Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1914-08-03
ARMIES OF MILLION EACH, RUSHING TO FRONTIER
ENGLAND DECIDES
SHE MUST DECLARE
WAR ON GERMANY

London, Aug. 3.--War by England
against Germany was decided on today
by the British cabinet, according to
high government officials.
The decision was said to be directly
due to the kaiser's disregard of Bel
GUMS neutrality.
The British ambassador at Berlin de.
manded that it be respected. Germany
refused. The upshot was meeting Of
the British cabinet at which, it was
stated on high authority, it was agreed
that hostilities were inevitable.
Premier Asquith was expected TO
make statement to the house of com
mons this afternoon, outlining the sit
uation and asking $250,00O 900 as an
initial war fund.
That it would be voted Immediately
was deemed a foregone conclusion.
Germany Ignores Treaty.
The most Germany was willing to
concede to Belgium, it was understood,
was to respect the latter's neutrality if
1t would permit German troops to use
its railroads in crossing Belgium terri.
tory on their way to invade France.
This proposition, it was announced
by the British foreign office, Belgium
promptly rejected.
Martial law was proclaimed ON the
British Mediterranean sea island of
Malta.
The admiralty assumed control today
of the wireless equipments of all ves-
sells in British waters.
There were enormous crowds both
about Buckingham palace, the royal
residence, and the parliament houses.
The king and queen were enthusiastical-
lv cheered and patriotic songs were
everywhere being sung in the streets
A rumOr was current here early to-
day that Emperor Francis Joseph of
Austria had been assassinated. As the
day advanced nothing further was
heard concerning the report, however,
and it was regarded as unfounded. The
censorships throughout Europe are so
strict that naturally many wild rumors
were in circulation.
Seized British Ships.
Business throughout England was
practically suspended. The king issued
proclamation Sunday suspending the
banking act and payment of debts for
+ a month.
The Central News was authority for
tne statement that Germany had seized
the English Wilson liner Castro in the
kiel canal and ordered it to Hamburg.
and that the Saxon, another British
steamship, with a coal cargo, had fallen
into the German fleet s hands in the
North Sea.
news was eagerly awaited of the
German liner KrOnprinzessin Cecilie,
which, evidently having abandoned rs
call at Plymouth, was reported irving
to run the British blockade of the
North sea and got into Hamburg. The
hronprinzessin was crowded with pas
sengers and had on board between
$lO,OOO,OOO and $15,O00,000 in gold and
silver, shipped from New York in
response to European orders issued in
the expectation Of war; but before any
power had declared h0stilities.
1t was reported here that German,
had seized four British steamers. owneG
by the, Great Central Railways, whirl
were lying in the harbor at Hamburg.
Mobilize Army and Navy.
London, Aug. 3.-Foreign Minister
Sir Edward Grey today announced the
issuance of an order for the mobiliza.
tion of the British army and navy.
Sir Edward formerly told the house
of commons of the mobilization order
this afternoon.
" England, the foreign minister de
clared, "must consider the present
crisis from the viewpoint of British
honor and obligation as well as of in
terest.
:" We cannot permit France to be
subdued and Belgium and Holland raw,
shed."
:" If the German fleet bombards tn,
French coast We cannot stand by anC
look on.
"We have been given to understand
that Germany will not attack France
northern coast if we remain neutral.
'W We have given France the assur
ance, however, tnat if the German flee
enters the channel TO undertake hos
tile operations against the French eoas
or shi ring Great Britain $ naval fore,
viii give all the protection in 1t
power.
:" Up 10 yesterday En-:and had prom
ised TO country more than diplomati,
support, but there is nothing in our
previous diplomatic attitude 70 restrict
as at present"
Sir Edward added that the Irisl
home rulers and anti-home rulers had
bpried their differences and were emit
ID in the defense Of their country ant
its allies against foreign aggression.
John Redmond, the Irish parliamen
tary leader urged the government to
withdraw all British troops from Ire
land that they might be available fol
use ngainst foreign enemies.
Erin's own sons will defend her.
he declared, Protestants and Cath6