Russia Mobilises

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 61, 1 August 1914, Page 5

Russia Mobilises

Germany's Ultimatum Disregarded Events Move with Dangerous Rapidity Outlook Worse than Ever Peace or War, in 24 Hours Stock Exchanges Paralysed 5y Cable. —Press Association. —Copyright

XO HALF MEASURES. RUSSIAN" .MOBILISATION ABSOLUTE. CZAR MAKES A PRONOUNCEMENT TO-DAY. NIGHT NAVIGATION PROHIBITED. WARLIKE MEASURES. Received 1, 12.5 a.m. St Petersburg, July 31. Russia's mobilisation is not partial, bat absolute. The general reservists from the northern districts have also been summoned to anna. The Finns, Jews and othet elements will whole-heartedly sup|>o't the Government if war is declared.

The Czar goes to Moscow to deliver a pronouncement at the Uspinskv CatbediaL Gold has bten withdrawn from \YarMW. The lights have been extinguished on the Finnish coast, and navigation at night is prohibited. MOBILISATION" CANNOT ST .i' NOW. AX UNEQUIVOCAL ANSWE".

Received 1. 12.5 a.m. St. Petersburg, July ?,!. It is understood that the German Ambassador on Wednesday protested against Russia's mobilisation. addln_' that if it were partial it would for- - Germany to mobilise. M. SazanofT replied that mobilisation began on Wednesday, anil it conld not •top now. THE BAROMETER FALLING. UNEXAMPLED POSITION ON" LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE. GREAT COMMERCIAL CRISIS. Received 1, 12.45 a.m.

London, July 31. The situation on the London Stock Exchange is unexampled. Many dealers suggest closing, which has never been done in the history of the exchange. Uhe Ijanks point out that such action would increase the public anxiety. It is also suggested that the Exchange should suspend the publication of official lints or markings of prices. The mid-August settlement is viewed with anxiety. Failures involve il members. WAR FEVER RAMPANT. A DELIRIOUS POPULACE IX RUSSIA. THE MOBILISATION" CONFIRMED. Received SI, 11.15 p.m. St. Petersburg. July 31. The war fever seized St. Petersburg when the mobilisation was announced, and increased almost to delirium upon the receipt of the new* of the sailing of the British fleet, which is interpreted as localising tlic conflict to Austria. Servia and Russia.

CONTINUOUS NEGOTIATIONS FO.i PEACE. AN" UNTIRING FOREIGN MINISTER. KVENTS MOVING RAPIDLY. THE MOST SERTOUS PHASE. Received I, 12.45 a.m. London. only 31. Very powerful influem-cs are working for ii"M. <■. Sir Edward (!rev is in continual interview with Prin-e l.ielinowski-. iii.i German Ambassador, and Count Mcmdorff, Austrian Ambassador, but events are moving with dangerous raj'uUty.

'lhe most serious development is Germany's demand on Russia for au explanation of the mobilisation. It is rumored that she has given Rns-da tweutyli:i'• l in which to Other a: ' i.i-. slate that ail uii.i rcp.y is . . i. (irej on Wcdio-Jay asked in many to suggest a loini <>i mediatin:' I,;,), v.ould be acceptable to AusMridc.nfood -ei!, ■ tnihlavy ■ • ■ S ill .GiTrvai'V jile-»illg for I i;o\i T! 1 r SEAT 01" WAR, 1 1 kt:ikr accounts of Belgrade engagement. Received 1. 12.-2", a.m. \ iirv :!!. It is officially statr.l liiat tiie Servian rrvi i ■ "ims at Iteigrade opened fire at 'file. 'liwtiian monitors, >-ii ,ng 1.7 guns 'cplied. ".nmbardiiig the eitv and blowing up the powder ma-M/ine. 1 in- Servians at dawn made another iirMwci-i-iiul attempt to destroy the bridge, and sixteen Servians were captured. .V ihe Servian Customhouse opened :>■ . the Austrian artillery demolished it. Si;ii iltaneouslv fires broke out at di'le!viit points in the town. Tlie Servians are massing their main forces in the Moravia Valley, between Krajjijevatz and Knishbevatz.

Tlie Daily Mail's Berlin correspondent sums up the situation as "peace or mobilisation within twenty-four hours." SIDELIGHTS OX THE SITUATION. AUSTRIA'S REAL OBJECT. TO RE-ADJUST BALKAN" BOUNDARIES. Received 31, 11.40 p.m. London, July 31.

A letter received from Vienna shows that the mobilisation orders, which were issued on Sunday night, were unprecedented since 18GB. as thev not only included the l.andstrum. but men up to fifty years of age were ordered to present themselves twentv hours later.

The letter adds: The troops are being sent to the Oalician boj'der, not to the lower Danube. It is believed that Austria's main purpose is to revise the Treaty of Bucharest, so as to restore 10 Bulgaria tlw fruits of the Balkan war. BRITISH WAR OFFICE CONFERENCE. TERRITORIALS MAY BE MOBILISED. Received 31. 11.55 p.m. London, duly 31. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a joint appeal for peace, hut are not issuing special collects, suggesting an emphasis of the prayers for peace contained in the Pra'- er Book.

German ai -n:r.\\ relations ] AUSTRIA BROOKS NO PRESSURE j AND IGNORES HER NEIGHBORS ADVICE. Received 31, 11.50 pjn. London. July 31. wnnan diplomatic circles point out that Germany is unable to bring pressure on her ally to stop war. but will continue to give advice. RUSSIA TOLDS THE KEV. RUSSIA: PLEASE EX PL ATX. GERMANY AWAITS iiEK REPLY. ! DISPOSITION' OP AUSTRIA'S ARMIES. Herlin. July .'to. It is reported tlu f Gennanv requested R:i-ii t., explain against whom her mobilisation was directed, a!-o Whether she was willing t.> order its cessation. Received 31. 11.50 p.m. Vienna. Julv 31. Germany desires France and Tlri'tain to approach Russia, while she takes .steps with Austria. The question of pcacof war wiJ be divided bv the nature of Russia's reply. Since Germany has decided to secure* a decisive an-swer. she is unable t» allow a continuance of Russia's preparations. Military critics onine that the Austrian left army crossed the Danube near Semindria, and the centre at Ratza and Loznitra. only snir.'l bodies of Servians opposing them. The Austrian right would be delayed bv doobt as to ■Montenegro's Attitude.

General Sir -lolm French visited the. War Office anil liail si prolonged interview with the Chief of the Imperial General Staff on the question of special re swvc sections of the Territorials assisting in the British precautionary military movements. Chicago still excited. Received 31, !).I0 71.n1. London, duly 31. Tile Chicago wheat market is still ex cited, ami closed firm for September -bipinents. ill to !>7. December !M to 100. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION'. Deceived SI O.lfl p.m. Sydney. .liilv 31. "Hie heads of all Protestant denominations have appealed to ministers on Sunday In mak-o special intercessions that humanity will lie spared the calamity of the awful war now threatening. SHARP RISE rN FI.OCR. Received 31, 11.55 p.m. Sydney. July 31. T.ie Millers' Association has advanced tw k T>ri<*p of flour ]>v ton shillings. Wheat havers paid 4s 3d, and sellers are now asking 4s fid.

BRITAIN'S POSITION 7 DISCUSSED. HER TREATY OBLIGATIONS. MUST PROTECT OVERSEAS DOMINIONS. BUT ALLIES ALSO HAVE CLAIMS. Received 31, 9.45 p.m. London, July 31. There is much discussion m the lobbies and newspapers as to Britain's position in the event of conflict. Mr. Asquith's replies to Lord C'eiil and Air. King (Somerset North) on March 13 and 24, 1013, are recalled. [Answering a challenge in the House of Commons on March "24, Mr. Asquith said Great Britain was not under any obligations not public, and not made known to Parliament, to participate in any war.] A meeting of Liberal members of the House of Commons strongly objected to | newspaper comments assuming that the country is under a treaty of obligation to take part in Continental hostilities. Lord Lamington, in a letter to the newspapers, reiterating his statement that fidelity to the Entente renders it necessary for Great Britain to participate in war recalls Mr. Asquith's stateme'.r- and adds: "The balance of power ia i it: iuated. The safety of India and the overseas dominions is of greater importance than the possible defeat of France."

Thi! Daily Telegraph says the Continent is waiting to know what Britain will do. If the worst coines to the worst, Britain will help her friends in the Triple Entente in every way that is practicable. Britain has to guard India and consider the interests of the overseas dominions, which have no possible concern with the struggle arising out of the murder of the Archduke, but Britain belongs to the European system, and must shoulder her responsibility and be loyal to those whom we ask to be loyal to us. Tho Standard declares that circumstances may arise wherein Britain will feel called upon to support France and Russia, but'these will have to be carefully weighed. No British statesman has given France to understand that we are automatically bound to follow wherever our allies may lead. "IF BRITAIN ANNOUNCED"— 'BUT BRITAIN REMAINS IMPARTIAL AND MUTE. WORKERS TO WAGE WAR AGAINST WAR.

Received 31, 10.30 p.m. London, July 31. The Daily Express says that a small section of Radicals is endeavoring to persuade the Government not to use Britain's might unless our shores are menaced, for this would be digging a grave for our greatness; unless, of course, there are treatv obligations with Belgium, and at least moral obligations to Eva nee to be observed. If Britain announced that the invasion of Belgium or France would be followed by an instant blockade of the North Sea and the closing of the Baltic, it would immensely strengthen the hands of those b: miring for peace. i'lie Daily Mail savs that when France is in peril and lighting for her very existence. Britain cannot see her friends stricken or t)he dual alliance weakened, We must stand liy our friends, if only because without their aid we cannot be safe. The failure to organise the British nation to meet the new conditions in Europe has left us dependent on foreign allies. We can be true to our duty to-day. though it lias been neglected in the past.

Tlio Daily Citizen calls on workers to wage war against war, anil to support the anti-war movement in Germany. It calls on trade unions and Socialist organisations to make demonstrations to this end. Till-: DJ< TATORSfIfP OF EUROPE. Till'; PRIZE FOR RUSSIA.

i:i!!TAIN~S IIICIT PACIFIC ROLE. Received 31, 10.50 p.m. I-ondon, July 31. 1 lie Daily Xews says that none but the weightiest, reasons could drive us into conflict and risk tlie splendid fabric of Empirw. Honor, principle and interest dictate the absolute neutrality Britain to I'teatv obligations and to the dual alliance. The war involves no question of principle. Russia's viciorv would make her the dictator of Eurone. The Daily Graphic says Mr. Asquitii's impartiality is a reproof of the ill-con-sidered eflorts in certain quarters to predicate a course of British police In certain contingencies which have "not aiisen. Xothinj; eoii il be more prejudicial to the high pa . role which Britain has assumed in this crisis. RE-ASSURIXG STATEMENTS. FRANCE'S ACT JOX DEI'EXDS ON" 1 CERMAXY'S. ONLY ORDINARY PRECAUTIONS TAKEN,

Received 31. 10.55 p.m. London, July 31. Reassuring Ministerial statements have been ma.!,', due to the German Ambassador visiting Qiiai Xorsav, announcing that Germany h;>d not mobilis- 1 ,-!, and that direct negotiations were still "oing on between Germain 7 and St. Petersburg. Since then it has been officially anno.meed that I" would not mobilise unless Germany does.

BRITAIN'S PLAIN DUTY. WEIGHTY DICTUM OF THE "TIMES." '■ IF THE ANGEL OF DEATH DESCENDS." " WE MUST PAY TRIBUTE." Received 31 ,11.5 p.m. London, July 31.

The. Times declares that if France and Germany mobilise, Britain's duty is plain. She must make instant preparations to back our friends. If Britain stands aside when the vital interests of our friends arc at stake, we should justly find ourselves deserted in Britain's hour of trial. If the. Angel of Death descends, we, must pay our share of the fell tribute with stout hearts.

The Morning Post says the general intention of Englishmen is not to look on at the crushing of France, but to take part in war to prevent its accomplishment. AUSTRALIA'S FLEET RECALLED. PREPARING FOR SEA. A RUMORED GERMAN FLEET IN THE PACIFIC. I Received 1, 1.25 a.m. I Sydney, July 31. The warships Australia, Encounter and Melbourne have been recalled to I Sydney from the Queensland coast, arriving to-morrow. They will immediately coal and take in supplies. Mr. Millen, Minister of Defence, points out that this is merely a precautionary measure in readiness for any possible emergency. As regards Australia's at titude in the event of war, Mr. Milieu said that if nesessity arose Australia would recognise that she was not merely a fair-weather partner in the Empire, but a component member in all circumstances and ready to co-opcrate. News has been received in Sydney that a German war fleet, composed of a flagship, two cruisers and a supply ship, were cruising in the Pacific. They were expected at Apia yesterday, but probably recent events have altered their programme. CANADA'S EXUBERANT LOYALTY. MEN AND MONEY WILL BE FORTHCOMING.

| Received 31, 11.10 p.m. Ottawa, July 31. Volunteers offering their services in case Britain is involved in war are pouring in on Colonel Hughes, who states that the Militia Council has ordered preparations in the event of war. An evening journal announces that Mr. Borden is likely to return to Ottawa and call an extraordinary session of Parliament, followed by an appeal to the country for immediate financial aid for the Empire's defence. The Conservative PTess unanimously declares that if Britain is involved in war Canada must assist, no matter at what cost. OUR BROWS ALLIES. JAPANESE ACTION DISCUSSED. Received 31, 11.10 p.m.

A semi-ofK-ial statement deprecates ilannist statements. It denies that reservists ha> e been ordered to rejoin their [■orps. The guarding of bridges, tunnels, etc., i s jt necessary precaution against sulxitage. The Anarchist newspaper Midi wrongly asserted that the Council of War contemplated the mobilising of tour classes of reserves. The police suppressed the paper, arrested the manager. and ar« searching for the editor. FURTHER XF.WS FROM FRANCE. EKES 11 ISSUE OF PAPER MONEY. TO CONSERVE GOl.l) RESOURCES. Received 31, 11.15 p.m.

Washington, July 31. Diplomatic circles are discussing the likelihood of Japan being involved in the war. The consensus of opinion is that .Japan will only participate in the event of the Far East becoming the theatre of war.

The Japanese Embassy states that it is unaware of any secret clauses in the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. "SCARE" STORY IST MELBOURNE. PANIC ON STOCK EXCHANGE. Received 31, 0.10 p.m. Sydney, July 31. The stock and investment markets continue depressed and panicky, and little business is being done owing to further declines. The rise in the T.oudon bank rate is an added factor in fchc dullness.

, Paris, July 31. n order to remedy the deficiency of gold and silver for ordinary social purposes, the Rank ot France is circulating paper money for twentv francs and fiw francs. Otherwise the' Hank of France is in nil excellent position, having 105 millions sterling in gold and 25 millions in silver. The Government has decided to enforce as a safeguard a clause in the Savings Rank law. limiting withdrawals to 50 francs a fortnight to even- depositor after 15 days' notice. M. Viviani conferred with M.M. Bourgeois and Briand in pursuancv of his policy of consulting former ' Foreign Ministers. 0

The wheat market is excited, 4s 3d being freely offered for old season's grain, with no sellers. Sales of new season's December-Janu-ary-February delivery are reported at 3s ioy 2 d. Melbourne, July 31. Tlx l Stock Exchange was in a state of panic for a time, owing to a rumor that England had sent an ultimatum to Germany demanding to be informed of her intentions within twenty-four hours, on the penalty of blockading her ports. Business is almost at a standstill, slump rates ruling for mining and investment stocks. Buyers of wheat are offering as liigh as In lid without business. A movement is on foot for a meeting of bankers to arrange for possible tingencies arising out of the impending war.

The governor of the Commonwealth Bank states that the bank is making e\erv preparation to meet any contingency that miiy arise. Regarding the Australian licet, it is pointed out that though it may he involved in the struggle it will be by the terms of the naval agreement under the Admiralty, and not limler the Commonwealth control.

A cable lias been received bv the Ccrmori Consul, stating that the North (■erman Lloyd Company has received instructions from the Imperial Government to mount 4.7-inch guns on its vessel?, which, under the terms-of the naval subsidy. are required to act as privateers or troopships in war time.

Melbourne. Julv 31. The Consuls for Austria and '.Servia have not received official notification of the declaration of war. The Servian Consul states that there ate only about •W Servians in Australia, and it is unlikely that Servia will require their assistance. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AT THE CAPE. Received 1, 12.45 a.m. Capetown, July 31. ilie Transvaal manoeuvres have been cancelled, and troops are returning to their posts. Generals Wolfe and Murray 'nave returned to headquarters, and precautionary measures are ht.-iiiir taken elsewhere, especially at the Cape naval Virion iinil at Simonstown. THE WAR SHADOWS. HAKCJNG OVER EUROPE LIKE A PALL. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, Julv 30. fhe war shadows hang over Europe like a pall. Not even during the Napoleonic struggle was a spectacle soon of almost the whole white civilisation of the world arming simultaneously. The r&te of Europe hang's in the balance, and the hopes of peace depend on the lust efforts of diplomacy •with Russia.

THE ISOMBABOMEOT OF BELGRADE. FIRES IN ThE CITY. AUSTRIAN ACCOUNTS. Vienna, July 30. It is officially stated that machine guns opened lire from Belgrade and the Austrian monitors replied, exploded the magazine, and demolished the Customs House. Fires broke out in various parts of the city. The Servians vainly attempted to blow up the bridge. London, July 30.

The Servian Legation announces that the bombardment of Belgrade was resumed at six o'clock on Thursday morning. The principal streets were shelled. Several spies giving information to the Austrian artillery were captured in a hotel.

The Tages Zeitung reports that two Servian divisions have been defeated, one of which was captured. Eight hundred Servians and two hundred Austrians were killed. Vienna, July 30. An artillery duel is in progress near SmcdoTcvo, twenty miles south of Belgrade. Odicial accounts state that only small skirmishes have yet occurred. RUSSIA RELIES ON BRITAIN. IMMENSE WAVE. OF ENTHUSIASM. THE SITUATION SERIOUSLY REGARDED IN GERMANY. St. Petersburg, July 30. Router reports that an immense wave of enthusiasm is sweeping over the country. If the Czar becomes Generalissimo, as proposed by the Grand Duke Nicholas, General Sukliimnoff will be second in command. Doubt regarding England's support Jiave disappeared. Confident in such support, the Russian public is prepared to accept war. Peculiar demonstrations continue in St. Petersburg and Moscow, particularly in farewelling the Servian reservists. Berlin, July 30.

London telegrams announcing Russia's mobilisation are regarded as intensely serious. Under the triple, alliance, Germany is bound to come to Austria's help immediately Austria is threatened by a Russian mobilisation while she is fighting a third power.' The sailing of the British fleet has created an immense impression. Coupled with Japan's assurances it has confirmed Russia's determination to stand to her will declare war against Russia on Friday. ESTIMATED STRENGTH OF ARMIES. RUN ON THE BANKS. SUICIDES OF RUINED BUSINESS MEN. . Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 31, 5.15 p.m. London, July 31.

The Times' military correspondent estimates the Russian mobilisation on the Austrian borders at 400,000 rifles, 1500 field guns, .800 machine, puns, and 30.000 sabres. lie deprecates England's delay ill mobilising, and proceeds: ".Mobilisation is not. war, but it affords to diplomacy that backing which it needs. In view of our position and the special difficulties which beset our army, the Government is incurring grave responsibility by the delay." Holiday leave to the London police lias been cancelled, and the men ordered to return, as tliey are wanted for duty at the dockyards. Italian papers state that the Austrian invading force, comprises 150,000 from Semlin, 100,000 from Svornikondrina, 150,000 from Serajevo, 100,000 from Milanovatz.

Berlin, July 31. Wheat lias risen fifteen shillings and oats twenty shillings. Many failures and suicides of tradesmen who were feeling the pinch severely are reported. Paris, July 31. The banks were thronged throughout the day with depositors withdrawing their money and valuables. Business is practically suspended in tile big shops, owing to the lack of cash. The newspapers have been prohibited from issuing special editions. ISSUES HANGING IN THE BALANCE. THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS.

London, July 30. The House of Commons was packed and feeling -was intense. Sir E. Grey regretted that he could not say that the situation was less prave. So far there bad been no difficulties with the Powers, though joint diplomatic action had not been possible.

CONFLICTING FRENCH VIEWS. A THREAT AND A BRIGHTER PROPHECY. Paris, -Inly 30. M. IMcasso, interviewed, saiil that the situation was grave, but not desperate. Peace or war depended on Germany. If Germany wanted war she would find the North Sea closed by the. British lleet. and would quickly be starved. M. Malvy, Minister for the Interior, declared publicly at 5 o'clock that tlia situation was better than people protended. It was permissible to foresee the moment when the conversations would take a turn towards a favorable solution. lie. added: "We have received news from Germany which we had not dared to hope for." M. Auganeur, Minister of Public Instruction, spoke similarly in the lobby. KAISER DOES NOT WANT WAR. New York, July 30. Colonel E. House, a close political friend of President Wilson, has arrived at Boston from Berlin, where he was a guest of the Kaiser. He states that the Kaiser does not want war. The Kaiser foresaw tlio present outbreak some months ago and used every endeavor to preserve the peace. The nations who are interested in the conflict have been preparing for war sinee early in tlie year. The jingoistic party in Germany is forcing the rulers' hands.

[ PEOPLE'S FOOD RISES IN •PRICE. ; London, July 30. The Labor Party carried a resolution of gratification at Sir E. Grey's efforts for peace. It hoped that' Britain would not be dragged into tlie conflict and called upon all labor organisations to watch vigilantly in order to oppose in the moat effective way any action to involve Britain in war. Flour has risen 3s Cd per sack in three days. The price of bread will bo increased a halfpenny a loaf on Tuesday next. Coastguard and naval signal stations have been placed on a war footing. The Admiralty has notified the chief Welsh coal owners that it wishes them to retain stocks of coal. New York. July 30. There was another wheat pit'whirlwind in Chicago, wheat jumping seven cents for a few minutes after the exchange opened. The New York Stock Exchange again broke sharply and six points were lost when the cables announced that the Aquitania had been ordered to Portsmouth and the British reserves called out. TflE SITUATION IN AUSTRIA. FROM SCYTIIE TO SWORD.

Mr Asquith said that they were met at a time the, gravity of which was almost unparalleled in the experience of anyone. The issues of peace and war were hanging in the balance, with the risk of a catastrophe of which it was impossible to mention the dimensions. It was of vital "importance in the interests of the whole world that Britain, which had interests directly at stake, should present a united front and be able to speak and act with the authority of an imdivided nation. He had eonsuited Mr Bonar Law, who shared his view; therefore Jie proposed to postpone the amending "Rill till Monday, in the hope that the patriotism o! all parties would contribute in all their power, if not to avert, to circumscribe the calamities threatening the world. Meantime business would be confined to non-con-troversial matters. Mr. Bonar Law said it was of utmost | importance it should lie made plain that domestic differences would not prevent us presenting a united front. He spoke with Sir E. Carson's concurrence. KiTSsr.vs empress ukturnwg HOME. Received 31, 0.10 p.m. London, July 31. The Empress Marie is leaving immediately for Russia. SP PPLEMFOTARY ESTI MATES. Loudon, July 30. Mr. Lloyd George has issued supplementary estimates for C 1.803.224. including £!)-J3,l'0() on account of national insurance, mostly in aid of women's societies, which are threatened with insolvency. "

Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, July 30. Vienna continues to wear a mild sumnn'r appearance. Reservists aio noticeable in their new uniforms. There arc processions in the evenings, which enthusiastically display portru.ta of the Emperor and sing the national anthem. The controllers of the Hungarian Workmen's Pension Fund are investing £43,000 in Government securities, with a view to demonstrating their patriotism.

The press declares that Austria has well considered and adequately prepared for all possible eventualities . The Austrian mobilisation robs farmers of 50,000 laborers. School children are gathering the harvest. 'Bavarian soldiers were engaged in harvesting when they were called to the colors. ■Bohemians in London are petitioning the King to urge Austria not to send Slavs to fight their Servian brethren. Retired British officers are offering their services to Servia. There were enthusiastic scenes at the Austrian Embassy, London. Hundreds of reservists are arranging to rejoin the colors. Berlin. July 30. Officers are returning to their garrisons by all trains. The conference to-day at the Chancellor's Palace included Herr von Betli-mami-Hollweg, Count Moltke, Prince ITenry, and many lwtables. The Lokal Anzeigor created a sensation by announcing that the Kaiser had signed the mobilisation order. The edition was immediately suppressed and a special issued explaining that the paper had been the victim of a Kocnenick hoax. London, July 30.

The, bank rate is 4 per cent.' The Stock Exchange is lifeless. There has been one important failure. Holland has declared her absolute neutrality. There is a bank panic in Strasburg, anil the people are preparing for a siege. There : :■■■ exodus of Germans from Paris, and Russians are leaving Germany. There have been anti-war demonstrations at Hamburg, and similar ones in a score of other cities. New York reports that two Austrians were injured in a fight with Servians at Los Angeles, where the residents of the. warring countries clashed in a riot. One ilian was shot in the back, and another stabbed in the abdomen. Both are in a precarious condition.

The Stock Exchange was lifeless all day. There was fair business in Consols, which closed at 70. Altogether there were four failures, the Most important being Derenberg and Co., which has extensive Continental connections The Paris bank rate is 4'/. per cent, oetftlejuent day on the Bourse, 'which is alio to-morrow, has bo.cu postponed for a month. The Minister of Finance states that a moratorium would not b> justified. The Vienna Bourse is closed. Rome and Milan have suspended time contracts. Lord Stamfordham and the Russian and German Ambassadors visited the foreign Office. 'Pekin i eports that the German reserves at Tientsin, Shanghai and elsewhere are preparing to leave. There is gi eat commercial depression. A thousand soldiers and six hundred police have been drafted to Woolwich to protect the magazines and stores, and all leave has been stopped. There is much activity in the Tilbury area Ihe Dublin Fusiliers, with' machineguns, are patrolling the Essex river "all. lira anti-aircraft guns are guard"!g £" rlk ;S t oil stows. Soldiers aie patioiling Newport and other docks ■neuter learns that diplomatic circles consider that everything now depends on Germany's reply to the proposal that i Should suggest a diplomatic, wsv Sill with Austri »'s ftpa!. I 13 the Entente "'ill »yee to any audi suggestion. The foMlug is rather more pessimistic than ve - terday, owing to the increase of'tv. military party's influence in Germa and the fear that some of the Po«v do not want a settlement to be arrive,'. I'i.e Untifji .Mediterranean fleet, is nimedly coaling at Ma!t;v and taking m luuuitioiis ot war. ' ,

XKW ZEALAND'S ATTITUDE. EXI'E DITIOXAIIY FORCE WILL .BE AUTHORISED. XO OCCASION FOR .SERIOUS ALARM. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the House of Representatives tonight, an important statement regarding | Uie attitude of the Government of New Zealand in the event of the Imperial Government being involved in a European war was made by Mr. Massey. Th-i incident arose out of a (piostion, witli«ut notice, by Mr. (1. M. Thomson. He asked the Minister whether, in view of the present very serious situation m Kurope, the Government will offer the services of an expeditionary force to the Mother Country in the event of iher requiring it.

Mr. Massey said: "In reply to the honorable gentleman, I should just like to say this: So far as it is possible to judge from information that has reached us there is no occasion for serious alarm, but under such circumstances as now exist we have to prepare for possibilities, and if occasion arises—and it may —the Government of New Zealand will ask Parliament and the people of New Zealand to do their duty by offering the services of an expeditionary force to tho Imperial Government.—(Hear, hear).—l have no fear of volunteers not being forthcoming. I may say that an understanding lias been arrived at with [ regard to the numbers and constitution of a force which will fit in with the Impi rial requirements. I would just like to add that so far as Britain's' domestic troubles are concerned, I trust that a settlement will be arrived at which will enable the citizens of 1 the Empire to stand together as one man. (Hear, hear). —Just one word more. With regard to Canada's offer tiliat is reported in this evening's paper, my opinion of it may be summed up in three words, 'Well done, Oanada!'" (Applause).

Sir Joseph Ward said he had heard the statement made by the Premier with the greatest satisfaction. 'He sincerely hoped there would he no necessity for co-operation, and lie trusted wise counsels would prevent widespread war. But on behalf of his side of the Bjouse, lie said ttyey would co-operate in sending an expeditionary force or taking any other action necessary to serve the interests of the Empire as a whole. The House then rose and sang a verse of the National Anthem'. OUR EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. NOT WANTED YET. Wellington, Last Night. The Commandant of the Forces has issued a statement to-night to the effect that there is no present intention to call for volunteers for a possible expeditionary force, but in the event of these l>eing required later it is understood that volunteers would be taken only from tlliose now serving in the Territorial force and its reserves. All applications from volunteers would be dealt with locally, and would have to be made bv those wishing to volunteer through their squadron, battery and company officers to the regimental commanders, who would forward them on to the district headquarters. No applications would be dealt -with at the Minister's office, or at the headquarters of the Department in Wellington. Applications should not be made until further n-otice. They will be called for later, should they be required.

SERVIA'S DIFFICULTIES. ASSAULTED FRONT AND REAR. Durazzo, July 30. The Albanian insurgents, profiting by the Servian difficulties, are seeking to recapture Dibra, Jakova and Ipek. LONDON MARKETS HEALTHY. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, July 30. The Times, in a leader on the London market, says that when allowance is made for the conditions, which are unexampled within living memory, under which businesses have been conducted during the last week, it has no hesitation in saying that the stock market is sound and healthy. "THE MOST IMPORTANT MAN ON , EARTH TO-DAY."

Sydney, July 31. Sir Gerald Strickland, speaking at the Chamber of Commerce banquet, said that in Sir Edward Grey the Empire was fortunate in liaving a Foreign Minister with the training and qualifications required by the most important man on the faee of the earth to-day. THE CUBS WILL HELP ENGLAND. Ottawa, July liu. Colonel Hughes, 'Minister of Defence, returned hurriedly to the capital and conferred with Cabinet Ministers. Although he refused to make a statement, he is understood to have made an offer to assist Britain in the event of her being embroiled in war. The Militia Council is reported as ready to despatch 30,000 troops to the front df Britain requires them. The military authorities : here have learned privately that the greatest apprehensions are felt .in Britain. _ A special session of the Canadian Parliament is anticipated. "WAITING FOR WAR." London, July 30. Router's Berlin correspondent says "waiting for war'' sums up the condition of tilings in Germany. All the symptoms of a coming catastrophe prevail. The town council at Strasburg, in a manifesto, apeals to people to remain calm and leave their money In the savings banks. Measures will be taken to combat the unprecedented rise in the price of provisions. ■POSSIBILITIES IN THE EAST. AUSTRAL!!. ON GUARD.

Brisbane, July 31. Senator IBackhap, who has returned from a visit to the East, states that if there i s a European war involving the greater Powers, events in the East, outside the sphere of possible European action, would move with startling rapidity. The undefended Commonwealth would' find itself faced with a question which would tax the resources of an older country than their own. A European war would be the opportunity for a strong Asiatic power to work with Eastern Asia and the contiguous countries. ITe was greatly mistaken in the position if no avail were taken of the opportunity, St. Petersburg, July 30. A Tokio despatch says the semi-official I newspaper Hochishimbum asserts that in . the event, of a European war Japan will I possibly participate an aiw

SLAVS IN AUCKLAND. Auckland, July 31. The leading Auckland Croatians and Dalmations at a meeting resolved to form a Croatian Independent League and to issue letters to call upon all patriotic Slavs, Dalmatians and Croatian® to support the League in its efforts to secure the independence of the Slavs. The League will devote the money collected to a war relief' fund and to pay the passages of Slavs volunteering for service in Servia. It is reported that £250 lias been subscribed in two days. NEW PLYMOUTH OPINION. A New Plymouth business man, chatting with a News reporter yesterday, gave his opinion that a shrinkage in all wholesale and retail business was unavoidable whilst the war clouds threatcued the peace of Europe, and, of course, if the worst came, and the smouldering troubles between the great Powers were t fanned into flame, business would suffer the world over. No one, lie said, <'an estimate what such a gigantic upheaval would mean. The losses in money, war material ami human life would be enormous, and it would probably be the final great war, as the awtul results would make nations pause before rushing into armed struggle for territory or other gain. The great masses of the people would suffer, and their voice would assuredly be raised against any future war undertakings. The memory of such a catastrophe as a European'war, among the great Powers, would be lasting, and would have a lasting effect upon the peace of the world.