The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-08-04
ONLY TWO FACTORS
MAKING FOR PEACE
England and France Still Trying to
Prevent General COnflict-War
Preparation Continues.


London, Aug. 1.-An extraordinary
council of ministers held at Peterhoff,
according to a st. Petersburg dispatch
to. the Times, was confronted last
night with modified situation, result
ing from assurances by the German
ambassador following messages eX-
changed between the Russian en-
peror, the German emperor and King
George.
The impression among the ministers,
adds the dispatch, is that Germany is
disposed to bring influence to bear
upon Austria to resume diplomatic
conv ersations on grounds acceptable
to tie other European powers and
there seems some hope of a compro-
mise.
London, July 31.-There were only
two factors tonight giving the faint
est hope of averting a general Euro
pean war.
First, Russia and Austria are en-
gagged again in direct negotiations.
Second, both Great Britain and
France are using their utmost endeav-
ors in favor of peace.
On the other hand Russ: has or
dered a general mobilization and Ger
many 'aas declared a state of seige,
which is undoubtedly a prelude to,
if it does not cover, mobilization.
France has not mobilized, but cab
met councils which sat until late t.
night issued DEGREES establishing a
moratorium and taking other action
which could only be determined upon
the eve of war. Unohcially the
French army is being virtually mo-
bilized.
A circumstantial though as yet un-
confirmed report published in Rome
says Germany is about to demand
from both Russia and France the i'm
mediate cessation of mobilization. Yet
aonther rumor is that the German am
bassador has notified the French gov
ernment of his early eparture.
Great Britain is practically though
not officially modified and the small
er European States, Belgium, Holland
and Switzerland, as a precaution, have
ordered the mobilization of their
armies to protect their territory from
being used as a highway for the bel
ligerents, and Norway, Sweden and
Denmark to guard Themselves on gen.
eral principles.
Italy Sits Tight.
Italy makes no announcement and
although rumor credits her with the
decision not to participate in the
struggle, there is little doubt that she
is making ready fer mobilization.
Communication across Europe has
been cit off and there is universal
application Of the censorship with the
result that it is impossible to obtain
any accurate knowledge Of what mil
itary operations are going On in Ser
via. All code kilograms are refused
Many American travellers have been
held up by the suspension Of interna-
tional trains.
Tne withdrawal of three famous
German yachts from the Covers re-
gatta is significant. They include the
emperor's Meteor and Krupp's Ger
mania.
All the countries involved in the
war nave prohibited the expert oi
many products. All the stock e1-
changes in England and Scotland, are
closed. European State banks have
raised their ates and the Bank ot
England rate has been doubled.
England the Calmest.
Facing the most perilous epoch in
their history since they shivered be-
fore the spectre of a Napoleonic in
vasion, the English people are tee
calmest nation OF Europe. Yesterday