All Austrian reservists living in Germany have been summoned to join the colorsreports the New York Herald,
and all leave of German officers and soldiers has been stopped. According to a despatch from Vienna, one of the highest personages in Germany — whom, I learn, is none other than the Emperor — is said to have written personally to Herr von Tschirschky und Bogendorff, the German Ambassador in Vienna, telling him to stiffen the back of Count Berchtold, who at that time was all for conciliation with Servia.The result was that the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister entirely changed his attitude and prepared the drastic ultimatum to Belgrade.
Although Austria-Hungary sent the ultimatum before it had consulted the German Foreign Office, Germany is backing her ally right or wrong. All eyes here are turned upon Russia as holding the issue in her hands. Consequently, a St. Petersburg despatch crediting the Tsar with having said: ‘‘Austria-Hungary has thrown down the gauntlet, I shall pick it up,’’ causes consternation. Army circles say that Germany is prepared for war at a moment’s notice. The Emperor arrived in Potsdam this afternoon, and was greeted by an effusive popular demonstration.
From the front page of the Herald the following day:
The Austro-Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday [July 28] issued the following statement: “The Servian Government not having replied in a satisfactory manner to the Note which was handed to it on July 23, 1914, by the Austro-Hungarian Minister, the Imperial and Royal Government finds itself obliged to take steps to safeguard its rights and interests. It considers itself from the present moment in a state of war with Servia.”BERLIN — Despatches from Vienna announce that fighting has already taken place on the Austro-Servian frontier.Servian volunteers have crossed the frontier at several points. The Austrian troops returned the fire.
BRUSSELS — Although the outlook is not yet critical, all Belgian officers and soldiers on leave have been recalled to the colors, and the German and French frontiers are being watched closely by Belgian mounted police and military scouts.
BUDAPEST — A stirring scene occurred in the Lower House of the Hungarian Parliament when Count Tisza, the Prime Minister, made a striking reference to the present crisis. He said that what was wanted now were deeds of arms, not words. Full of pride, he pointed to the enthusiasm of the people without distinction of nationality.
