intensity approved the epoch-making
challenge. The House knew that England's hands were clean; that she was
spotlessly free from responsibility for the slaughter and sorrow, the
destruction of prosperous cities, the devastation of fruitful lands, the
breaking-up of Empires, that might follow on Germany's final
jack-booting of the emissary of peace.

Since the danger-signal was flung out by thrusting to the front the
puppet figure of aged AUSTRIAN EMPEROR making ponderous attack on little
Servia, EDWARD GREY, representing a Ministry supported by a loyal
Parliament and a united Kingdom, has night and day been tireless in
effort to avert war. If yielded to, such interference would be fatal to
plans, diligently elaborated in the dark over a period of months,
probably a full year, by our old friend and frequent guest, the GERMAN
EMPEROR.

Accordingly, after maintaining till last moment favourite disguise of
peacemaker "on easy terms with Heaven," WILLIAM, innocent sufferer by
"the menace of France," throws aside the cloak.

House of Commons' immediate response was to pass in five minutes all
outstanding votes for Army, Navy and Civil Services amounting to
L104,642,055.

_Business done._--PREMIER announces dispatch of ultimatum to Berlin and
imperative demand for answer before midnight.

_Wednesday._--Benches less crowded than hitherto during week of
tumultuous interest. Explanation forthcoming in fact that something like
a hundred Members belonging to Territorial Service have buckled on their
armour and responded to call of mobilisation.

PREMIER'S announcement that "since eleven o'clock last night a state of
war has existed between Germany and ourselves" hailed with deep-throated
cheer. Its volume nothing compared with that which burst forth when he
concluded statement with casual remark that to-morrow he will move a
Vote of Credit for one hundred millions sterling. Had he mentioned the
sum as an instalment paid in advance by Germany on account of war
indemnity House couldn't have been more jubilant.

BYLES of Bradford uneasy in regard to Bill introduced by HOME SECRETARY
authorising imposition of restrictions upon aliens in time of war or
great emergency. Thinks it might cause inconvenience to worthy persons.
Otherwise Government receive unanimous support for various legislative
proposals rendered necessary by state of war.

CHANCELLOR OF EXCHEQUER reports conclusions arrived at in conference of
leading bankers