Denver labor bulletin., 1918-07-13

dent that happened just De1Ore the
rising of the curtain upon the worlds
conflict would be like saying that the
clock striking five in the morning
causes the day to dawn and the sun
to rise and the wheels of industry to
turn. The day would come anyway;
the war was coming anyway.
We have been hearing for some
time of the underlying causes of the
war. There is no question but that
the bonfire of European diplomacy had
been well prepared by German lead
ers, and but awaited the match to
send the flames skyward. The day
did not matter; the incidental cause
did not matter; Germany was ready
for the conflict and her neighbors were
not. This was sufficient scenery for
her, for the play to open.
On June %, 1914, the Archduke
apparent to the Austrian throne, and
his wife, were assassinated in the
Bosnian capital of Serajevo. Two at
tempts were made upon their lives,
and it is rather peculiar that they were
not better guarded. In the first at
tempt, on the dukes automobile, the
bomb fell into the arms of the arch
duke himself, who deity tossed it
aside, passing it on to his friends in
the machine behind. Several people
were injured, but none killed in this
attempt. The second attempt was
after the official reception, and this
time with a revolver. The archduke
and the duchess were shot. Both died
shortly after.
Serbia's One Mistake.
Inquiry showed that both attempts
at assassination were made by men,
bers of the Secret Serbian Propaganda
Society, whose principal object was
the prevention of the spread of Aus
trian influence in Serbia. The fact
that higher Serbian officials were i'm
plicated particularly angered Austria,
altho every one understood that the
act was not in any way officially spon-
sored by the Serbian government.
In reading several accounts of the
affair it appears that about the only
mistake Serbia made was not to de-
mand an official investigation at
once, waiting instead for Austria to
demand it. However, this was prob
ably because the government was so
stunned by the murder that it did
not use foresight. At any rate, the
skirts of Serbia have been cleared, as
her complete accession to nearly all
the Austrian demands for investiga-
tirely aside from the murder, show no
intention to officially strike this blow
Austria unquestionably was de-
lighted at the opportunity for making
unjust demands upon her small neigh
Dor, and Immediately worked herself
into a white heat of fury and sent an
ultimatum to Serbia. This demanded
everything, from complete govern
mental submission of the little nation
to it's very eye-teeth of sacred rights;
incidentally an immediate trial was
demanded for the murderers.
Behind the Scenes.
Meanwhile, what of the actions of
Germany, the real power behind it all
Austria was carrying out her program
of being the catspaw to pull the
chestnuts out of the fire. Germany's
Official White Book tells us the story:
Germany will give her neighbor an
entirely free hand in her controversy
with Serbia" German diplomats
knew the "frame-up" and fully I'M
derstood how the flames would spread,
so that apparently, to the German peo-
self defense. The plan is as illu-
minating as it is interesting. Russia
was acutely interested in Serbia, be-
ing largely composed of Slav peoples
and had consequently been at swords
points with Austria during all the
Balkan disputes, when Austria had at
tempted, by fair means and foul, to
extend her territory and influence into
the heart of Serbia. Therefore, Ger
man diplomats knew that when Aus
tria attacked Serbia, Russia must
necessarily declare war upon Austria,
and then, of course, with a Russian
army coming down from the north
upon neighbor Austria, Germany
of self defense would have to protect
herself against Russia. France was
closely allied with Russia, and there
fore, reason told the German diplo-
mats, would aid Russia. Consequent
ly France, as Russia's ally, must be
crushed, and still, in self-defense. Oh,
self-defense, how many crimes are
committed in thy name!
Germany Supports Austria.
And now let US see if the reason
ing was good. A trifie fuller recita-
ton of the German White Book as
surances here, may clarity the ac-
tons of Austria after the assassina-
ton. Quoting:
at is clear that Austria cannot
with dignity and spirit of self-preser-
walton view idly any longer this agi-
tation across the border. With all our
hearts we are able to agree with our
ally's estimate of the situation as Sc
rious, and any action considered neces-
sary to end the movement in Serbia,
directed against the conservation of
the monarchy, would meet with our
approval"
We had best bear this in mind con-
stantly, as Germany was Austria's
recognized big brother, and without
her, with a combination of a few Bal