The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1914-07-28

London, july Zo.-LdCh VI eon 10
ton of the early report OF a hostlle
encounter on the Danube between
Servian and Austrian troops, and SIT
Edward Grey's efforts to obtain the
consent of the leading European ma
lions to mediation, led to a bellet I'D
the possibility of avoiding armed con-
fiict between the European nations.
The governments of France and
Italy have accepted the proposal OF
Sir Edward Grey, the British foreign
secretary, that a conference be called
with the object of finding solution OF
the Austro-Servian situation.
Sir Edward Grey invited the gov
ernments of Austria-Hungary, SerVla
and Russia to suspend operations
pending the result of his proposed con
ference, which would be held In Lon
don. His suggestion was that the
French, German and Italian ambas-
sadors in London should confer with
him in the endeavor to find means
of solving the present difficulties.
Sir Edward Grey, In announcing In
the house of commons the steps to be
taken to bring about mediation, said:
81 understand that the German gov
eminent is favorable to mediation IN
principle as well as Russia and Aus
tria, but to our particular proposal to
apply that principle by means OF
conference the German government
has not yet replied"
Sir Edward concluded by expressing
the opinion that the failure Of these
efforst to bring about settlement
would lead to "the greatest catas'
trophe which could befall the concert
OF Europe, and its consequences would
be incalculable."
Another factor in favor of q peace.
full arrangement was that the Austrian
ambassador In st. Petersburg had
shown willingness to discuss matters
with the Russian foreign minister.
It was said that Austria-Hungary
would not move her forces against the
6ervian capital just yet, which is con-
hrmation of a statement made by the
Austrian ambassador in London-that
Austria Hungary desired to give Ser
via 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 a very fair one, as 1t
grants all the demands which a SOW
ereign state could grant.
It is pointed out that there is little
use In servia appealing for mediation,
however, since Austria-Hungary has
declared the matter to be between her
and Servia, and in this she is backed
ND by Germany and Italy, her part
ners In the Triple Alliance.
In the meantime all the nations OF
Europe are making preparations for
war, as none Of them wishes to be
caught mapping in case hostilities
should break out.
Even England, which is credited
with the determination to stand aside
unless she should be forced into the
conflict, is getting her warships ready
The leave which is generally granted
to the crews after the annual mobill,
cation of the fleet for exercises has
been cancelled and the vessels are to
b kept on a war footing.
Even the smaller nations of Europe
are preparing for war. Twelve million
men are under orders to mobilize OF
are expecting orders within twenty.
four hours.
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.