Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1914-08-20

London.-The war of the nations OF
Europe became further regularized
with the formal declaration of war on
Austria-Hungary by Great Britain,
The struggle for the possession OF
the Belgian forts surrounding Liege
has recommended and reports of ar,
tillery and cavalry engagements are
taken as indicating the possible be-
ginning of a great battle on Belgian
soil.
The bulk of the German forces is
believed to be concentrated on the
frontier between Liege and the Duchy
Of Luxembourg. This leads to the con-
clusfon that Germany's frontier facing
Russia can be only lightly guarded,
probably by newly organized armies
composed of r~eservists called to the
colors,
The strength Of the British fleet in
the Mediterranean is unknown, as no
movements of warships have been
made public since the first outbreak
of hostilities. 1t is known, however,
that France has the bulk of her fleet
in the Mediterranean. Although at
war with Austria, no apprehension ex-
lists as to the safety of trade routes
through that sea now that it seems
certain that the German cruisers Goe-
ben and Breslou are out of action.
The official press bureau here, des-
cribing the disposition of British
cruisers in the Atlantic and elsewhere,
expressly urges traders of all nations
doing business with Great Britain to
send the cargoes confidently and
boldly to sea in British or neutral
ships in all directions, except the
North Sea, owing to mines and the
probability of naval operations, no
guarantees a yet be given, although
as announced, passenger service ships
are again running.
In the field of land operations little
has occurred since Wednesday.
1t must be remembered in consider
ing all the published reports of mill
tary operations that these dispatches
emanate almost exclusively from the
side of the allied French and Belgian
armies.
Nothing whatever comes from the
German and Austrian side relating to
military movements or dispositions,
and only occasionally a brief item
describing the result of past engage
ments is made public from those
quarters.
The strict censorship exercised over
the whole field makes it difficult to
estimate the value Of the news re-
ceived.
Paris.-The official declaration of
war by France and Austria Hungary
was made public here.
Rome.-Following the official an
nouncement that England had de-
clared war on Austria, cabinet coun-
Gil was held. 1t is expected the Aus
trian AMBASSADOR will now demand that
Italy adhere to her treaty pledges and
come to the aid of Austria, on the
contention that Austria has been at
tackled by England. If this demand
is made it will be refused, according
to the be information.
Brussels.-The first battle in open
country is reported in the following
communication:
After having passed the night
(Tuesday) in the position they had
reached after their retreat OF Mon
day, the Germans this morning ad-
yanced in force toward a point in our
position, which they thought was not
held.
Our staff, however, was alert and
information by cavalry reconnois-
sances was able to give the necessary
orders, with the result that the enemy
found its advance checked. An en-
gagement took place, in which our
troops were successful. Ten thousand
men took part in the fighting.
This was the fist action of our
troops in open country and their con-
duct is good augury for the future.
Apart from this, the situation, to all
appearance, has undergone no change.
"As regards our allies, the plan ar
ranged beforehand is being carried
out according to programme"