The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1914-07-28
First Step Taken by
British Minister.
SITUATION APPEARS
EXTREMELY CRAVE
Several Continental Powers AC-
lively Engaged in MObiIiza-
tiOn Of Forces.

London, July 2S.-Glimmers of hope
flicker in the darkened sky of Euro
pean policies. While all the powers
are preparing for possible ,eyentuali-
ties, with Russia and Germany TAX
ing active preparatory steps, Belgium
and France considering arrangements
for mobilizing forces, and the British
navy ordered ready, their statesmen.
with Sir Edward Grey, the British
foreign secretary at their head. are
endeavoring to bring together the
governments at issue with a view to-
mediation.
Sir Edward Grey invited the gov
ernments of Austria Hungary, Seryia
and Russia TO suspend operations
pending the result of his proposed
conference. which would be held in
London. His suggestion was that the
French, German and Italian ambassa.
dors in London should confer with
him in the endeavor to find a means
of solving the present difficulties.
The Italian government informed him
IL accepted is invitation to join in a
mediation conference.
Servian Legation Hopeful.
At the Seryian legation in London
the view was held that some improve
ment had taken place in the situation,
and this was attributed to the infiu.
ence exercised by Russia. Alex
Georgevitch, the first secretary, said:
I'VE have complied with everything
that does not impair our sovereign
rights. If, however, Austria-Hungary
wants war she will see that we are
prepared to accept it in the interests
of the dignity of our state"
The fact that Austrian ambassadors
abroad were willing TO discuss the
controversial points with foreign gov.
ernments, and especially with Russia,
led to the belief that an outlet for the
deadlock would be found
The stock markets of London and
the European capitals still displayed
a panicky feeling. although it was not
as pronounced as on Saturday.
Sir Edward Grey, in announcing in
the house of commons the steps to
be taken to bring about mediation,
said:
81 understand that the German gov.
ernment is favorable to mediation in
principle as between Russia and Aus
tria, but to our particular proposal
to apply that principle by means OF
a conference the German government
has not yet replied"
Sees Great Catastrophe.
Sir Edward said failure of these eff
forts to bring about a settlement
would lead to the greatest catastro
phe which could befall the concert oi
Europe, and its consequences would
be incalculable."
The Italian and German ambassa
dors here conferred with Sir Edward
Grey with what result could not be
ascertained.
The members of the foreign diplo
matte corps and officials of the Brit
ish foreign office were early astir.
A most serious view of the situa
tion is taken here and every effort ii
being made to find some way out o.
the crisis.
1t is said Austria Hungary will no
move her forces against the Serviar
capital for twenty-four hours, which
is confirmation of a statement made
by the Austrian ambassador In Lon
don that Austria Hungary desired tt
give Servia further time to considel
her reply to the ultimatum from
Vienna.
Outside of Austria Hungary ant
Germany, the reply sent by Servia Il
regarded as very fair one, as |
grants all the demands which a soy
ereign state could grant.