The Ocala evening star., 1914-07-31

eral European conflict more than ten
other and the greatest war in the
history of the world will be under
way. What the results of such war
would be none can conjecture. UG-
doubtedly it would result in a COM
plete readjustment of the map of
Europe, and would be the means OF
setting back European civilization at
/ least half a century. The harm that
! would be done to trade and commerce
! together with education and science
cannot be estimated.
4 The great Russian bear boasts of
the largest number of soldiers. At
/ the command of the Car today are
three great armies numbering 1884
/ 900 men, This is Russias peace
! footing. Her war footing would
bring her armies to the astounding
/ figure of 5 100000. Germany would
/ not be far behind, this however, her
war footing being about 1850, 900
and her peace footing about 791, 600.
/ As far as can be seen now by Eu-
ropean diplomats, the quarrel lies be-
tween Austria, Germany, Servia and
Russia The 1atter great Slav en-
pire is in honor bound to stand by
her weaker Slav brethren, Servia
and Montenegro, and Montenegro has
let herself into the Austro-Servian
difficulties by coming to the aid of
Servia. With Russia standing by
Seryia and Montenegro, Germany
will come to the aid of Austria, with
which country she not only is bound
up by similar ideals and similar
aims, but by strong blood ties and
by the Triple Alliance, which Ger
many, Austria and Italy formed.
| Italy is the weak link in the chain
of the Triple Alliance. Her navy is
not feared by the big European pow
ers and the value of her army is
problematical. The Triple Entente,
Russia, France and England appears
to be very much the stronger, in the
opinion o. diplomats and military
experts. England has not much of
an army Dut her fleets are extreme
ly powerful and together with the
fleets of France would be relied
upon to do much harm to German
merchant marine and the coasts of
the enemy.
But the war may not stop with
Russia, Austria, Germany, Great
Britain, France and Servia. France,
having been drawn into the struggle
partly because of her hatred for
Germany over the Franco-Prussian
war and the seizure of Alsace and
Lorraine, and partly because she is a
member of the Triple Entente, may
take Belgium in with her. Belgium
has no love for Austria and Germany
France in many ways. Spain proba
bly, will remain neutral. Greece al
ready has signified her readiness to
aid Servia and Montenegro. Turkey
has indicated a desire to remain
neutral, but it is doubtful if it will
be possible for her to do so. She
probably will have TO ally herself
with the Triple Alliance for her own
protection against Greece and the
Balkan nations, which would nos
miss the opportunity to attack their
old enemy
Bulgaria, having been aided by
Austria in the recent Balkan wars
will merge her armies with those of
Austria and the Triple Alliance.
This would bring Roumania into the
conflict, as Roumania has several
little difficulties resulting from the
Balkan wars which she would like
to settle with Bulgaria. While all
of these little nations would be of
some aid to the great European al
liances, they scarcely can be figured
upon as serious considerations. And
while their armies are composed al
most whoIeIy of veterans of the
Turkish and Balkan wars, it also
must be realized that they have
suffered greatly from these wars and
have not had opportunity to even
partially recover before being plung-
ed into another great conflict.
The situation then shapes up with
Great Britain, France and Russia
against Austria, Germany and Italy
Following is the latest information
available of the fleets and armies OF
the six great powers:
Austria-Army on war footing,
$4,000; navy, 2 dreadnaughts, IA
smaller battleships, cruisers, 63
torpedo boats and submarines.
Germany-Army on war footing,
4,35O,0O0; navy, II dreadnaughts,