Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-04-04
Germany Forces Acquiescence
in Austrian Aggrandizement.
OLD POLICY is REVERSED
Advice Given by the Kaiser's Grand
father Disregarded.
PEACE FOR THE MOMENT MADE
Much Uneasiness Caused Among the
Thinking Glasses Of Great Britain.
Eight More Dreadnoughts.
Special Cablegram to The Star.

Special Cablegram to The Star.
LONDON. April at is now definitely
known. despite semi official denals from
Berlin. that Germany delivered a distinct
ultimatum to Russia March %. summon
ing her to recognize Austria's annexation
of Bosnia and Herzegovina forthwith or
military operations would begin against
her Immediately. The German ambassa-
dor informed Foreign Minister Izvolsky
that if Russia refused to take the step re-
auired Germany would consider the re-
fusal an act of hostility to her Austrian
ally and that German troops would at
once cross the frontier. The ambassador
further intimated that Germany had mo-
bilized a great force on the Polish. from
tier in preparation for the movement.
Izvolsky asked for sufficient time to con-
suit the western powers. This was re-
fused. IZvolsky thereupon summoned an
emergency meeting of the imperial coun-
ell. and within twenty-four hours it was
decided to yield completely to Germany s
demands. THUS by single stroke Ger
many made peace for the moment in the
Balkans and also changed the whole face
of European politics.
Old Policy Reversed.
II is necessary to recall here an impor-
tant bit of history. When the first Ger
man emperor was dying he summoned his
grandson, the present kaiser. to advise
him on the foreign policy of the empire
He charged him, above all else. never to
quarrel with Russia. Friendly relations
with that empire were, he declared, eS-
Sential to the welfare of Germany. Bis
marck was of the same mind, and such
xIa DON to1 mill nf
many until now.
These traditions have now been aban-
doned and Germany has completely
ustlrped Russia'S role as the champion OF
the Slavs and all the other elements in
the Balkans. No one can pretend thai
Germany's first aggressive use of hel
great power toward achieving her ambi
ton to secure the harmony of Europt
makes for peace beyond the moment. We
have before us the first move in the cam
paign of retaliation which the kaiser
would make against King Edward
league of peace. Russian anger know:
no bounds but it is impotent anger fol
the time being. The rage of Russia j:
matched by the alarm of England.
England Apprehensive.
Nowhere has Germany's master stroke
created so much uneasiness among al
thinking classes as in Great Britain. Ger
many held a pistol to Russia's head yes
terday: she might do the same wl.r
equal success against England tomorrow
with the present government in power.
But even the conglomerate elements OF
present British rule begin to see the
writing on the wall.
There is good reason to believe ASquith
a few days after the budget is introduced
after the Easter holidays. will announce
the governments intention to build eight
Dreadnoughts forthwith. There are signs
of awakening to proper sense or re-
sponsibility on both sides. Even Balfour
whose careless languor in politics for the
>past few years has exasperated his
friends and foes alike, is developing quail
tiles of vigorous leadership. He has the
country with him beyond question. The
popular alarm of this country today Is
not of the noisy sort 1t is far more
potent and irresistible on that account
it is safe to predict that unless the gov
ernment shows every determination to re-
arm the country at the highest available
speed means will be found within the
next few weeks to sweep them from
power. Popular judgment sums up the
situation in a sentence:
War with Germany would cost Eng
land one million sterling day. One
Dreadnought costs two millions. or the
same as two days of possible War.
Germany Arouses Hatred.
Germany's high-handed settlement OF
the Balkan question has completely clari-
fled the European situation in an I'M
portant sense. Germany has completely
solidified as nothing else could have done.
what will henceforth be the putative al
lance against her of Russia. Great Britain
and France Hatred of Germany today
is as deep and permanent in Russia. as
in France.
This will prove no small element in the
greater crisis toward which the frantic
struggle in war preparations is driving
the European world. Russia Is only
momentarily weak The domestic re-
forms which are making rapid progress In
the resources of the country are
enormous. The speed Of Russia's re-
cuperation will astonish the world. be-
fore long. However. Germany. believes
her day come within three years
and that Russia. within that time. cam
not become formidable. Experience has
lust taught Germany, as she learned in
1870 the immense value of secret pre-
parations and sudden surprises. 1t is
This feature of her ultimatum that has
startled sta, England. 1t is this which leads
the ablest statesmen and journals of this
country to indulge in language of gravest
foreboding.
War or Humiliation.
The Spectator today. in closing an
alarmist leader declares that unless Eng
land organizes resources for the building
and equipment of ships to the utmost
Germany will take similar action toward
Britain as she did toward Russia. and
from the German point Of view quite
likely.
Then says the Spectator. I'VE shall
have to choose between fighting at tre-
mendous disadvantage and national hui
initiation We will not discuss whether.
ct rn W. q y1yica q
or not to accept humiliation. Such dis
cussion is idle. An autocracy may be BILE
TO choose humiliation. A democracy and,
least of all a British democracy, can do
no such thing. The people. in such di-
Iemma, will always choose the sword