What Germany Thinks

nto the World War by an unscrupulous military clique. Now, however, there is ample evidence to prove that the entire nation was thoroughly we

ny lay the guilt at Russia's door. They are only unanimous in charging one or other, or all the powers, of the Triple Entente. We shall see that every power now at war, with the excepti

wrong is a matter of opinion, but it is generally held that Austria dealt with her neighbour with too much heat and too littl

organized, healthy public opinion could at that period have brought the governments of the Germanic Powers to recognize their responsibility. Had the German Press been unanimous, it migh

ly the great mass of popular opinion. This expression met with unstinted approval, for it corresponded with German ideals and standards in dealing

Serbian war. It is possible, very possible, that we shall have to extinguish East-European conflagrations with our arms, either because of our treaties or from the compulsion of events. But it is a scandal if the Imperial Government (Berlin) has not

ion, the utter and complete humiliation of Serbia. On former occasions we have (and with justice) made fun of Austria's lack of energy. Now we have a proof of energy which terrifies u

ion of Austria's note, public opinion has become exceedingly serious, although the city is still very calm. The general view held is that Austria's ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign State. In Belgrade no one dou

date they had apparently no doubt whatever as to the guilty party. The change of front in the Reichstag on August 4th would seem in the light of this proclamation, as nothing other than a be

the proclamation as it

tated villages are still smoking after the Balkan War; hungry, workless men, widowed women and orphan children are still wander

an Government calls forth the most stinging protest. The demands made by this government are so brutal, that in the histor

Social Democratic Party) demands imperatively that the German Government should exercise all its influence on the Austrian Government to preserve peace, and in case this infamous war cannot be prevented

than any in the last few decades. There is danger in delay. A world war threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave, despise and exploit you in times

nternational

July 25

ers of th

Vorw?rts for having distributed the above appeal in pamphlet form in the streets of Berlin. From this fact we may conclude

ng offensive to the Serbian monarchy. Everyone who has considered the results of the inquiry into the tragedy of Serajewo, and the burrowing of Serbian propagandists in Austria, must give

sovereign rights. Austria appears as the policeman, who undertakes to create order in Serbia, because the Serbian Government, according to Austria's claim, is unable to hold in check those 'subversive elements' within its frontiers, which disturb Au

ity of Austria's demands, but the Press and people were unanimous in believing that if th

rches and music-halls. "Patriotic" demonstrations were held before Austrian consulates, in restaurants and coffee-houses. The Berlin Government was overwhelmed with telegrams from all kinds of bodies-especially those with a military colouring, such as veterans' clubs, societies of one-year volunteers, university societies, etc.-calling upon it to defend Germany

ntion on Russia's part in the Austro-Serbian dispute would be tolerated by Germany. It is true that, late in the day, Austria avowed that she had no intention of annexing Ser

f eight of her sixteen army corps, in addition to which a part of the Landsturm was called up. The corps mobilized were: one each in Upper and Lower Austri

ed and carried shoulder-high wherever they were met. The effect which this had in Berlin may be seen from the Berliner Tageblatt of July 26th: "An enormous mass of people gathered before the Russian Embass

Austrian Embassy in Paris at exactly the same time, the Ambassador at once protested a

passed beyond the control of the authorities. In Munich one of the most modern coffee-houses (Café Fahrig) was completely gutted because the proprietor endeavoured to keep the demonstrants within reasonable bounds. S

stroyed because a young Dane had failed to stand up when the national hymn was being played. "Yesterday a young Dane remained sitting during the singing of the national hymn, for which reason the persons in the ha

n the light of such events where, on German soil, Germans murderously attacked their fellow-countrymen on such ridiculous pret

ns to take place after the day before. In spite of this, many of the Socialists who had attended these meetings tried to form processions, especially in Unter den Linden. As large bodies of troops had closed the streets, small parties of the Socialists managed to reach the Linden by means of trams and omnibuses. At about 10 p.m. hisses and cries of 'Down with the war party!' were heard before the Café Kranzler. In a moment the number of Democrats swelled to large proportions and the workmen's Marseillaise was struck up, followed by a short, sharp order. The mounted police advanced with drawn swords against the rioters; the air was filled with sho

strations in other parts of Germany, but this much is certain, that the members of Catholic and Protestant Arbeiterverb?nde (Workmen's Societies) held meetings and demonstrated in favour of

, a Caesar-madness or a business speculation, an empty word or a vague conception of honour, will drive them to-morrow out of their homes, from wife and child, from all that which they treasure and have built up with so much pain and trouble-into death. The mad coincidence may arise to-day, may call them to-morrow, or at any minu

It was one of the last political articles which the paper published, for the next number but one contains the announ

act of provocation, which at first reasonable opinion in Germany openly condemned. Simultaneously the German Government set in motion an avalanche of racial feeling to play off against the just and moderate measures taken by other powers to checkmate Austria

hould complete the "Kriegsrausch" of the German nation. After frightening the people the Berlin Government struck its blow in the direction of their political ambitions-to the West, and after the Russians had been allowed to penetrate German territories they were hurled over the Easte

ology which left open only two alternatives: the absolute humiliati