Omaha daily bee., 1914-08-03
Die Is Cast.


other day or two.
Die Is Cast.
Now the die is cast and Europe is TO
be plunged into a general war, which
has been the apprehension of European
statesmen for generations. 1t is now
only question of how soon state OF
actual war will exist between Germany
and France.
Late last night placards were posted in
Paris calling for general mobilization
and the German ambassador, although
he had not been banded his passports,
was preparing to leave the French capt.
tai. 1t is not known at exactly what
hour Germany's ultimatum to France,
asking that country to define what atti-
tude it would assume in case Of a war
by Germany and Austria against Rus
STA was to expire, but It is believed It
will not be long before diplomatic re-
lations will be ruptured or war declared.
The German emperor and his advisers
have maintained to the last that they
made supreme efforts for the sake OF
peace and that the last of the series
of earnest appeals from Emperor William
to Emperor Nicholas was a telegram re-
pudiating responsibility for the calamity
threatening the world, on the ground
while Germany was engaged in mediat-
ing with Arustrla- Hungary at Russia's
request, Russia by its general mobiliza-
tion was threatening Germany's safety.
First shots Fired.
The first shots in the Russo-German
war, were exchanged between patrols
this afternoon near Prostken, 100 miles
to the southeast OF Konigsberg.
The only redeeming feature OF the
darkest prospect with which Europe has
been faced for half century is that
Italy has declared it's neutrality. But
how long neutrality can be maintained
is an exceedingly debatable question.
Great Britain's position already has
been defined by Premier Asquith In the
British parliament He declared that she
is under no formal obligation TO go to the
assistance of France in the event of
European war. The British government
has made full preparation in both serv-
ices for whatever may happen.
The present position, therefore, is that
Russia, France and Servis are arrayed on
one side against Austria-HungaTy and
Germany on the other. How long the
warfare viii be confined TO this plane, it
is impossible to foretell; nor can IT be
foretold whether Belgium and Holland
will be able to maintain their neutrality
against their powerful neighbors or
whether Great Britain will find herself
compelled TO send an expeditionary force
to attempt TO preserve that neutrality.
Attitude of Turkey.
Another faction, which as yet has not
been given much consideration, is the at
titude of Turkey. which, II she has suf-
ficiently recovered from the effects of
her late war with Italy, may be able TO
throw considerable weight into the scale.
It is generally understood that Germany
has an effective understanding with Tur-
key which may lead TO interesting devel-
opments.
There was no cessation Of diplomatic
activity in London throughout the day.
This evening Premier Asquith gave a
small dinner party at his residence in
Downing street, the governments includ-
| ing the Russian ambassador. Sir Edward
Grey remained at the foreign office until
late hour and then went TO Bucking-
/ ham palace 10 consult King George The
Japanese ambassador had a long confer
enee with Sir Edward Grey during the
afternoon.
The cabinet will meet again tomorrow
Il