The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-07-27
ENGLAND OFFERS CONFERENCE PLAN TO THREE POWERS Germany, Italy And France Urged To Discuss Bal
 kan Affairs Serious View of Austro-S Ser vian Situation Recalls
 Diplomats

London, July 27.-It was reported today that Sir Edward Grey, British foreign secretary, had made success ful representations to Germany, Italy and France for a conference between the representatives of those countries in England on the Austro-Servian sit uation with a view to cooperative mediation.
 The Italian and German ambassa- dors here saw Sir Edward Grey this morning, with what result could not be definitely aScertained.
 The members of the foreign diplo- matic corps and officials of the Brit ish foreign office were early 'astir. Sdr | Edward Grey, like Premier Asquith, cut short his weekend vacation and reached London early in the morning. After conferences with Winston Spen- cer Churchill first lord of the admi- ralty and Premier AsQuith, Sir Ed ward received the Italian ambassador, with whom he had a long talk. It Is understood that an endeasvor was made during this conference to avert a resort to. arms by Austria-H Hungary and Servia-
 A serious view of the Austro-Ser- vian situation is taken here Many of England's diplomatic representa-- tives we're on their summer vacation, but hurried back at once to their posts.
 The London stock exchange which opened half an hour earlier than usual, was comparatively calm at the opening, the opinion prevailing that war would be averted. The market. however soon became paniclxy, and upon the arrival of the bulk of the brokers prices began to slump in all directions, the demoraHzation of Sat urday being repeated.
 l British consols, which opened nonni- 1 r-z v af -A 5T4OT1 foA | by quick stages to 72 1-2 or nearly two l below Saturday. German, Austrian and Russian bonds went down from one to two points and practically the whole list followed the example. This was largely due to compulsory liquid ation on local and continental &C., count before the settlement which be- gan for general securities today. Cam adian Pacific was the greatest suf- ferer, the continent selling that stock, which was offered at 176 1-2 or seven dollars below parity.
 The mere fact that hostilities be- tween Austria-Hungary and Servia had not begun gave Europe in gen eral the hope today that war might | be averted. There was, however, lit ! tie change in the situation and the | optimistic feeling was largely based on the belief that the German era- peror who returned to Potsdam to- | day from his cruise in northern wa ters would throw his influence into the balance in favor of a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
 Another factor in favor of a peace full arrangement was that the Aus trian ambassador in St Petersburg had shown willingness to discuss matters with the Russian foreign minister. | It was said this morning that Aus | tria- Hungary would not move her force against Servian capital until to- morrow, (which is confirmation of a statement made by the Austrian am | bassador in London yesterday that Austria-H Hungary desired to give Ser via further time to consider her reply to the ultimatum from Vienna | Outside of Austria-Hungary and Germany, the reply sent by Servfa is regarded as a very flair one, as it l grants all the demands which a sov- | ereign state should grant. It is point | ed out that there is little use in Ser since Austria-Hungary has declared the matter to be between her and Servia and in this she is backed up by Germany and Italy, her partners in the triple alliance.
 | In the meantime, all the nations of Europe are making preparations for war, as none of them wishes to BS caught mapping in case hostihties should break out. England is credited with the determination to stand aside unless she, should be forced into the
 conflict. The leave which is gener-
 ally granted to, the crews after the
 cises, has been cancelled and the yes
 selS are to be kept on a war footing