. McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury, says that the strong financial position has enabled the United States to export large quantities of gold to Europe without risk. Ample reserves of coin and 'bullion are stored in the Treasury vaults. The Chicago wheat market receded unexpectedly upon rumors of improved war conditions. It was stated that then; was a likelihood of the localisation of the Balkan conflict. Stock? again fell slightly in New York, but it is believed the worst is now over. Ships are crowded with Austrian?, Hungarians and Servians who are returning to participate in the war. The Austrian ■Government has granted an amnesty to all reservists who have not reported themselves to the foreign Consulates and consequently would be treated as deserters. - Austria prombep, them immunity if they will resumj their places in the ranks. FOOD AT FAMINE PRICES. Vienna, July 20. Food prices have advanced fifty aiifi even a hundred per cent. There is only ten days' cold storage supply of meat. The authorities will probably admit meat duty free. The public are clamoring against the rise in prices, and assaulted stall-keepers in the markets. The police dispersed the rioters. ATTITUDE OF THE GREAT POWERS. WAR PREPARATIONS EVERYWHERE London, July 29. Berlin reports that traffic on the eastern frontier of Germany is paralysed. All serviceable horses in Russian Poland have been impounded. A Montenegrin brigade of mountiini artillery has reached Priboj.

At Brussels the Government has taken stringent measures to ensure neutrality. The frontier will be carefully watched day and night, particularly near Verviers. A comprehensive system of signalling has been organised. Six classes of militia will be called up immediately, hut all the reserves will be called to the colors if, France and Germany violate -Belgian territory. At Rome dissensions have arisen between the Marchese San Guiliano anil Signer Salandra, the Premier. Signor Salandra wishing Italy to preserve strict neutrality in the event of a general war.

The Vienna press lias completely transformed tlio communication of the Italian Ambassador, which does not contain a promise of Italy's help. If all the nations mobilise Italy will mobilise in Lombardy, hut will remain neutral. Reutcr says that the partial mobilisation in south and south-west Russia does not imply a rupture with Austria. It is confidently hoped that the Powers will succeed in influencing an understanding between Austria and Russia. Paris, July 29. M. Bienveim Martin, Minister for Justice, has* received the German Ambassador. The newspapers have not abandoned the hope of the avoidance of a European war. The Powers arc actively exchanging views. MM. Poincare and Viviaui have returned. They received an ovation unprecedented in living memory. Le Temps publishes a St. telegram announcing that Austria has officially informed Russia that she will respect Scrvia's territorial integrity, and is even desirous of not occupying Belgrade.

OONTIN EOT A L CROWNED HEADS. RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION AND GREAT ACTIVITY. EMPEROR JOSEPH'S .MANIFESTO. Vienna, July 29. ' The Emperor Francis Joseph has issued a touching manifesto, regretting his inability to consecrate his remaining years to peace. He lias been compelled by the intrigues of malevolent, enemies to grasp the sword and defend the honor of the monarchy. He refers bitterly to Servia's ingratitude for Austria's past support. He states that he tried peacefully to persuade her to desist from the criminal propaganda which resulted in the murderous and well-carried-out conspiracy. He ivaa fully conscious of his responsibility before the Almighty for the step taken. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, July 20.

The Times' Berlin correspondent says that the Kaiser's name has been carefully kept out of public accounts of the crisis. The public were unaware that he conferred with the Chancellor "and the Minister of War. Tlie Kaiser is taking a more direct part in handling tlie present crisis than since the days of November, .1908. Vienna, July '2O. The Fidelity Pension Association or Hungarian workmen is buying a million ! kronen worth of Hungarian rentes to show their desire to support tlie State. The Archduke Joseph, speaking from i the balcony of the Palace at Budapest, said: "Brothers, we go together, fight together, and will either bring glory home or die together." It is reported that Servian troops have as objective points Valjevo, Ush- . itza and Sevilajnac. Strong divisions of volunteers and regulars are reported near Laznica. Servian aeroplanes are scouting on the frontier. Montenegrin women are assisting to build earthworks at certain point*'. Some disorder and disaffection is reported in the recently-acquired territory of Montenegro, where the populace in ■ opposed to war. The World's Peace Congress has can celled its meeting at Vienna, fixed for September. Berlin, July 29. The Emperor had an hour's conference with the Crown Prince and other princes at the Neils Palace. A German torpedo boat passed the battleship la France with President Poincare on board and salutes wei's fired. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Berlin, July 29. Socialists collided with the police, ] who drew their sabres. Several arrests were effected. Similar, conflicts occurred at Stuttgart. Troops were requisitioned to guard the legations. A semi-oliifial announcement in the Norddeutsclie Allgemeine Zcitung stats that the pacific tone of Russia's communique found a hearty echo in Germany. It exhorts the nation to support the Government by a quiet and moderate attitude. The Kreuz Zcitung'demands an immediate explanation of the despatch of, troops to Wirballen. It declares that it is a mistake to allow Russia to gain a considerable start in mobilisation. St. Petersburg. July 29.

Several powder magazines were blown up at Warsaw and a number of bomb explosions took place at the post office. Many persons were killed or wounded. It is reported that the whole citadel waa blown up. A semi-ollieial statement published attributed the calamity to lightning. Vienna, July 21). The burgomaster, addressing a crowd, said that Centra] Europe was as strong as iron and would show-the enemies of peace that it was the armies of. the Triple Alliance which ordained the courso of the world's history. Two princes, one. over sixty, and the other aged fifiy, had voluntarily reported themselves for military service. This symbolised the spirit of Austria, MARINE i.\S, nAN'CE KATKS | INCREASED. By Telegraph—Press Association. I Wellington, Last Night.

Local advices have been received that j the war rate for marine insurance has i been further increased. The rate now stands homewards and outwards, via Sness, by British steamers; 1 per cent.; foreign steamers, i per cent.; outwards and homewards, via Cape Horn. British steamers 10s per cent.; other steamers 1 per cent. In the case of interest forwarded to or from the Continent double rates will be charged. TARANAKI CROATIAN*. NO SYMPATHY WITH AUSTRIA. There are about 50 Austrians in Taranaki. some naturalised, but the majority un-naturalised. They think New ' Zealand is a very good place to live in, I and have no intention of obeying the summons of the Austrian Consul to return and light Servia. On the contrary, they declare their independence of the present Austrian Government. Yesterday, Mr J. W. Kurta, a naturalised New "Zealandcr, who is' a senior Croatian in the town, called a meeting of his own countrymen as representing Taranaki, when the following resolution was carried:—•

"We, Taranaki Croatians, condemn the action of the Austrian Consul in summoning Austrian reservists to be ready to defend Austria. We are not Austrian subjects by free will, only by the point of the bayonet. Taranaki Slavs stand by the resolution of the Auckland committee to secure the complete independence of Croatia, and down with Sbviibo. We are subjects of the Union Jack, where we get justice and freedom. We are ready to fight Germania (Austria and Germany) at any r moment." | Mr Kurta remarked to a "News" representative that the Slavs in New Zea I land had found a refuge from p'Taecution, which they were not like'.- to leave, except to slrike a blow for the 1 independence of their race. They felt J no allegiance to be due from them to ' the present Austrian Government, which had never felted them Tightly; :,