New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-07-25


London, July 2S.-The possibility
OF a general European war tram
scends all other in .rcSts in London
to-day. Home Rule itself lost FIRST
place in the London papers this
morning, while the shadow of gem
eral confagration hangs over affairs.
The situation is made immensely
more serious by the entrance CT
Russia and Germany into the Aus
tro-Servisn quarrel. Russia has a.
lively intervencd on behalf OF her
prestige in the Balkans, dcmendlns
from Austria, first. an extension or
the time limit indefinitely beyond s
p. m. to-day. and, second. the sub
mission OF the dispute to the srbi-
tration of the powers.
In the event of refusal Russia
threatens to take extreme measures
This brings Germany fully into the
field, as il would be her duty under
the treaty of the Triple Alliance to re-
lease her armies Immediately Austria
is attacked. Germany's position for
the moment is to cndeavor to locsllze
hostilities, and in the meanwhile pre-
vent the other powers from interfcr-
ing.
But the war feeling in Germany is
strong. For months the country has
been educated by its most distin-
guished leaders TO believe that an at
tack from Russia is imminent. High
officers of the German general staff
said yesterday, I've arc ready" and
added that in forty-eight hours Ger
many could mobilize 100000 men,
half on each frontier, cast and west.
Austria. in reply 20 Russia an
nounces that she will not allow any
negotiations or bargaining for any cX-
tension Of the 4S-hour time limit or
any mediation or Intervention by the
powers.
With the discussion narrowed down
10 Austria and Seryia it is generally
felt in Europe that the terms OF the
ultimatum are so drastic and so hu-
initiating that it is impossible for Ser
via TO accept them. In that event the
Austrian Minister 70 Belgrade and the
whole Of the legation staff will leave
Servian territory at s p. m. to-day. and
according to an official declaration
from Vienna, "the army will be called
upon to enforce the Austrian demands"
Great Britain and France arc trying
both 10 persuade Servia to yield and
Austria to mitigate the demands
Everywhere in the Dual Monarchy
the ultimatum to Servia is welcomed
with enthusiasm.
In Servia the Crown Prince, who is
acting regent, is mere tool in tho
hands of the militarists.
Il was reported in diplomatic circle IS
in London last night that the Serviab
government was preparing to retirh
from Belgrade into the interior. tA
Nish or Uskub. as Belgrade is exposed
10 fire from the forts at Sauln and
from the Austrian gunboats on the
Danube. II is recognized that il would
be impossible to hold Belgrade twenty.
four hours.
London, July "a. Montenegro has
indicated her readiness TO support
Servia in the event Of an Austrian
attack. and this certainly would plunge
,hc whole of the Balkans into hostili.
tics.
fac: much commented upon by the
European newspapers is that Austri,
has chosen a moment for the issuing
of her ultimatum when President
Poincare is absent from France and
two OF the Balkan premierS arc abroad.
st. Petersburg. July -. There was
a four-hour meeting of the Cabinet
to-day to consider the Austro- Servian
situation. IL is understood that as
result of il Russia will Immediately
intervene in the controversy by ask
ing Austria to prolong the period she
has Given Scrvia TO reply 10 her ulti-
matum IN order 10 give time TO rurs-
pean diplomats 10 act.
The official view is that should Aus
tria refuse TO prolong the term of the
ultimatum Russia may take extreme
l..