The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-08-02
Britons Prepared More Completely Than
Ever Before for Immediate Hostilities
Crisis Finds Biggest Fleet in History AS
sembled and Regular Army and Terri
torials Alread Concentrated
HATEFUL MEETING OF
THE CABINET TODAY

London. August Word has been received here that
Germany has declared against Russia France must now
join her ally.
Will England abandon her friends
That question still remains unanswered The pacifcists
still insist that England position. repeatedly stated by Sir
Edward Grey the foreign minister and Premier Asquh is
Of complete freedom In plain language, Premier Asauth
kinad otherwise pledged herself go with any
nation of Europe Therefore, urge the pacfcists she must
der her and must refuse be
dragged into the conflict.
Demands of Honor
This is undoubtedly Fngland's viewpoint from what may
called strictly legal viewpoint But, on the other hand
urged by the demands of honor support her friends OF
the triple entente in doing which she acting also for her
own best interests.
hey Thursday The extremists have put forth
Effort the king and the toward but
The that Germany has declared failure for
prepare the house of Monday when
the abortes and other pacicsts expected to make
Strong demand for declaration of neutrality.
Now on War Footing
Whatever the cabinet decides at the ateful meeting to-
they have not wasted moment IN preparing for war
Great Britain throughout footing with pre-
perfect than before All around the coast
e ghtshps have been removed and the buoys have been
from all rivers and harbor Notices have been posted
hat navigation hereafter at the naygator risk along
he whole eastern coast from south to north
Troop trains have carried troops by night until Gordon
reinforced guards has been formed extending
lip the rivers while further inland the uniformed police are
ong military duty These again. reinforced by
police newly in with police These
armes indicate their organization in lieu OF uniforms
Throughout the night the only light at the
ess playing searcgts from harbor fort fortress
nd waterway These seachehts do stop their ceasees
uty from dusk to dawn
Fleet Ready to Strike.
The crisis found the biggest fleet assembled one
reat unit the Spithead This greatest fleet the
ord has taken up positions from end OF
he North sea the other The whole navy footing
nd circles believe it, they hope the government in
ends that England shall fight, that she will without waiting,
ut in the rapid possible, strike with her fleet
The regular of England of is SMALL but it,
po standing and the resevists have been notified
3 hold themselves in readiness.
Terrtorials Also Ready
AS the crisis found the feet assembled it finds the terri
pa ready their great annual ortnght in
amp always the beginning of August The terrtorias
the south of England concentrate tomorrow usual
sbury plain Their officers evectant today Of notices
hat will change disposition Of their to the eastward
nd eastward but is understood that Salisbury plain
the best rendezvous there they be kept all
ether and thence be moved easily without going
trough large towns to any point desired All the officers have
uipped themselves they fully expect to be absent
least three months.
The cable temn at Pensance and elsewhere guarded
troops The ndo European cable has been closed to ord
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