Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-07-27
Germany, Italy and France
Are Called to Confer
ence by Lord Grey.
HOPE TO AVERT WAR
Austrian Forces Are Not to
Move at Once-Give Ser
via More Time.

| London, Eng, July 27.-Glimmers
OF hope fiickered in the darkened sky
OF European politics today and the
wish was general that the efforts of
| great European powers to avert a
clash of arms which might involve
| many nations, would be successful
While all the powers are preparing for
possible eventualities, their statesmen,
with British Foreign Secretary Grey
at their head, were endeavoring to
bring together the governments at is
sue with view,to mediation. At the
Servian legation in London the view
was held that some improvement had
taken place, and this was attributed to
the influence exercised by Russia
Alex Georgeovitch, first secretary,
said: I'VE have complied with every
thing that does not impair our sover-
eign rights. We hope Austria-Hun-
gary, in the interests of peace, will rec
ognize that some consideration is due
an independent state and so will avert
war. If, however, she wants war. she
will have seen that We are prepared
to accept it in the interests of the,
dignity of our state"
ne ldCl IudI AuSlIidu duUdSSduOIS
abroad were willing to discuss the
controversial points with foreign gov
ernments and especially with Russia,
has led to the belief that an. outlet for
the deadlock will be found.
The stock markets of London and
European capitals displayed a pan
icky feeling, although not SO pronounc-
ed as on Saturday.
Lord Grey has invited Austria-Hun-
gary, Servia and Russia to suspend
operations pending the result of the
proposed conference which will be
held at London. His suggestion was
that the French, German and Italian
ambassadors at London confer with
him in an endeavor to find a solution.
He has not yet received complete re-
plies to his proposal.
In the House of Commons, Lord Grey
announced, 81 understand that the
German government is favorable to
mediation in principle as between
Russia and Austria but, to our particu-
lar proposal to apply that principle by
means of a conference, the German
government has not yet replied" Lord
Grey expressed the opinion that fail
ure of these efforts to bring about set
tlement would lead to the greatest
catastrophe which could befall the
continent of Europe and that the con-
sequences would be incalculable."
Lord Grey Calls Conference.
London, July 27.-It was reported
today that British Foreign Secretary
Grey had made successful representa-
tions to Germany, Italy and France
for a conference of representatives of
those countries in England on the
Austro-Servian situation with a view
to cooperate on a plan for mediation
The Italian and German ambassa-
doris saw Lord Edward Grey this morn
ing, but with what result could not be
determined. A most serious view of
the situation is taken here and every
effort is being made by England and
her ambassadors to find some way to
avert a resort to arms by Austria
Hungary and Servia- Many of Eng
lands diplomatic representatives were
on their summer vacations but hur-
ried back to their posts.
Market Demoralized.
The London stock exchange which
opened a half hour earlier than usual
was comparatively calm at the open
ing, the opinion prevailing the war
would be averted. The market, how
ever, soon became panicky and on the
arrival of the bulk of the brokers
prices slumped in all directions, the
decentralization of Saturday being re-
peated.
The mere fact that actual hostili-
ties between Austria-Hungary and
Servia have not begun gave European
statesmen generally hope today that
war might be averted. There is, how
ever, little change in the situation
and the more optimistic feeling is
largely based on the belief that the
German emperor would throw his in
fuence into the balance in favor of
peaceful settlement. Another factor
that favored a peaceful arrangement
was that the Austrian ambassador at
ST Petersburg had shown a willing
ness to discuss matters with the Rus
sian foreign minister.
Austrian Forces Held.
II was said this morning that Aus
tria-Hungary would not move her
forces against the Servian capital un-
TIL tomorrow In order TO give Servia
further time to consider her reply to
the ultimatum from Visnna.
Outside OF Austria-Hungary and
Germany the reply sent by Seryfa is !