EUROPE ABLAZE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 63, 3 August 1914, Page 5

EUROPE ABLAZE

♦ Russia Attacks Austria Germany Declares War France Ready to Strike Can Britain Escape ? Jy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright

RUBSIA ATTACKS AUSTRIA. RAILWAY BRIDGE BLOWN DP. Received 2, 5.5 p.jn. Berlin, July 31. It i> reported that the Russians have blown up a railway bridge near Granitsa, in Austrian territory. THE DECLARATION OF WAS. THE FORMAL PART OF THE BUSINESS. GERMAN EMBASSY STAFF LEAVES RUSSIA. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. St. Petersburg, August 1. At half-past seven this evening the German Ambassador handed tiie Foreign Ministry the declaration of war. The Embassy staff left to-night. RUSSIANS AND GERMANS EXCHANGE SHOTS. ON GERMAN SOIL. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Berlin, August 1.

A Russian frontier patrol fired on a German patrol near Prostken, three hundred yards on the German aide of the Bussian frontier. The Germans returned the fire. There were no casualties. IMMEDIATE PRELUDE TO A RUPTURE. -GERMAN'S "REQUESTS" TO RUSSIA AND FRANCE. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Rome, August 1. It is reported that the Foreign Office *•« been informed that Germany is asking Russia to cease mobilising within twelve hoars, and France to suspend military operations in eighteen hours. THE BATTLE OK LEENITZA. SERVIANS GREATLY OUTNUMBERED. BUT HOLD THE ENEMY IN CHECK. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Rome, August 1. The II Secolo's correspondent at Nish fives details of the Battle <>,' 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.

SECOXD BOMBAIiDMEXT OF BEI/IRADE. POKTI'fIUESE TUOOPS Full I'.IMTAIX Received ). 5.5 p.m. Belgrade, duly 31. Austrian-s bombarded the city for "three hours in the forenoon of yesterday, and damaged the cathedral. The Serrkun art determined to defend the «itr till the, la»t extremity. lire inm fearing tie capita!, Which

presents a deserted aspect. A fresh attack was expected last nightLisbon, July 31. According to the newspapers, 10,000 Portuguese are liable to be mobilised by virtue of the treaty with Britaim. Brussels, July 31. Tes thousand besieged the National Baak, bat the runs are now subsiding. FRONTIER OUTRAGES. RAILWAYS RIPPED UP. FRENCH SOCIALISTS SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT. Received 2, p.m. Paris, August 1. The Bank rate is six per cent. Le Temps says that Russian mobilisation o» the Austrian frontier has been completed in five days. Russia int-ists on interxeninjj for the sovereignty of Servia, not necessarily for her integrity. Russia cannot allow Austria's suzerainty. Germans at Pay ny-suh-Moselle tore up the permanent way and placed grans in position in a cutting on the Metz-Cha-lots railway. Four locomotives were w>i;etl at Moncel-sur-Seille, a frontier station, where the railway was torn up. It is officially stated that owing to the world-wide rise in prices, and the i probability of the crop being below the I average, and the. prospect of seeing foodstuffs seized like gold, the Government has prohibited the export of corn meal of all sorts. A deputation of the Socialist-Republi-can group informed the Government that ■though profoundly attached to pacific ideas, it expresses full confidence in the Government.

FRANCE FLIES TO ARKS. / "VIVI L'ANGLETERRE!" Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Paris, August 1. Shortly before five o'clock this evening a genera! mobilisation was ordered, and evoked tremendous enthusiasm. A procession bearing tricolor flags paraded the boulevardes, singing the Marseillaise, and shouting. "Vive La France!" '•Vive I'armee!'' and a man bearing the Red Ensign followed, the crowd shouting. "Vive TAnc-h'terre!" FRONT!EII RAILWAYS CUT. Rw.ired 2, 5.5 pjn. Paris, August 1. The Germans cut the railways on the frontier. THE RUSSIAN MOBILISATION. St. Petersburg. .July 31. A general mobilisation has been ordered. Notices have been posted ordering reservists to report by six o'clock on Saturday morning. AUSTRIA'S DIGNIFIED ATTITUDE. RUSSIA'S CURIOSITY REGARDING SEItVIA IGNORED. MONTENEGRO IN' TWO MINDS.

Rf-iiiTnl 2. 5.5 p.m. London. August 1. Dr. Dillrn. tclf'graphing from Vienna, sayg that ha? resolrcd to ileal with Srrria without intermediation of any foreign State. She will abstain from territorial extension at Servia'g cost, but refuses to toll Russia ho-? Scrvia will fan* as a defeated belligerent Cetinje. August 1. Even- diplomatic personal pressure i« being bright on King Xiehnlas of Montenegro «.. prevent joining Sjcrvia. King X ■:„-,'ia> has po'stponeil his decision for :wo -lavs. Capetown. August 1. Events a-- followed with the most aeute inter.-t. Xewspaper offices are open day and night. Xo spe.;- n.,, ~.„t by yesterdav'snu.il boat. xor t ■ p,i: FrtrfiHTEx.En. 1.-eivrd 1. 5.5 p.m. , Timi- a>. 1 Sy.hiev .Sun Services. xr Berlin. August l .Manor ivres „iv talcinp nlaee at Stras». £"L i.J"'' i " ,Mip are Wftrned not to Ibe frightened at the sound of guns The -bridge* :n are guarded.

TROUBLE ON THE FRENCH FRONTIER. TESTING BONDS OF BRITISH EMPIRE. KITCHENER IiOKS TO EOYPT. BRITISH NAVAL POUTS PROTECTED. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. London, August l. The Dailjr News demands that Sir Edward (irey and Mr. AMjwiUi should announce England's neutrality, urging that their tardiness and hesitation are encouraging Russia to appeal to the sword. Sir J. J. Thomson, Sir W. M. Ramsay, Dr. F. Burkitt, and other professors, m a letter to the newspapers, say that Germany is leading the way in arts and sciences. War is against her interests. Sertia and Russia are committing a sin against civilisation. The Ohronicle says there is a deep and growing fueling that the Liberals are against British participation. h'r. Arthur Ponsonby, M.P., is leading a movement to focus Liberal opinion. Lord Bryce and Lord Courtney are associated with him.

The Times, after commenting on the nicssagcß of encouragement from overseas, adds: "The threatened war will apply the severest test to the whole Empire. Issues will assuredly arise extending beyond the vortex of European politics." Lord Kitchener and Lieut.-General Sir F R. Wingate, formerly Chief Intelligence Officer to Lord Kitchener in Egypt, return to Egypt on Monday. They will travel by cruiser from Marseilles to Alexandria.

The Kaiser and Frau Krupp have withdrawn tlhe yachts Meteor and Germania from Cowes. Other German yachts have also gone. Boom defences nave been placed in position at Portsmouth, Devonport an« Sheerness. Entry is- forbidden at night. Telephonic communication between Paris and London has ceased. The South Wales Miners' Federation refused the Admiralty's suggestion ts work the home collieries on Tuesday and Wednesday, which are holidays, alleging that it would encourage Britain's intervention. The Times says Italy at present remains quietly neutral, and resents Austria's omitting to consult Home concerning iiei- impetuous attitude towards Servia. London, August 1. The Japanese Ambassador in London does not anticipate trouble in the Far Knst, where the navies of the Triple Al--I'iince are negligible. If trouble arises, Japan will act up to the spirit of the Alliance. Paris, August 1. Since the 28th ult., Germany has been arming her strongholds and concentrating several army corps east of Thionvillc and Metz. ' Some Gorman patrols are already over the frontier. Telephone and telegraph communication has been cut. Soldiers bar the roads. Numerous tourist motor-cars have been confiscated.

French troops have been withdrawn slightly from the frontier to avoid collisions with the Germans. Bt. Petersburg, August 1. Mobilisation was ordered late on ThursdayIt is apparent that Germany is purposely delaying her official notice of mobilisation in order to place Russia in a position of inferiority. Pink papers, calling up the reserves, are posted at all street corners, and white papers, which promise five roubles to fifteen kopeks to enable them to buy boots, clothing 1 and body linen. Last night's Council of Ministers at Petershof modified the situation, owing to the General Ambassador's assurance following on messages exchanged between the Czar. King George and the Kaiser. Vienna, August 1. A general mobilisation of the army and navy has been ordered in Austria in response to Russia. Berlin, August 1. Germany lia« intimated that she would mobilise if Russia did not stop mobilising at noon to-day. Nevertheless, conversations between Austria and Russia are proomling. M. Sv.zonoff declaring that ihe will gr> t.i the last limit to prevent war. New York, August 1. The White Star, Red Star, American, Leyland, Dominion and Atlantic Transport lines have suspended sailings for Continental ami European ports. British sailings are unaffected. ULSTERlflfcf VOLUNTEER FOR ACTIVE SERVICE.'. Received 1. 0.20 p.m. London, July 1. Sir Hdward Carson announces that if the Government requires them a large body of Ulster volunteers will give their services for home defence, and' manv will serve anywhere they may be required. The King gave an audience to Lord Kitchener. The Russian Kmlxanhv has no news of a general mobilisation." Mr. Asquibh was careful to state that Ins information was derived from Germany. GERMANY SEKKS FRANCE'S INTENTIONS. Received '2. 7.15 p.m. Paris, August 1. It is reported that the German Ambassador asked M. Viviani whether France, m the event of war between Germany and Russia, would remain neutral. It i's alleged that lie asked for a replv bv Boon on Saturday. At a late hour on Saturday, conversations were proceeding between German and France, and also between Russia and Austria.

TJilO WHEAT OAMRi.]-:. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, .Tulv 2. there was mud, excitement on the wheat market yesterdav. with a stron" disposition to buy in view of private cable arnonncing that the value is increasing ow,„g to w)l| , at ]i(lg f tfce Haifa* an ,, TOaplt ,„. ped. Buyers o nv m l 4s 4,1 f,„. ol(I '„ but sellers d,.,, K ii„i w i 4s Phl _

THE RUSH FOR GOLD. BANK OF ENGLAND WILL TAKE PRECAUTIONS. MONEY RATK AT PANIC 'PRICES. Received *2, 5.5 p.m. London, July 31. Afte.r receiving; notes at other banks, crowds invaded the Bank of England and exchanged notes for gold. The Bank will probably take steps against gold being secured in this manlier for transmission abroad. War rates have been laised with unprecedented suddenness. Such large business was offered that underwriters deemed the gamble too great, and arc generally refusing further risks. Australian war rates to British ports and the Cape advances from 15 to 20 shillings, and via Suez substantially more.

The Women's Social Political Union has issued instructions that during the crisis no militant acts are to be perpetrated. A movement is afoot to form a contingent of colonials at present in England who serred in the Matabele, Mashonaland and South African wars. The Bank of England transacted big business in a weekly loan, short discount, at the unprecedented rate of lOV2 per cent. Brussels, July 31. The Government has decided to mobilise. Malta, July 31. All precautionary measures are completed. St. Petersburg, July 31. A telegram from Pekin states that the German squadron is concentrating at Tsingtau the German war munitions for colonial troops. Austrian detachments are also hurrying to Tsingtau. Paris, July 31.

The Germans have established rewnnaisance services and active patrols on the frontier. French covering troops have already stationed more outposts. The Germans are taking measures to prevent the inhabitants of Alsace and Lorraine crossing into France.

CONFERENCE OF FINANCIAL MAGNATES. "WHISPERINGS AROUND THE . DEATH-BED." Received 2, 5.5 p.m. London, August 1. Th« bank rate is ten per cent. The Bank of England was early bosieged by a crowd. Many were timid, owing to reports from the Continent that notes were useless. Others had been unable to get monies for Saturday's pay-day, as the other banks had cashed cheques with 90 per cent, of notes. It was rumored that the issue of onepound notes was likely. Mr. Asquith, Mr. Lloyd George, representatives of the Bank of England and the leading joint stock companies, conferred and decided that the situation did not yet justify emergency action in regard to supply of legal tender and currency. It is announced that the Treasury is prepared to take action immediately it becomes necessary. The Daily Telegraph gives prominence to Mr. Milieu's statement that Australia h no fair-weather partner of the Empire, and Mr. Irvine's assurance that tlic , 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. Conversations between Russian and Austrian diplomatists at Vienna continue. This is now the chief hope of averting a European conflict. It is recognised that the Kaiser and Sir Edward Grey are working hard to preserve peace, but pessimists describe all conversations as "whispering around a death-bed." THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE. Received 2, 5.5 p.m.

London Inly 31. Tlie Stock Exchange was ever before closed through a war crisij. It is understood that the governor of the Bank of England i.irl Lord Rothschild participated in fctc committee - .-, deliberation. FINANCIAL CRISIS IX AMERICA. EMERGENCY' CURRENCY AUTHORISED. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Washington. .Inly 31. The Senate Banking Committee unanimously reported a Bill to provide emergency currency in the (vent of war under the Aldrieh-Yreeland Act.

Reports originating from South Amp. riea indicate that tlic financial, situation is grave. Prices of foodstuffs arc rising, and tlio bourses are closed. S'TOXTFrOANT ACTS. Washington. August I. It is officially announced that the Gc--man Ambassador is leaving St Petersburg. The American Ambassador, Mr Hernek, reports that overtures have been made to him to place German interna m J ranee in his hands. t. i • ~. London. August 1. Keiiters Washington correspondent sa>s that Germany, Britain and France formally asked America to assume ''l'-i'ge of their embassies i„ case of ?'"} An '<™» I'as consented. 1. resident Wilson and the leading ,„,,,„. bers of Congress have agreed on a Bill regarding Panama Canal law and to permit foreign ships tll fake American registiv during the crisis. Thev hope \ P n C T, U V m ihnn « h °" All the Standard Oil CompanvV exports of ml to Europe have been stop-

"A DARK DAY FOR GERMANY." ' THE KAISER'S MAILED FIST. FIGHTING FOR THE NATION'S HONOR. Received 2, 10 p.m. Berlin, July 1 The bank rate is six per cent. The Kaiser, at the Palace, addressed twenty thousand people, saying: "This is a dark day tor Germany. The, sword is being forced into out 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'.i help will wield the sword in such a way that we can sheath it wit'h honor. We will show our adversaries what it means to attack Germany. I now commend yo'i to God. Go to church, and ask God to help our brave army." Huge processions marciied to the Pal-

Herr Von Hollweg, Chancellor, said the Kaiser to the last hour had worked for peace, and was still working for peace. "Should the. sword be forced into our hands, we will take the field with a clear conscience, and wage war for our existence and national honor to th« last drop of our blood."

At Munich thousands of excited people 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. LESS EXCITEMENT IN LONDON. WELSH COAL PORTS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT. ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE EMPIRE. \ SECURING FOOD SUPPLIES. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. London, August I.

The King gave an audience to Mr. Asquith at Buckingham Palace at two o'clock on Saturday morning. The National Penny Bank at Victoria Street and other branches have closed. Some branches are cashing more cheques than usual, and paying largely in notes and silver.

There are no remarkable runs, and little excitement. Stock Exchange circles are considering the crisis with calmness in London, a great contrast with the other capitals. The Government has taken possession of the Welsh coal ports, and at Bombay and Colombo the .military are protecting the harbors.

j Bombay, August 1. Officers' Home leave has been stopped. St. Petersburg, August 1. The Treasury has withdrawn all deposits from German and Austrian banks. The deposits remaining in Paris and London are sufficient for the Government's coupons for the year. The balance at the Treasury is fifty million, which fortunately lias not been expended on account of the military and naval bills sanctioned by the Legislature. Batavia, August 1. German and Austrian steamship liners have suspended all sailings, and export business has been stopped. Reuter's Washington correspondent is discussing a Bill with Congress leaders for bringing the world's shipping supply largely under the American flag during the crisis. Brussels, August 1. L'Etoile states that the Government has bought the entire wheat supply at Antwerp, under threat of secure. Berne, August 1. The Federal Council has decided to mobilise the elite landwehr and landsturm to watch the frontiers and guard communications. STRINGENT MARTIAL LAW IN GERMANY. ENTIRE FORCES MOBILISED. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Berlin, August 1. Th'e 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 streets.

The martial law manifesto ordains death in case of arson or resistance of civil or military power, with ten to twenty years' servitude if there are extenuating circumstances. Circulation of false rumors regarding numbers, movements or supposed victories o- enemies will be punished by a year's ;:uprisonment; 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. IRISHMEN CLOSE THEIR RANKS. "WE ARE BRITISHERS!" Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received 1, 6.5 p.m. London, August I. Mr. .T. Norton Griffiths, who saw service in the Matabele and South African wars, in the latter as an adjutant in Lord Roberts' 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 revuUi'ou of feeling in Ireland, following on Mr Asquith's statement that all talk of pa>'tv had ended. Irishmen of all complexion's have become Britons.

Ulster and Nationalist officers, questioned on the subject, used the s-unc phrase, "We are Britishers!" Three hundred thousand drilled volunteers have arms, which are for tincountry's enemies first and foremost General Bramwcll Booth direct? Salvationists throughout the whole world to pray that war be averted.

ITALY REMAINS NEUTRAL DEFENCE, NOT OFFENCE. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Rome, August 1. It is officially announced that Italy will renin iYi neutral, us she considers her Triple Alliance obligations only apply to delensive and not to oiVensivc war. Italy views the Austro-Sisrvian war, supported by Germany, as essentially an oll'ensivo war. FRENCH MO ISIL IS AT lON. Received 2, 7.15 p.m. Paris, August 1. Mobilisation began at midnight. BRITAIN'S .MAGNIFICENT CALMNESS. IMPRESSES AMERICA. Received 2, 7.15 p.m. Washington, August 1. Tile American Press comments on the magnificent spectacle tliat the calmness of Great Britain presents when face to face with terrifying possibilities of war, comparing the British sang froid with tlie Continental wax hysteria, and the remarkable closing of party divisions to face the common danger. CANADA'S CONTINGENT OF 20,000 MEN. READY TO'SAIL WHEN REQUIRED. GERMAN-AMERICAN STEAMERS RECALLED. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Ottawa, July 31.

Mir. 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. Received 2, 7.15 p.m. Ottawa, August 1. The Duke of Obnnaught is likely to return to the capital, abandoning his trans-continental tour. New Zealand's patriotic offer announced by Mr. Massey was received by the Cabinet with great satisfaction. The Press comments on the fact that New Zealand is always first to assist the Empire witih ships and men. The Government is taking steps to detain all reservists from foreign countries likely to be at war with Britain whenever the notification of hostilities is received.

New York, August 1. The Stock Exchange has closed. Several failures are announced. Exchanges Ijhjroughkmt every large city in the United.States and Canada are closed. The cotton exchange at New Orleans flucuated violently, and the directors' closed it secretly. '- Mr. McAdoo has announced that the Government is ready to «send out a hundred million sterling of currency if necessary to meet i the present financial conditions throughout the United States. I Ottawa, August 1. The British Government has chartered the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Russia, now at Hong Kong, and is mounting guns on her. The Militia Department has arranged* to mine the St. Lawrence river, owing to the Quebec defences being obsolete. The Halifax garrison lias been strengthened in case of a raid being made from cruisers in the North Atlantic. The Minister in charge of the militia again considered the situation with the Council. It is understood that the offer of thirty thousand men to Britain is practically decided on. The Conservative Press is "bitterly attacking Sir Wilfrid Laurier for his failure to allow the Naval Bill to pass, whereby Canada would now be able to offer three Dreadnoughts for North Sea service. Thousands are volunteering throughout Canada. The militia regiments are busy recruiting, with a view'of bringing the regiments to their full strength. Mr. Be-rden has notified the Home Government to count on the fullest aid from Canada. Washington, August 31. The wheat trade is threatened with panic, but no failures are reported!. The Liverpool fluctuations nearly wrecked the market here.

Xew York, August ], In the event of a European war, the stock exchanges throughout the United States are likely to close for the entire winter. There is every indication that banking conditions are health v, hut exchange gambling is likely to get beyond control. Several failures are announced. The trans-Atlantic sailings of the Gorman-American steamers are suspended completely. The Hamburg-American line recalled the steamer President Grant and the North German-Lloyd recalled the Grosser Kuvi'r.r.t and other ships. Thousands of European pas Jenifers are delayed. Shipowners regard the situation with immense gravity, fully expecting that the Kronprinzcssin Ceeilie, now en route to Amercia, will be captured in the Atlantic if war breaks out. EXTRAORDINARY ENTHUSIASM. Received 2, midnight. Ottawa, August 2. Cabinet lias decided that immediately war is declared Canada will seize ail the enemy's shipping in Canadian waters by closing all Canadian seaports. It is expected that the British China squadron will defend the Hritish Columbian coasts in the event of raids.

A naval conference was held to-dao and reported the state of the Canadian > forces. MY. Borden immediately cabled * to Great Britain, offering even' assistance possible. The prospect' of war creates a curious situation amongst tflia peace party in Quebec province. It i--realised that if Britain is about to e light it will prevent France being over-' a whelmed, .hence the war is likely to be a extremely popular, and many FrenchCanadians are volunteering, " " Received 3, 1.10 a.m. ? Ottawa, August 2. c Extraordinary war enthusiasm pre- s vails in Canada. o Liberals in the various provinces pass- \ cd a resolution asking for .% complete 1 obliteration of party lines while the Empire is threatened, and offering Mr. Borden their full support of his offer of troops to Britain. Received. 2, midnight. It is understood that the Duke of Comiaught is returning to England im- ] mediately, to participate in the array < mobilisation developments. <

GERMANY'S EFFORTS FOR PEACE. WHAT WILL FRANCE DO? Received 2, 5.5 p.m. London, August I. The (u'l'iniin Foreign Office handed the Westminster Gazette a declaration showing the efforts and sacrifices Germany has made to secure peace. The declaration states that Germany throughout has done everything possible to localise the war between Austria and Servia, who alone, are concerned. Austria's security and integrity had been seriously threatened by the Pan-Servian propaganda, which for years was a source of peril to European peace. When Russia announced that she considered her interests threatened Germany did every: thing possible to secure an undertaking. Notwithstanding Russia's wide-embracing military measures, Germany continued Ijer intervention with Vienna, and in its very pressing proposals went to the utmost limit possible with.a sovereign State and an ally. Wilien the 'German Ambassador at St. Petersburg on the 29th reported that the Vienna Cabinet had declined to entor into direct communications with Russia, Herr Bethmann-Hollweg sent the. following instructions to the German Ambassador: —The Vienna pourparlers report does not harmonise with your account of Austria's attitude. Yoa cannot expect Austria to negotiate with Servia, but a refusal to exchange views with St. Petersburg would be a grave mistake. We are indeed ready to fulfill our duty as an ally. However, we must refuse to be drawn into a world conflagration through Austria not respecting out advice. tlerr Hollweg concluded: "Express this to M. Berchtold with all the emphasis demanded by its great seriousness." M. Berchtold replied: ,; The.re has been a misunderstanding. T.he Austrian Ambassador at St. Petersburg has already been instructed to negotiate with M. Sazonoff."

These negotiations and Germany's, intermediary action were abruptly ended by Russian mobilisation on sea and land. —___ PEOPLE FLOCKING FROM EUROPE. PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATIONS TN RUSSIA. Received 2, midnight. London, August 2. The cross-Channel steamers arc crowded with holiday-makers flocking back to England. The railway stations at Cologne, Hamburg, Brussels and Paris are thronged with frenzied crowds seeking to get away. All routes to Southern Germany are closed. The King gave an audience to Sir Edward Grey at midnight. The Kronzpiinzessin Cecilie, now in mid-Atlantic, (has two million sterling in specie aboard.

Paris, August 2. Matters were very quiet on Saturday night.

St. Petersburg, August 2. The announcement of war with Germany provoked great demonstrations everywhere. A huge crowd sang 4 the National Anthem in front Of the Kazan Cathedral. EXCITEMENT IN AUSTRALIA. Received 2, midnight. Sydney, August 2. There was unprecedented activity on the Stock Exchange yesterday. Members wore divided in opinion whether to follow the example of London'and New York and close, but the general feeling was that they could not afford to remain open. Business will be resumed on Tuesday as Usual. Excitement prevailed about the declaration of war. The papers published special editions, which wore eagerly devoured. A private conference of officers of the naval and military departments was held at the Federal Offices this morning. The Governor-General and Messrs Millen and Irvine left hurriedly to-night for Melbourne for a meeting of the Executive to-morrow. Melbuornc, August 2. Flour advanced bv 10s, and is now £lO a ton.

Brisbane, August 2. The agents of the German-Australian Stoamship Co. have received a. cable from the owners in Germany, instructing the captain of the steamers Cannstatt on no account to leave Brisbane until further notice.

AN AUSTRALIAN VIEW OF THE SITUATION. BRITAIN MUST FIGHT NOW OR LATER. Received 3, 1.6 a.m. Sydney, August 2. The Telegraph, in a leader in the special war edition, says: "The action of Germany in declaring war with Russia raises a principle, vital for the existence of the British Empire, and wliic" Britain has often drawn the sword i.<-. defend, namely, that no single Power or group of Powers can be permitted to dominate the Continent. Because Russia has failed to bow her head again to the Kaiser's dictation, Germany has declared war. Were Britain to refuse to stand by her friends when assaulted in this way it would be to recognise Germany as the overlord of Europe. Britain has to light now to defend the independence of Europe, or fight later and alone to defend her very existence as » free nation. We cannot doubt what Britain's choice will be; neither can there be any doubt that Australian action must sink all party and sectional differences in the coming crisis, which will test the fibre of the nation. NAVAL PRECAUTIONS IN SYDNEY. Received 3, 1.10 a.m. Sydney, August '.'. The State Cabinet has been summoned for to-morrow to discuss the war situation and the consequences likely to arise therefrom. District naval officers have issued examining service regulations from Monday until further notice against vessels inward and outward. The port will be closed at night against incoming vessels, and any ship proceeding past the examination control without authority will be liable to be treated as hostile and tired upon by the shore battery. THE WHEAT MARKETS. London, August I. The wheat trade is, practically suspended. American grain .merchants cabled to the London Com Trade Association tliat they will refuse to carry out contracts unless buyers paid war risks. The Association 'replied that it would hold them to. their contracts, and that shippers must undertake airy insurance necessary. It is believed'that this American action is due to the fact that large numbers have sold short and are faced with .icayy losses. Beerholm's preliminary estimate gives the world's wheat crop at 4fi4 million '.quarters.. ■.... . ■■ . ■.:■',■■.,£!?■

FRENCH SOCIALIST LEADER MURDERED. A COWARDLY CRIME. Received 2, 5.5 p.m. Paris, August 1. M. Jaures was in a cafe discussing the peace campaign with deputies, when a villain entered, and assured himself that Jaures was present. A few minutes later a curtain in an alcove was drawn aside, and a hand was seen with a revolver. Before the deputies were able to knock it up, Jaures fell, with [ two shots in the iliead. The assassin ran out, but was quickly arrested. The crowd attempted to lynch him, and the police, with difficulty placed him in a taxi-cab, 'which the mob nearly overturned. It is denied that the villain is a journalist. He told the police that he fired two shots at the back of Jaures' neck, to punish him for his campaign against the triennium. "Jaures was an enemy to my country, and 1 have done my duty," ho added. The deputies phwi i! the body in an ambulance, apd a pro<-< '.on marched through the streets to the office of La Huinanite, accompanied by ten thousand bare-headed people.

Tin- rifivernnient has issued a proclamation deploring M. Jaures' death, and" appealing to the working classes not to add to the public excitement by agitation. The proclamation adds that the assn-Mii will be punished. It is asserted that the murderer's family i-- >eit free from insanity. AMERICAN REGISTER OF FOREIGN ■'- SHIPPING. Received 2, midnight.. Washington, August 2. It, is understood that the United States will be asked to afford facilities for luvitrit shipping to register under the .American flag and thus escape the risk "i" capture when carrying contraband of war to Britain and elsewhere. President Wilson is hoping that the United States will bo able to offer her good offices for peace, hut Oie has not taken steps \et in that direction. An amendment of the Panama Act lias linen drafted permitting foreign ships to become American, and thus avi-ri iin- threatened blockade of Ame- ' rican crops. The emergency currency is likely to be operative next week. NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF "WAR. ANOTHER SERVIAN REVERSE REPORTED.' SERVIAN ACCOUNT OF THE BBL•CRADE 'BOMBARDMENT. Belgrade, July 31. A Servian account states that the Austrian* at 11 o'clock on Wednesday night opened a second attack on Belgrade with a heavy cannonade from the guns on the monitors and in the batteries nt Semlin, The guns fired until 2 o'clock on Thursday morning. The Servian guns only occasionally replied but vigorously reputed an attempt to cross the river. There were no Servian losses. THE OTHER SIDE. Vienna, July 31. Details of the light at Sava Bridge on Jnlv 28 show that an Austrian aero- ' plane Hew over the Servian position and ■ lit it up with a searchlight. Howitzers then shelled the entrenchments with remarkable accuracy, silencing the enemy. Au Austrian machine gun. aided liy the Monitor's senrchligOits, played havoc anion" the Servians, who fled in disorder, leaving many dead and wounded. The Austrian frontier guards repelled a superior force of Servians near Klotjevac without loss. It is reported that ' the Servians lost an officer and twentytwo men. The Austrians have not yet succeeded in forcing the pass giving 'access to the Moravia Valley, in order to advance upon Nisli. AfSTTJAN POPULACE EXCITED. NATIONAL UNITY. Vienna, July '3l. The official commentary on the declaration of war declares tliat Austria has drawn the sword for political honesty, justice and morality in the life of the States, not for land hunger. We stand for the ethical culture of the West.

Tilw Austro-Hungarian press emphasises the national unity in the hour' of danger. 'Czech and Polish papers [mint out that all the people of the Empire are rallying round the throne. In 'closing rJhc session of the Hungarian Parliament. Count Apponvi and the other Opposition leaders affirmed their entire accord with the Government. Leading Hungarian nobles are oifering to serve in the army. Hundreds of women, both'married and single, including aristocrats, are daily . applying for permission to act as nurses. Tremendous war demonstrations are taking place throughout the monarchy. A hundred thousand demonstrated at Rathani and passed in a procession before the palace. The authorities are taking measures to cope with the artificial rise in prices everywhere. The official maximum tariff has been proclaimed. In Moravia, housewives, by laying in stocks of provisions, contributed largely to the food panic. WHY RUSSIA RUSHED HATTERS. St. Petersburg. .Inlv 31. TJio German Ambassador tailed" on M. Sazonoff on Thursday morning and renewed the discussion in a less minatory tons. Russian diplomatists complain that the discussions with Austria and Germany are vitiated by the theory that tho Servian conflict is no concern of! Russia. The unanimity of their bland responses forced Russia to believe tihev were merely by-play to gain time. _. Rome, ,Tulv 31. Diplomatists consider that Germany must now show whether she really desires war, as she alone can address' Austria. Italy is seeking to persuade Montenegro to rest on tho defensive. GERMAN TROOPS FOR THE FRENCH FRONTIER. „ . Berlin. July 31. Foreigners in German schools have been ordered to return home. English boys travelling between Bonn and Cologne counted eight long military trains packed with soldiers going to the J'reneJi frontier. ' vr . ... . , London. ,Tulv 31. sakfoZ '™ ? e , Hous " «f Commons, wud Germany's declaration of martial »W s T el t(> Bl,Mi *'* *™«S mobilisation of army and navy He un derstands that Germany's mobilisaC win follow if Russia procee™ with to general mobilisation. "" (Continued on ptig P s.)