New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-16
AUSTRIA CHARGES
FOES MISTREAT
WAR PRISONERS
Issues RED Book" OF Evi-
dence of Captives' Bar
barOuS Treatment.

Washington, July 16.-Austria-Hun-
rarv's Indictment Of the methods Of
warfare Of her enemies, giving scores
Of instances Of "barbarous treatment
Of nationals and prisoners and breaches
Of international law, was made public
to-day in a Red Book" issued by the
Austro-Hungarian Ministry Of Foreign
Affairs through its embassy here.
The publication is called "A Collec-
ton Of Evidence" and is divided into
four parts.
THE first two parts says prefa-
tory note introducing numerous deposi-
lions and afHdavits, Contain evidence
concerning the treatment Of Austro-
Hungarian diplomatic and consular ON
GERS by the government officers Of the
hostile countries. In several cases eX-
pulsion or arrest preceded the state Of
war. a fact which still further agra
Yates the offence. The expulsion Of the
Augtro- Hungarian diplomatic agents
from Morocco and Egypt, which is r.
reconcilable with existing internauonai
treaties. has been made the subject OF
protests lodged with the neutral pow
ers.
Treatment Before the War.
"The third part contains evidence OF
the treatment 10 which Austrian and
Hungarian citizens have been subjected
in most cases before the opening OF
hostjlitics ia hostile countries. II was
r.. Of lgf Fuh n a
fined such conduct: TO inhlct suffer
rngs on defenceless citizens of the
enemy without imperative reasons is to
revert to barbarism.'
"The fourth part comprises authentic
proofs Of violations Of the laws OF
warfare. To the numerous cases Of DIS
regard Of the regulations concerning
the use Of prohibited proJecu.Cs, CON
tanned in the Hague agreement about
the laws and practices of warfare on
land. and Of the Geneva convention,
must be added the Unspeakable out
RACES Of which the Serbian and Monte
negrin troops have been guilty. This
rutblesslv illegal way of conducting
war operatiOns and the cruel and
treacherous participation of the entire
population in acts Of war. certify once
more the lapse from civilization which
the people Of these countries have un-
dergone.
Blockade Called "SacrilegiOus."
"Tbe preposterous claim of the hos
tile nations 10 the RICH, TO subject the
entire population Of large countries TO
famine must be stigmatiZed as a sacri-
legious violation Of the Jules OF war
fare. No less sacrilegious is the act
in 90 a
ing. If not actually inspiring, &c un-
prccedeutcd agitation Of press which
disseminatcs lies and fosters hatred.
Most Of the excuses to which thou
sands Of innocen, and defenceless pco-
ple have fallen victims are the direct
outcome Of that agitation.
THE collection Of evidence, as now
published for general information,
cannot convey even a faint idea Of the
decay which the notions Of intcrna-
tional law have undergone, and which
in tho course Of few months have
DESTROYED many a hope; it may, how
ever. furnish some facts for the reiiec-
tion Of those whose judgment has re-
NAMED unbiased as Z" who is RESPONSE
bic for the collapse Of the law Of ma
fiona and Of the sense Of morality IN "a
war brought on by our enemies Tor the
purpose Of crushing nations engaged m
The peaceful pursuit Of the blessing Of
civilization. and as to who has the
right 10 claim that he is fighting this
botlv contested struggle for the sake
Of liberty and humanity"
Women and Children Chief Sufferers.
with reference 20 the treatment OF
Austro- Hungarian nationals In France
the chief complaint was against the
hardships imposed upon innocent WON