Evening star., 1914-07-26
would AFFECT U.S.;
SITUATION ANA[YzED
BY DIPLOMATS HERE


that she had in the old servian empire
which reached its height during the four
teenth century. That includes what is
servia now and also large slice of
what is now Austria. The Servians, in
race. have spread over a large area, in
cluding what is now part of Austria, and
it was Austria, at the end Of the recent
war. that blocked Servia from getting
seaport, both on the Aegean and the
Adriatic seas.
Servia, Bolivia and Switzerland are the
only countries in the world of any con-
sequence or pretense to civilization or
commerce which lack seaports.
The present complications came to a
head with the recent assassination OF
the Archduke Ferdinand, heir to the
Austrian throne. 1t is well understood
that the demands made by Austria, and
the mobilizations of European armies
last night, are not merely the result Of
that assassination. The ultimatum Aus
tria delivered to Servia included de-
mand that the latter should halt the
growth of the Pan-Slavonic societies In
Servia, and it was as result OF the
Austria charges the assassination OF the
Archduke Ferdinand. In well informed
quarters it is said that Austria has IN
mind not only the assassination OF her
heir. She Is afraid Of the growth ana
propaganda of the Pan-Slavonic socie-
ties.
Russia May Support servia.
1t has been well understood that II Ser
via refused to comply with Austria's de-
mands she would feel that she could
safely do SO because Of an understand
Ing of support from Russia. In these
circumstances it may be seen that there
is possible an end Of q number Of alli-
ances between the great powers Of Eu-
rope It is stated that II war comes, the
line up will possibly be as follows:
Austria, Germany. Italy. Bulgaria and
Turkey against Russia, France, England,
Servia, Montenegro, Roumania and
Greece.
The alliance in which there is the
greatest interest at this time is that called
the triple alliance between Austria,
Germany and Italy. 1taly's true inter-
ests. because of the Adriatic Sea, are said
to be with France and Germany. Aus
tria possesses territory which really be-
longs to Italy. but which was conquered.
The italian people. as a race, are OPP
posed to the alliance with Austria and
Germany. because of their traditional en-
nifty for the AuStrianS. In these ctrcum-
stances 1t becomes especially interesting
to speculate on what position Italy may
take, in case there Is a general Euro
pean war
The government of Italy has main
for international political purposes. but
the popular feeling is strongly in oppo-
sition to it. The Italians regard them
selves as Mediterranean power. and
the preponderance of Italian national
sentiment favors an alliance with other
Mediterranean powers. France and Eng
land, rather than with Austria.
So strong is this feeling that it has been
freely predicted in Italy that in the event
of war involving the triple alliance, or
"dreibund." as it has also been called.
public sentiment in Italy would be ad-
verse to participation.
The feeling against the triple alliance
on the part of the people of Italy Is SO
strong that the direct suggestion is
heard that in the event Of war the So
cialists of Italy. who recently manifested
their strength during the strikes. will un-
which would give the Italian government
plenty of work to do at home without
being able to contribute to the war for
tunes of the alliance. Many of the trou-
bles Of the Italian government during
recent years have arisen from the un-
popularity of Italy's membership in the
alliance.
One Diplomats View.
One diplomat last night expressed the
opinion that the only way in which per-
is by the creation of a permanently neu-
tralized state or nation, such as Belgium
or Switzerland. to stand forever as
buffer between the great powers OF
Europe.
1t was suggested that Alsace-Lorraine
might yet come to be this state.
In accordance with a policy of abso-
lutte neutrality. should war come. any
attempt by any Of the Interested powers
to purchase American warships would
be promptly refused by the United States,
in the opinion of officials here last night.
1t was pointed out that the recent sale
of the battleships Mississippi and Idaho
to Greece could in no manner serve as
a precedent for further sale of ships to
any European government. These battle
ships were misf1ts In the American Navy
and on that account alone Congress con-
sented to their sale.
Some Criticism of Sale.
There was some criticism throughout
the country of the wisdom of lessenng
the strength Of the navy at this time,
and while there was at no time any tndi-
cation of desire to part with any other
fighting craft, there is no doubt today
but that sentiment in administration cir
cles is unanimously against the sale Of
any other warshfps. no matter who the
would-be purchaser might be.
President Wilson might issue a procla-
m q finn of neutrality which wn,iid clearly