The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1914-07-28
First Step Taken by
British Minister.
SITUATION APPEARS
EXTREMELY CRAVE.
Several Continental Powers Ac.
lively Engaged in Mobi|iza-
ton Of Forces.

London, July 28.-Glimmers of hope
flicker in the darkened sky of Euro
pean policies. While all the powers
are preparing for possible eventuali-
ties, with Russia and Germany TAX
ing active preparatory steps, Belgium
and France considering arrangements
for mobilizing forces, and the British
navy ordered ready, their statesmen,
with Sir Edward Grey, the British
foreign secretary at their head, are
endeavoring to bring together the
governments at issue with view to
mediation.
Sir Edward Grey invited the gov
ernments of Austria-Hungary, Servia
and Russia to suspend operations
pending the result of his proposed
conference, which would be held in
London. His suggestion was that the
French, German and Italian ambassa-
doris in London should confer with
him in the endeavor to find a means
of solving the present difficulties.
The Italian government informed him
it accepted lis invitation to join in a
mediation conference.
Servian Legation Hopeful.
At the Servian legation in London
the view was held that some improve
ment had taken place in the situation,
and this was attributed to the influ-
ence exercised by Russia. Alex
Georgevitch, the first secretary said:
1--WE have complied with everything
that does not impair our sovereign
rights. If, however, Austria-Hungary
wants war she will see that we are
prepared to- accept it in the interests
of the dignity Of our state.'
I The fact that Austrian ambassadors
abroad were willing to discuss the
controversial points with foreign gov
ernments, and especially with Russia,
led to the belief that an outlet for the
deadlock would be found.
The stock markets of London and
the European capitals still displayed
panicky feeling, although it was not
as pronounced as on Saturday.
Sir Edward Grey, in announcing in
the house of commons the steps to
be taken to bring about mediation,
said:
Il understand that the German gov
eminent is favorable to mediation in
principle as between Russia and Aus
tria, but to our particular proposal
fN hot rrir cir11 ~
a conference the German government
has not yet replied"
Sees Great Catastrophe.
Sir Edward said failure of these ef-
forts to bring about settlement
would lead to 'the greatest catastro-
phe which could befall the concert of
Europe, and its consequences would
be incalculable."
The Italian and German ambassa-
doris here conferred with Sir Edward
Grey with what result could not be
ascertained.
The members of the foreign diplo-
matte corps and officials of the Brit
ish foreign office were early astir.
"A most SeflOuS view or the Sltua-
ton is taken here and every effort is
being made to find some way out of
the crisis.
1t is said Austria-Hungary will not
move her forces against the Servian
capital for twenty-four hours, which
is confirmation of a statement made
by the Austrian ambassador in Lon
don that AUstria Hungary desired to-
give Seryia further time to consider
her reply to the ultimatum from
Vienna.
Outside Of AUSTRIA Hungary and
Germany, the reply sent by Servia is
regarded as very fair one, as it
grants all the demands which a SOW
ereign state could grant -