The Alaska citizen., 1914-08-24
How European Alliances Were F Formed Why Many Nations are in War Explained

The following editorial, taken from the Portland Oregonian of August ?, is probably the best review of the growth of the European alliances which has brought so many nations into the European war:
 The present grouping of the great which are about to clash in the greatest war of modern times sprang originally from tEe determination of Germany to maintain the dominance she had gained in 1870 and to iso- late France, and from the deter imitation of Russia and Austria 10 thwart each others ambitions in the Balkan peninsula, The triple alli- ance of Germany, Austria and Italy came first and the triple entente of Russia. France and England was formed as a counterweight in main taining the balance of power
 After the defeat of France in 1870 she was isolated. The newly established republic was expected soon to fall. and was considered by the other powers only a stop gap to continue until the French chose a ruler among the several monarchst claimants. Germany was expecting a war of revenge and schemed to continue this isolation. There existed an understanding among the three emperors of Ger many. Austria and Russia to keep the peace of Europe, and the slight est move for military preparation on the part of the republic caused Bismarck to bristle up. Germany and Russia soon began to draw apart and a war scare in 1875 pro voked by Bismarck caused the czar case of German aggression, and led the Russian Chancellor, Gortchskoff. to style the czar defender of France and the obstacle to German ambi- tions.
 CHAR WiTADRAWS.
 The Berlin congress of 1878 caus- ed tie cZar to withdraw from the league of the three kaisers in re- sentiment against the support Ger many had given to the anti-Russian policy of England and Austria. The vital conflict of Russian and Aus trtan interests in the Balkans had also been brought into strong relief Germany needed Austria's aid against either Russia or France, or both combined Austria needed Ger man aid in her schemes of expansion to the southeast and in preventing Russian aggrandizement in that quarter. This combination at that time, too, kept England in good humor, for her government was then bitterly hostile to Russia.
 Austria's support was not sufficient for Germany, and after much flirta- ion Bismarck drew Italy into the league The latter country had nev- ,er forgiven France for eXacting the cession of Savoy and Nice as the price of aid in the war of inde- pendence or for desertion before ltaly's liberation was completed. French support of the Pope's tenn poral power had been continual source of irritation, and after the French troops were withdrawn from Rome in 1870 French policy continu- ed friendly to papal claims. When France seized Tunis in 1881 Italy famed with indignation. having re- garded control of that contry as nee essary to her predominance in the Central Mediterranean. England was held to have connived at the French move. Italy found herself isolated and joined the central powers in the triple alliance, which was sign ed on May 20, 1882 It was origin ally for five years. but has been renewed from time to time, the last renewal expiring with the year 1914
 TREATY TERMS UNKNOWN.
 The exact terms of the treaty have