The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1914. IN THE BALANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 61, 1 August 1914, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1914. IN THE BALANCE.

''The issues of peace and war are hanging in the balance, with the risk of a catastrophe of which it is impossible to mention the dimensions." These grave words were uttered by the British 'Prime Minister in the House of Commons o'i Thursday, and accurately describe the situation that has so suddenly developed as a result of Austria's invasion of Servia. The crisis is unparalleled, and the most calamitous war in the history of thy world would seom to be imminent. Russia clearly intimated a few days ago that if Austria crossed the Servian border.s she would measure swords with Austria. Now that Austria has taken the divisive step and is bombarding the Servian capital and pushing her columns through the small Slavonic State Russia is mobilising her huge armies and already has on the Austrian frontier a large force ready for action. Britain, through her sagacious Foreign Minister, is straining every nerve to localise the touble and to maintain peace among the bigger Powers, but, according to a. Berlin cable we publish this morning, Germany confesses her inability to bring' pressure on her ally to stop war. At the same time, Germany states she is unable to allow a continuance of Russia s military preparations. Russia is not likely to be influenced hi the slightest degree by this sinister threat. St. Petersburg messages state that the war feeling is at fever heat, and grew delirious on receipt of the news that the British fleet had proceeded to sea. Britain's attitude is the deciding factor. Satisfied with the prospect of assistance flora Britain's mighty naval arm, with 1? ranee's army available at any time it is required, Russia will go forward confidently. As we write, news comes that Germany has given Russia twentyfour hours in which to reply to iier demand for explanations regarding Russia's mobilisation, which, we are further told, 'has been proceeding since Tuesday, and is now complete, being absolute and not partial. This is interpreted as being a more serious development, and means that Russia is about to put into effect the threat she made to Austria before the latter commenced hosiUties in Servia. Only the intervention el Providence can now prevent her fighting Austria, against whom she has more than one score to wipe off, and also prevent the beginning of the most terrible conflagration in the history ,f mankind. i'or, once Russia moves, Germany will go to the assistance of Austria, and automatically France will range herself alongside Russia. Where Britain will stand in such an event i« a matter that is being everywhere discussed, but it appears almost a certainty that she will be embroiled, and have to go to the aid of the other members of bile Jin ten te. She can hardlv be a fair weather friend in a crisis fraught with such momentous consequences and possibilities to her friends, or allies, for France and Russia are virtually allies. The latest cable, however, contains a ray of hope. It states thai powerful influences are working for peace, and it will bo the devout prayer of all who value their eitizensliip in the l.ritish Empire and our common civilisation that the operations rf tlicse influences will be crowned with success.