work of the peacemakers is at an end,
for Germany is bound to reply with a mobilization of her own armed
forces, and a rush to the frontiers on all sides must ensue. We
confess that we are unable to understand the action of Russia in
view of the resumption of the negotiations with Austria. It is not
likely that these negotiations have been resumed unless both sides
think that there is yet a chance of agreement, but if this is the
case, why the mobilization which goes far beyond the limits of
necessary precaution, and is, indeed, calculated to defeat the
efforts of the diplomatists, however promising they may be? There
may, of course, be a satisfactory explanation, but as the matter
stands it is inexplicable, and is all the more regrettable because
it is calculated--we feel sure unjustly--to cast doubts on the
loyalty and straightforwardness of the Russian Government.

When Russia had let pass the time limit set by Germany, when France had
answered that she would act according to her own interests, then the
German Empire had to mobilize its army and go ahead. Before one German
soldier had crossed the German frontier a large number of French
aeroplanes came flying into our country across the neutral territory of
Belgium and Luxemburg without a word of warning on the part of the
Belgian Government. At the same time the German Government learned that
the French were about to enter Belgium. Then our Government, with great
reluctance, had to decide upon requesting the Belgian Government to
allow our troops to march through its territory. Belgium was to be
indemnified after the war, was to retain its sovereignty and integrity.
Belgium protested, at the same time allowing, by an agreement with
France, that the French troops might enter Belgium. After all this, and
not till France and Belgium itself had broken the neutrality, our troops
entered the neutral territory. Germany wanted nothing from Belgium, but
had to prevent that Belgian soil be used as a gate of entrance into
German territory.

Little has as yet been said of Great Britain. It was Germany's
conviction that the sincerity of Britain's love for peace could be
trusted. At any rate, Sir Edward Grey and Mr. Asquith asserted again and
again in the course of the last few years that England wished friendly
relations with Germany and never would lend its support to a
Franco-Russian attack on Germany. Now this