The Washington herald., 1914-07-27
BY C. F. BERTELLI.

Paris, July 26-The whole structure of
European peace tonight is on the brink
OF collapse. Ten million men are waiting
TO ne called under their respective hags,
and in few days all Europe may be
sname with war and thousands Of smiling
corn fields now awaiting the harvest may
become the scene Of blackest desolation.
The assassination Of the Archduke
Franz Ferdinand and his wife has been
the last drop needed to overflow the cup
Of bitterness which has been the reward
of a long life devoted TO the cause Of
peace, and now Franz Josef, the grand
old man Of Europe, has flashed his sword
and 10 all appearances has thrown away
the scabbard.
A Challenge to Russia.
Behind the Emperor's action. which Is
an indirect but none the less extreme
challenge to Russia, lies the steadfact
resolution of the German races to sweep
back the thrush of hordes of Slavs into
Central Europe
The dream of a greater servis. embody-
ing all the Slav elements in Austria
Hungary, has been the hobgoblin OF the
dual monarchy for the last five years.
1t is realized in Vienna that this Slav
movement, which received a tremendous
impetus from the Servians' successes in
the Balkan war. and the unexpectedly
aggressive st,p of the Emperor is
desperate throw in behalf of the waning
Hapsburg prestige. The consequences
are frightful to contemplate. The
gauntlet has been thrown down and we
must take 1t up" said the Gar to his
ministers today.
Outlook Is Black.
Never since 1870 has there existed a
blacker outlook. is the opinion Of Georges
lET %
and the gre-test authority in the world
on international politics. That Europe
is about to sink into a welter of blood is
the perspective that has caused Pope
Plus to flash a hurried message TO
Emperor Franz Josef imploring him
mot to stain his old age with blood"
In this way the Pope has opened the
only door through which Austria can
with honor retreat from her menace to
Servia and thus save the world the most
terrific catastrophe in human history.
Franz Josef. as apostolic Emperor. and
King Of Jerusalem. can without loss of
dignity, bow his head to the wishes of
the supreme pOntin.
Count Berchtold a minor Bismarck and
author Of the most brutal diplomatic note
ever issued. AUstrias recent ultimatum
to servia, conferred with the Emperor
today. but refuses to signify tonight
ably answered.
If Austria does not invade Servia the
Gar Of Russia. as the father of all
Slavs," will be bound in honor to defend
King Peter from being crushed by the
dual monarchy. whose objective all along
has been TO obtain a road for itself
through the Balkans and to seize Salo-
nika.
CEar Ready to Fight.
Still badly shaken by the Japanese war |
Russia in 1903. was forced To remain !
neutral when Austria took forcible pos |
session of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but |
now she is prepared for a titanic strug- I,
gle
After a meeting of all the bankers in |
st. Petersburg today. presided over by |
the director OF the Imperial Bank, it was |
officially declared that Russia s financial |
position will permit her to go to any
limit"
Moreover. all the strikes which lately !
have unsettled Russian domestic affairs.
were settled today spontaneously by the
men themselves voting to return to
work.
Thus the great Russian empire presents
a solid. united front. Five army corps
already have been modified. This is a
reply to the state of siege declared by
Austria. II shots have been fired the sit
uatiOn will be in the hands of Kaiser
in whom lies the responsibility |
Of a general European war. In the event