The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1914-08-02
FRANCE PREPARES
To ENTER WAR
Troops Are Gathering Every
where to Prepare to
Repel Anv
Invasion.
PEOPLE ARE FRANTIC
Declaration Of War Against France
by Germany 10 Expected
to be Issued
Soon.
by VIM. P. Simms, United Press
Staff CORRESPONDENT

by VIM. P. Simms, United Press
Staff Correspondent
PARIS, Aug. 1.-France tonight was
feverishly pressing to completion her
war preparations. Although the order
for mobilization Of the entire fighting
forces Of the nation fixes tomorrow
as the time, the troops are already
gathering. Reserves of all classes are
reporting at the barracks. From every
part Of France, word reached the war
office that the response to the call to
arms had been widespread and imme-
diateiy the army made ready to repe,
an invasion tonight 1t necessary. To-
night the city Is a seethlns mass OF
feverishiy excited people. Men and
women driven frantic through an ex-
cess Of patriotic ardor are thronging
the bouIevards, all anxioua'y inqulrins
for information but none 10 available.
The government has put into effect an
iron clad censorship. Not single
detail that might aid the enemy is
obtanable. ...s-
It is accepted that Germans decia-
ration Of war against Russia will be
followed by similar one against
France. The premier made 1t clear
to the German ambassador today that
France expected to abide by her
treaty obligations. Pledged to sup
port Russia she will do so. France al
ready has received assurances that
England, the third party to the often-
sive and defensive agreement will
likewise abide by her offensive and
defensive pledges.
The news that war actually had
been declared was not received until
late. But it was not needed to arouse
the Parisians. AS the hours went by
the crowds in the streets and in the
vicinity of the barracks increased and
the enthusiasm strengthened.
The French fleets whereabouts are
known only to the admiralty. The
main portion was at Prest yesterday.
The Mediterranean squadron was at
TouIon. But since then it may have
taken to the high seas. France, how
ever, will not make an offensive move
until after Russia Is attacked or
the kaiser himself brands the French
nation his enemy.
Patriotic demonstrations marked
the spreading Of the news throughout
Paris tonight that Germany and Rus
sia actually were at war. Crowds Of
men and women paraded the boule-
Yards waving the tricoIour, singing
the MarseiIlaise, and shouting "vive
L'Armce" and "vIva L'AngIe terre."
British flags were displayed from
many buildings and there was much
cheering Of the entwlned eolors. The
war office stated that the call to the
colors was being anticipated and re-
servists were reporting hours ahead
Of the time set for them to asse mble.
Baron Won Schoen, the German am
bassad dor, after consultation with
the premier retired to the embassy.
He showed no evidence Of an inten-
tion to depart, setting at rest rumors
that he had been recalled.
Diplomatic circles still held out one
faint hope for peace. It was based
on the report that financial pressure
brought to bear at the last moment to
prevent war had resulted in Austria
offering to withdraw her armies from
Servian soil and submit the dispute
to an international tribunal. Russia
was willing to accept this last week,
SO was Germany, but whether the
offer came too late now that war &C
tuaIIy has been declared, no one in
authority cared to hazard a guess.
Throughout the night, crowds re-
mained in front Of the offices Of the
leading morning papers, fairly mob
Continued on mage e0