Europe is very near war. Last night even the firmest friends of peace were almost without hope.
Little doubt remains that all Russia's forces are being mobilised. In the House of Commons yesterday the Prime Minister understood that Germany would issue like orders.
Telegrams from St. Petersburg do not conflict with the Prime Minister's statement. One reports the posting in the capital of notices calling reservists to the colours. From Germany comes news of Russian activity near the border. Two cavalry divisions have been observed, and the frontier guards have burned their guard-houses. In many governments horses are being requisitioned. Travellers from the interior say they have seen troop trains laden with men in field kit and with artillery.
A most serious message came yesterday from the meeting place of the German, Russian and Austrian frontiers. It reported the destruction by the Russians of the neighbouring railway bridge over the Austro-Russian frontier, between Granitza in Russia and Szczakowa in Austria. German news is equally grave. Official announcement is made of the suspension of the international train services into the Empire; telephone communication with Denmark and Belgium has been stopped.
Although the outer world still awaits the proclamation, the army is, it seems certain, being mobilised. A state of siege has been declared, and the country is under martial law. Germany is virtually cut off from other countries, except Austria, her ally.
France also is making ready. Our Paris correspondent, in a late message, says at a Council of Ministers yesterday orders were given for six army corps on the German frontier to mobilise. All reservists attached to those corps have been called out. Official confirmation is, he says, still awaited. According to French statements the German forces on the Alsace-Lorraine border are already concentrated for war. In Paris it is insisted that the German steps were taken between three and five days before France attempted a reply.
