Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-01


violent solution.
ultimatum to Russia
AT the beginning of the conflict
this power Germany had commenced
military preparations and she contin-
ued them with feverish haste. At the
very moment when her representa-
tives in foreign countries were pro-
testing her pacific intentions. the 31st
of July in the evening, Germany adj
dressed to the Russian government
an ultimatum giving Russia IL hours
in which to demobilize on her Austri-
an, as well as on her German frontiers
The alternative was that Germany
would mobilize. This was done at a
time when the Russian government
had given evidence of its conciliatorv
attitude and at a time when Austria
Hungary was showing herself dis
posed to discuss with Europe the
question of her note to Servia.
There could be no doubt as to the
answer to such an ultimatum. From
that moment the cause of peace was
definitely lost, the reason being this
precipitate action on the part of Ger
many. The obligations of alliances had
to be observed, and the Great Powers
We're drawn into the fatal conflict.
German Hostility
Events which then took place are
fresh in the memory of everyone. On
the 31st of July there were acts of
hostility. clearly defined on our from
tier; the End Of August saw the vio-
lation Of the neutrality Of Luxembourg
and by the entrance of German troops
upon three points of our territory,
while our troops were holding them
selves at a distance Of 10 kilometers
tsix miles) from the frontier. The
same day. Belgium was summoned to
permit Germany's military operations
against France. Finally, on the third
of August, the declaration of war was
brought by M. Won Schoen. to the
Quay D'Orsay, which act preceded by
a short time only the violation of the
neutrality Of Belgium.
Placing Responsibility
In the light of the documents contained
in this Yellow Book the roles PLAYED by
the different powers in this European
crisis show up with a striking clearness.
1t is scarcely necessary to- again en-
phasize the responsibilities of Austria.
primal cause of the conflict. The respon-
sibilities of Germany are even more
crushing in spite of the fact in the be-
ginning she stood for the second plan.
The reason for this is that Germany sys-
tematically avoided every opportunity to
discuss measures of Cancellation She
forced Austria to an intransigeant atti-
he
an ultimatum Ito Russia) issued at a mo-
ment when the basis of a direct agree
ment between Austria and Russia had
been found and accepted by these two
powers.
From the beginning Germany declared
that she was in ignorance of the contents
of the Austrian note Ito Servia), but at
the same time she voiced her resolve To
approve it and sustain all its pretensions.
hen the Russian government show
ed that public opinion and the historic
traditions of Russia did not permit il TO
turn deaf ear to the fate of Seryta. Ger
many endeavored to force France, by in
timidation, to associate herself with the
exerting influence of ST. Petersburg, but
at the same time she refused to under
When Sir Edward Grey proposed four
power mediation, the German govern
ment refused to consider his proposal. the
hrst time under the pretext that SHE
thought preferable the opening of direc,
negotiations between Vienna and St. Pc
tersburg, and the second time under ths
pretext that such conference was not
acceptable to Vienna and that the BRIT
ish proposal was in very impracticable
form. Finally Germany perceived. in SNIFF
of all her dilatory proceedings, that the
conflict was progressing toward Ia settle
ment to be effected by the conciliatory
efforts of Russia and England which RI.
nally had been accepted by Austria Hun.
gary, she precipitated the abrupt break
age by hurting the Russian uItimatum
couched in unacceptable terms
France with good will associated her.
self with the greatest sincerity with ev-
cry effort made to compose the conflict
She counselled Servia in the line of dis.
dom; she endeavored necessarily at ST
Petersburg to strengthen her all, Russia
In her attitude of moderation. and she
took part In all the peaceful endeavors
made at Berlin and at Vienna France
again can say truthfully that she did not
take up arms except after she perceived
military measures and military provoca
lions which placed her national existence
in peril.
France, moved by a deep love OF
peace, exhausted every means Of concil-
iation at her command. The successive
violations of the neutrality of Luxembourg
Of Belgium and the invasion of her own
territory was necessary before she decid-
ed to draw the sword to defend her very
life
THREE FIGHTS