Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1912-03-14

happened few years ago an
perpIexcd all Europe. That som,
thing lay at the back of the apparen
ly tangled and meaningless maneuver
was obvious even to the uninitiatet
But what 1t was remained a mystery
In particular, why did not the BIRTHS
government declare war upon Russi
when the squadron OF Rojestvensk
ran amuck among the British trawlin
feet and shelled the fishermen?
hope that may here supply the ar
swer.
1t was the most critical period Il
English history for. perhaps, so year
THAT Is to say, since the period O
the Crimean war. Russia was strug
Cling In the far east against the power
OF Japan. The war had gone badl,
with her. and 1t had been decided, al
a last resource, to send the feet from
the Baltic round the coast of Africa
and into Asiatic waters. We all know
the result which attended on this Ill
fated venture.
The activities OF Russian cruisers
In British waters and the arbitrary
holding up of British vessels had
strained relations between the two
countries to the breaking point. This
ili-feeling was increased by the Anglo
Japanese alliance. Finally, 1t was de.
cfded after a cabinet council that the
Russian fleet must not be permitted to
leave European waters. In other
words. Mr.. Balfour, who was then
premier, resolved to declare war upon
the Muscovite.
!. with all those who were ac-
quainted with the inner workings of
politics, was, Of course. acquainted
with the situation. had been warned
to hold myself prepared for service at
q moments notification. / knew that
the cabinet council had been In ses-
sion; l more than suspected the re-
suit of its deliberations. There was
an electrical feeling in London that
night, as though the minds OF all
were telepathically acquainted with
what was impending. Even the the
alter crowds discussed the probability
OF war as they struggled homeward.
had taken stroll along Piccadilly-
not far, for dared not leave my lodg-
tngs in Half Moon street for more
than few minutes at time. AS
turned I saw Talbot, my soldier serv-
ant, hurrying after me among the
crowds that jostled under the arc
lights. He held telegram in his
hands. 1t was the expected summons.
lnstructing him to pack my grip,
hailed hanson and was driven post
haste to Downing street, where my
presence was requested. When Mr..
Balfour's butler opened the door of
No. 10 to me l almost burst into the
chamber where the council were seat.
ed. knew that the urgency of the af-
fair would brook no considerations of
Mr.. Balfour was seated at the head
Of the table. At his side was Lord
Lansdowne, the foreign minister. Mr..
Joseph Chamberlain. though he had
resigned in order to carry on his prop
uganda for protection, was present, as |
also were, most significantly, among
The rest of the cabinet, Admiral |
'Jacky" Fisher and Lord Roberts, rep |
respectively the navy and |
army.
No sooner had I entered than Mr..
Balfour vacated his chair, insisted
hat l should seat myself, and drew
ip another for himself. Then he ex-
,lained the nature of my mission.
Captain Adams" he said, this aft
'rnoon the cabinet met and resolved
o advise his majesty to declare war
Ipon the government of Russia. Such
declaration was to have been made
o the Russian ambassador tomorrow
aorning. BY some occult method
obody knows how these things hap
ambassador learned of this.
ie cabled the news to his govern
nent at IL o'clock. Four hours later
ne Russian fleet sailed on a mission
{ destruction toward the shores of
.ngland.
That In itself matters little. Our
eet Is prepared, and there Is little
oubt that we could blow the Rus
ians out Of the water before they ,
ould. harm US. But there Is more
lnch more--behind. At two o'clock ,
ais afternoon his majesty's govern ,
tent received authoritative notifica. ,
on from Berlin that, the moment
lat the English and Russian fleets ,
ngage In hostilities German squad. :,
On Will sail from Kiel to land hun
red thousand men upon our southern :
iores. simultaneously an army corps
Ill cross the Russian boundary. In !
her words, Germany believes that \
sr time for ACKNOWLEDGEMENT at our :
'pense and Russia's Is now come.
''The Russian ambassador has been b
formed of this plot. Needless to d
~ the decision has been reversed. u
ngland and Russia, instead of medi.
ting war, are now on more friend h
terms than they have been for {,
cade. But--Admiral Rojestvensky d
IS left port and, ignorant of this D
ange, IS on his way to England with n
stile intent. You must stop him c,
d notify him. v