New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-30

gan his speech. to which all listened
with undivided attention.
The Chancellor referred 10 the in
trigues of Rumania and that country's
declaration Of war, saying: "Our re-
lations with Rumania before the war
were based on the treaty of alliance
first concluded between Austria Hun
gary and Rumania, and then enlarged
by the accession of Germany and Italy.
The contracting parties engaged under
the treaty 10 assist each other in case
Of unprovoked attack by third party.
when the war broke out King
Carlos, with all his energy, stood up
for the idea that Rumania owed to the
Central Powers thirty years of politi-
cal security and wonderful economic
development, and that therefore Ru-
mania must support the Central
Powers, not only on account Of the pro-
visions of the treaty, but also for the
sake of the country's honor, The late
King regarded as sophistry the objec-
ton that Rumania had not been in
formed in regard to the AustroHun-
garian demsrche in regard to Serbia
and had not been consulted about it.
/ But when the deciding session of the
Crown Council was held the aged King
did not succeed as against the govern
ment, whose Prime Minister, notwith-
standing treaty obligations, sympath-
lied with the Entente Powers. A short
time later the King died in conse-
quence of the emotions caused by real
izatiOn that Rumsnia was traitor 10
her allies.
Policy Guided By Bratiano.
"The Rumsnian policy was now guild
ed by Premier Bratisno, who attempted
/ to gain riches without making great
sacrifices At the expense Of the party
suffering defeat in the war. The main
point was TO discover in time which
party was about TO win final victory, in
order not TO be too late.
The Russian offensive this spring"
/ the Chancellor continued, made Pre-
. mier Bratiano believe he saw the
breaking down of the Central Powers.
Accordingly, he decided to obtain y
share when the robbery Of the dead
4 body began. Furthermore, the Entente
Powers had freer hand in conducting
negotiations than others. Serbia had
been conquered, and the protectors of
small. feeble states were no longer
obliged to show any cons Iteration for
Serba's former wishes in regard to an
hexation OF territory. They could be
ricrc liberal toward Rumania.
"ln the middle Of August Bratisno
came TO terms with our enemies. He re
served for himself, however, the de-
cision as TO the time actual hostilitles
were TO be inaugursted, and attempted
20 make it dependent on military con-
ditions. The King Of Rumania up to
that time had repeatedly given the
most binding assurances that. under all
trsl.
ION August 26, the day preceding
Rumania's declaration Of war, the King
said 20 the Hungarian Minis
ter that he did not wish war. ] add, in
passing, that Bratisno at the same
time assured the Austro-H Hungarian
representative that he had decided to
maintain neutrality, and that the out
come Of the session OF tho Crown Coun-
ell, which had been called for the fol-
owing day. would prove the truth OF
his words.
AS late as August % the Entente
Powers had not decided at what mo-
mcnt Rumania ought 20 declare war.
We knew this from most reliable
source. The Rumanisn army still
lacked preparedness, and particularly
lacked munitions. as was proved later,
al the time OF the fall Of Turtukai and
Silstria.
Tells Of Russian Threat.
Then events were preciptated
From information which may be con-
sidered reliable it appears that Russia
suddenly presented an ultimatum that
she would cross the unprotected Ru-
manian frontier IL RumAnis did not
begin war before August -. Whether
this ultimatum was piece Of comedy
prearranged with Bratiano. in order TO
influence the hesitating King, leave
undecided. but the die was cast
Since the beginning OF the world
war RumanIa has followed a policy OF
piracy, depending upon the general
war situation kumania's military
cspitulation will prove as mistaken as
her political capitulstion TO her En-
urnNed 10 haNe hefn xrnnn IhHu