The chronicle=news., 1914-08-15
EUROPEAN CONFLICT
SHOWS NATIONS ARE
CAREFULLY ALIGNED
BY an international Lawyer.

| "dSuIustOu, u. u, AuR. lO.-In
the present European crisis the diplo-
matte phases OF the situation have
been carefully considered by all the
powers for many years.
In so far as the grouping OF the
great powers Is concerned there ap-
pear to have been two principal
agreements. The alliance between
Germany and Austria was made some
thirty-five years ago and was direct
ed primarily against Russia. II pro-
vides that should either nation Ger
many or Austria) be attacked or be-
come involved in war with Russia
| the other Is to come to its aid, and
at the conclusion of the war COM
mon peace is to be made by them. In
the event of either nation becoming
involved in war with any nation ex-
cept Russia the other would preserve
a benevolent neutrality until the
end Of the contest, but II Russia be-
came involved In any way then both
would act in common.
An alliance between France and
Russia, which is supposed to be SIM
liar in nature to the alliance between
Germany and Austria, but directed
against Germany, was concluded u
few years ago. le
About three years after the al
lance between Austria and Germany
was concluded Italy became party
to the treaty of alliance with Ger
many and Austria. Italy's treaty
with Germany i4 directed against
France and provides that in case
either is engaged in war with France
the other will make common cause
and conclude common peace. In
case either nation is involved with n
country other than France a benevo-
lent neutrality will be preserved by
the nation not at war. Italy's agree
nent with Austria is similar.
The treaties contain provisions
that they are entered into from
standpoint for defense and not for
aggression. These also are written
instruments. This combination of
Germany, Austria and Italy is known
as the triple alliance.
When Gcrmany's growing navy be-
gan to work England secret YER
bal agreement was entered into by
that country with France. 1t is sup
rosed by this agreement France
would place her whole fleet in the
Mediterranean to deal with the fleets
Of Austria and Italy, while England
and Russia would out their fleets in
| the North sea and thereby protect
the coasts of England and France.
ngland was to furnish certain
troops and possibly financial help.
All this to be in the event that either
France or Great Britain were at
tackled or involved in war with Ger
many. This arrangement between
England, France and Russia Is
known as the triple entente. 1t
makes France and Russia fight for
England on land while England
fights for them by sea.
| In addition England has an alli-
ance with Japan which provides that
/ IL either becomes involved in war
with another country. except one
| with which general arbitration
treaty exists. the other shall give as
sistance with all her military power
The United States has general arbi-
tration treaties with both England
and japan.
In their application these treaties
or alliances have ooerated as follows.
Austria declared war against Servia.
Servia was assisted by Russia, there
fore Germany Immediately declared
war against Russia. This drew from
France a declaration of war against
Germany. England. according to her
agreement with France, followed
suit. All acted according to their
agreements with the apparent excep-
tion of Italy.
1t is question whether Italy as
a neutral at present is not worth
more to Germany and Austria than
as belligerent. Italy as belliger-
ent would be shut off from the sea,
the the preponderance of French and
English ships in the Mediterranean
is such that she could, even in COM
bination with the Austrian navy,
hone for little success.
In so far as offensive action against
France is concerned. the Italian