Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Aug. 28, 1914, edition 1 / Page 1
Part of The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
f r fcllAIlIiQTTK & bjFmiMYtORNlko, AUGUST 28, 1914 ' jpRICE FIVE CENTS. . FOUNDED.1869. 4 V'1 Hi "i it1 f -' 9 ALLIES TAUT I 1GMST British Entrenched and Supported on Either Side by i French Force General Joffe Praises English Courage. Ambassador Tells Story of tfe6 Incidents. A GERMAN CRUISER IS DESTROYED Wilhelm Der Grosse Sunk by British Off African Coast. Japan Denies She Is at War With Austria but Des cribes Situation as Merely Severed Relations The French and British Armies on a battle line 250 mtlcg across still are strennouply opposing the advance of the German forc?s across the French frontier. The British troops are re ported to be occupyinjr a strong posi tion and arc supported by the French on both flanks. While the Germans have occupied the French dties of Wile. Valencien nes and Roubalx, the officials report from the War Office described hope fully, from the viewpoint of the Allies, operation to the East. Apparently the French troops In the Vosges dis trict have resumed the offensive and have forced the Germans to retire on the St. Iie side. Former Ambassador at Berlin, Sir William Kdward Ooschen, In an offi cial report published by the Govern ment in the form of a white paper, tells in an interesting way of his in terviews with the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ilerr Von Jagow and the Imperial German Chancellor, lr. Von Bethmann.HoIlneg, at the time or the British ultimatum, de manding that Germany should cease violation of Belgium neutrality. Ac cording to the official report Ilerr Von Jagow deplored the step which Great Britain was about to take as he saw the end of hf policy and that of the Imperial Chancellor, which had been to make friends with Great Brit ain and then through Great Britain, to get closer to France. Similarly the Imperial Chancellor was taken aback. He declared that Great Britain's action was terrible to a degree and declared that bis policy, by this step, "was tumbled down like a house of cards." lie held Great Britain responsible for all the terrible events that might happen and asked If the British Government had thought at what price the compact to defend Belgium's neutrality would be kept. The French commander-in-chief. General Joffre, in a communication to Field Marshal Sir John French, com mander of the British forces, pay high tribute to the valor or the Brit ish Army, which he says, "did not hesitate, but threw its whole strength against forces or great numerical Iporlorlty.,, It Is reported that British marines tiave occupied Ostend to prevent the Germans from getting a foothold on the English Channel. The ' German steamer Kaser Wilhelm der Grosse has been sunk by a British cruiser off the West coast of Africa. ' The situation between Japan and Austria is described in Toklo as "a ' : ' rupture of diplomatic relations, not war." Huge Conflict On. London, Aur. 281:10 a. m. The conflict of millions at last appears ' , to be In progress. , Even the sinking of the German steamer Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosso Talcs besides news of the titanic -1 battle and the realization that the Allies are fighting to block the road to (Paris. with the Germans hardly farther away than New York in from i Philadelphia. ' 4 , Meanwhile the Russian host Is drawing nearer to Berlin, Not even during the first great struggle be tween Kurope and Asia onthe far i JManchurlan Plans was the enor mous battle rought in such Impene trable silence as far as concerns the outer world. Only the vaguest general ties are given to the people of Great Britain . and France by their respective Gov ernments. Probably th.e German people know as lltt'.e as outsiders of what their armies are accomplish In 'fe ... Among the Information the pub-. !'.c obtained today was the report announced by Premier Asquith in the House of Commons that y the army was engaged on Wednesday against a superior force Lnd fought splendidly. 1 - i - Sunk German. London. Aug. J7. 4:12 p. m. -The Kaiser Wilhelm de Grosse has been Sunk off the West , Coast , of Africa'' by the British , cruiser .'High Flyer..".... . '.'v...' v.r-;--'. .... ' . ; Winston Spencer ' Churchill. First lxrd of the Admiralty, . announced the inking of tbv Kaiser -i Wilhelm- der Grosse In the House of Commons to day. Ha mlA:-r- ''f-.r .X 'The Aidm'ratty has -Just received Intelligence . that- the ; German armed merchant erulser Kaiser Wilhelm der GroMe, of 14,000 tons, and armed wit'4 in 4-Inch- guns has been sunk by tne H. M. 8. High, Flyer, eft the west coat TMs 10 the vessel which Jia been interfering with - traffic between , ihl 25II ADVANCE OF GEMARTS potVntry and the cape and is one of tho very few German armed auxiliary cruisers which succeeded in getting to sea. The, survivors were landed be fore the vassel sank. The High Flyer had one killed and one wounded." WAR BULLETINS Paris Expects Attack. Paris, Aug. 27. 3:52 p. m. Paris, :t was officially announced today, is preparing for a oraible siee. The matter was discussed by the new Minister of War, Alexandre Mil lerand, with the subordinates of his department and steps were taken to determine the exact measures neces sary to place the city In a state to withstand an attack and Invasion. Bad Roads Help. Tsing-Tau, Aug. 27. 2:30 a. m. There is no evidence here today of the landing of Japanese troops in the Klao-Chow territory. It is believed that the heavy roads of Kiao-Chow after the Bummer rains will deter any Japanese attack for many days. All native shipping In Klao-Chow Bay has been suspended. Address the People. Paris. Aug. 27. 3:15 p. m. The new Cabinet for National defense to day decided to make a declaration to the people of France, Parliament not beng in session. Premier Vlvlanl was writing the declaration this afternoon and it was expected he would submit It to his colleagues this evening. Fought Heavy Force. London, Aug. 27. 4:12' p. m. Premier Aequith announced In the House of Commons today that Field Marshal Sir John French, command er of the British expeditionary force, had reported that he was yester day engaged against a superior Ger man force. The British troops fought splendidly, and General French con sidered the prospects In the Im pending battle satisfactory. Xamur Forts Fallen. Berlin, Aug.' 27. via wireless to The Associated Press, via Sayvllle, L. I., Aug. 27. 6:57 a- , nu All the forts of Namurhave fallen and Ixmgwy near the Luxemburg border has been captured after a reRoluts defense. The French forces which attacked the German Crown Prince's army have been repulsed. Upper Alsace is free of the enemy except at points to the westward of Kolmar. Shelled an Island. Tsing-Tau, Aug. 27.-11:50 a m. Vice Admiral gadaklchl Kato from his flagship, the battleship Suwo, sent a wireless message to Gover nor Meyer Waldcck this morn ns declaring a blockade off the leaatvl territory, of Kiao-Chow. l-a'.o;- lha Japanese warships appeared ouisidw tn- narbor and heil-d a m.ill is land off the coast vhl5j was not occupied by the Germans. The German Governor notified Wil l's It. Peck, American Consul at Kiao-Chow that he had 24 hours to leave it ho desired. Mr. Peck however, elected to remain. Will Starve Garrison. , Washington. Aug. 27. Japanese Embassy officials here were frankly incredulous today as to the reports from Peking that a Japanese naval attack upon Tsing-Tau had been 're pelled by the German garrison. They stated positively that no such attack had occurred. The Japanese rampalgn contem plated, it was pointed out, the estab lishment of a rigid blockade of Tsing Tau from the seaside. The idea was to starve out the garrison, which would be hemmed In by Japanese and perhaps British troops in the rear. Changes Position. London, Aug. 28. '12:40 a. m. The British press bureau .at 12136 o'clock this morning : gave out the following statement: "The French operations of war over a distance .of some 250 miles have nocet sltated - certain changes in the position of our;;troopa, who are now occunylnx a" strong line to meet the German advance, supported ' by , the French Army on both names. "The morale of both armies aP- beara to be exeelh nt and there Is little doubt that they will give good accounts of themselves in the posl- tlong they pow hold. ' t ; v ' ' Ftred on Crtm. v 'Amsterdam. Aug. 11--via Ixndpn, 7:50 p. m. An oiricial dispatch from Berlin says thar, the light German cruiser Magdeburg whlle ashore on the Isle of Odensburg. IB 4b tlulf of 'Finland, waa fired upon 'by Hub slan .bipfcV'-8eventeB-''f.-'th cruis ers crew were, killed and wound ed. ' The- others of the. erw were rescued by a torpedoboat t Whll' vn der fire. . The -Magdeburg wis blown tip. ; Ths stmrivor ; reached .; Ger many today...'.....' rj.- viv.'...' .. A. later announcement by the Oer man Admiralty say 8 metnlrs .ot the crew of the Magebur includ lug-the ! captain ar mleMnisfirow.troofM continue to progress.? TURKEY BALANCED VERGE OF WAR United States Sends North Carolina to Safeguard Americans Is Belief. MAY JOIN GERMANY Diplomats Believe Ottoman Em pire to Declare War Against the Allies at Early Date. Washington, Aug. '27. The United States has informed the Powers of Europe of its Intention to send the armored cruiser North Carolina to Turkey to carry gold for the relief of Americans, according to an an nouncement by the State Department late today. While the North Carolina goes on a mission of financial relief, her pres ence in Turkish waters Is intended to have a salutary effect with respect to the treatment of Christians ahd for eigners generally in the Ottoman Empire. Before taking this step, the United States sounded the IMWers of Europe as to whether theyfVould object to the sending of a warship to Turkey. The American Government desired to make it. plain' 'thaKi purpose in sending the ship in no way was polit ical, but designed only to aid and protect Americans. France expressed approval of the plan. -The French Government In cidentally accused Germany of trying to stir up antl-Chrlstlan sentiment in Turkey. Diplomats and officials gen erally are expecting a declaration of war by Turkey on the Allies. Reli able advices Indicate that when the big Russian Army has penetrated a considerable distance Into East Prus sia. Turkey will strike. That both Bulgaria and Roumanla will align with Turkey against Oreece and the rest of the Balkan States Is also in dicated by authentic information, - European diplomats admit the situation Is dally approaching a crisis and that a declaration of war Is im minent. Great Britain, France and Russia are refraining from any move that would force Turkey to take action. Announcement by the German Em bassy here, however, that Llrnen Pasha, loaned by Germany to train the Turkish forces, had been put In command of th Ottoman Army, eon firmed In the minds of diplomatic representatives of the Allies here the belief that Turkey soon would openly place herself on the side of Germany and Austria In the mammoth struggle. Secretary Bryan said today Ameri cans had been advised to leave Tur key. The following statement was .Issued tonight at the Nbvv Department ex-olalnlna- the North Carolina's mission: ' It was decided this afternoon by the relief board, -composed of Becre tarles Bryan, McAdoo, Garrison and Daniels, to send a large sum of gold to Turkey to relieve Americans there. This action was token at the urgent request of Ambassador Morganthau. "There are several large mission schools and educational Institutions maintained by Americans in Turkey and the various American mlsMlon boards having them under jurisdic tion will at onie forward money by the North Carolina for their rellef.H SHOULD COME HOME. Bryan Warns . Americana to Leave .. Europe at Once.- .Washington, Aug. 27. Secretary Bryan today cabled all American Em bassies and Legations in. Europe to urge Americans to leave Europe with out delay. " -, Secretary -Bryan issued the follow ing formal statement:. r 7 r 'Americans in Europe are advised to return home as soon as they can secure transportation facilities. War creates uncertainty so that predic tions about the future cannot' to made with . any accuracy. H Is not wire, therefore, for Americans abroad to delay their return ' longer V than recesary. Tbl does, pot majn! that every one should t.ry tdtak the same ship, but It means that there s shall .he no unnecessary delay.'.' . 1 . , , : , i ..' ,.; , . Committee tias Charges s Washington, Aug. J T. -Impeachment charges ugalnst Federal Judg A. O. Dayton of We Virginia to day were referred to a sub-committee .v- u.,iim Judicial" Citimi': headed by Representative.' Dupre ol t Tho, full. committee' will Uk.' ni r.eXti,weeic tor .nnai auuwwuun impeachment charges Against Judge Kwoar.ppw,. 'toraia?., V '1 ' . 'if- 1,111 ' 1 ' "" -i ," ft' Paris, "Aug. tL I'.tO P-' nAn fflclaL sUtemest .twud thlg sfter Boon says:?. - -.:)'.. ,'.., ' . . iTtm , svents of yeaterday i lit- tns reg'on !of the Worth - have ; neither ifflncriiiea nor moair.eq me arranss .meets . made in view t Ihs: future development of operations In tne-re- orlnn ha mmmn VltUM Hilt VanrV.;-. VbEAMA. bill passed. Xo Record :' Taken America to i V V s Front "T Tnrmo-1. Washington, Aug. 27. The so-called seamen's relief bill, to regulate con. dttlons Ot aerv'-ce in the merchant marine was passed by the House late today without a record vote. Just befar4j the vote Hepuoi can Lead r Mann referring to the effect the bill mould havs upon the emergency movement' to rehabilitate the Ameri can merchant marine, told the House that If Americans would keep cool and non-partisan In the. w.ir now on in Europe t prosperity of the world would largely, fall into America's lap. Mr. v Mann voted fbr the bill, al though he said he regretted provisions In. It that terminated pans of treaties; with foreign Nations respecting wages and desertions . " ReDreaentatlVe Humphre of Wash- ! ington depjgredf strict enforcement of certain jinirw,siM ui me mil misni lead to complications with Japan. Railroad Securities Commis sion Bill;; Will Not Be Insfsted Upon. SO WILSON STATES Senators Working on Clayton Bill Are Charged With Weakening Measure. Washingtonji Aug. 27. -Preeident Wilson let It be known today that there would bo no insistence upon passage this session of the bill uu-thorUing-.'ihe "Inters.nte Commerce Commission to - regulate Issuance of railroad securities. In Congress this was taken, as ban assurance that the measuffe Toiild ;ttot be considered fur ther at this time. Administration lead- 1 : ers contenting tbetnselveR with the Federal trade commission hill and Clavton blU to. supplement the Sher man law tO' complete the anti-trust legislative program. It Is .probable that a Democratic caucus soon will be held to revise the legislative program. With rail road securities legislation eliminated, it is predicted that conferees on the trust leKlslatloaccid eomblef their work in two woolrs and that further war emergency -legislation could be disposed Of In a month. By October 1 the necessary business of Congress .could- be concluded. Whether there would be an adlourn mertt then,- leaders agree, would de pend upon conditions resultant from the Kuropean conflict. Administration Senators intrusted with the Clayton bill were accused to day of weakening the measure and causing great rejoicing amons; trust magnatea Senator Clapp declared that when "trust barons viewed the process thfy would think the meas ure had been treated in a 8unday school conference Instead of a legis- lstivc body." The attack followed adoption of amendments striking out provisions for Jail sentences for violators of pro hibitions against holding companies and purchase of supplies by railroads from corporations witn common ui- rectors or officers'. Members of the Judiciary Commit tee explained that the prohibitions of these sections were maennue. m-y urged that, under another, section personal guilt was fastened upon offi cers of a corporation violating the law. . ... .. Senator Clapp deciarea tne enecuvc iinnmrA of the House had been stricken out and language put in that limited the personal gum 10 pro visions of the Sherman anti-trust law which alrfady provided a criminal punishment. Ho wanted the personal guilt sec tion extended to the Chsyton anti trust bill, but was defeated by 81 to 1. . . , "My heart has ached for an op portunity to vote to put trust magnate's In Jail." commented Sen ator Martlne. "My prediction is thst the people will not, hold kth body guiltless of salving ,yecKi sl,ijs of the maff..A.,,t'- Senator1 ChthertonTTlii Chafge of the bill, sought unsuccessfnlly tt? get an agreement to limit debate after Sat urday to 15 minutes speeches. BUS PROPOSED TO THE FEDERAL BANKING LAW . Washington. - Aug. t 27.--Bll.g were Introduced today by Chairmen Owen of the Senate Banking Committee to amend (he banking law ao-that:. National banks may issue circulat ing notes based . on commercial pa per up 10 75 per cent of their unimpaired capital and, surplus, in stead of the present limitation of 30 per cent. , , ' The Federal . Reserve Board may admit state, banks hSTlng af capital of tlMOd. in towns of ; a00 or less;' ' "'!'' 'V " '' " '' ',"'.''', i , Fcdera'. reserve " bank'' may dis count acceptances with maturity at time of discount net more than, three months and endorsed by at least one member bank, based on Importation or exportation of goods 'or .domest lo, sale v or consignment of ' goods to be delivered to purchaser or con signee ; on . or befora maturity of such' acceptances, ws Vi: .' v ,'; - .The. reserve board today discussed the proposal to admit ' State . banks With 'Capital of tli.OOO tor several boors and' decided against the plan; It was 'pointed out that in - some Instances cha'na of such small banks are' owned' by the same Individual and ' It was argued "that a reduction of the limit to 118.000 might result fjnally Is further reductions. ,: ) ; .. . - Drltlsll W mtmb f London,' AUg. 17. It is stated that Hrft sh matin 'have occupied if tend to prventf the Germans t ismiv getting foothold on the - English Ci.i-teL " s ,. - t .v v , - r COTTON GRWER TO E McAdoo Says Co-Operation of Business Should Be lieve Stringency. rriq tJTT.T.TON Df)ITJ!LTi.S "A BXUlilVn Receipts for .Warehoused Cotton Will Be Accepted Cotton Must Be Properly Insured. Washington, Aug. 27. Notes with a maturity of not longer than four months, secured . by warehouse re ceipts for cotton or tobacco, will be accepted by the Treasury Department from National banks as a basis for the Issue of additional currency which may be used to help farmers pick and market their cotton and tobacco crops. These notes, according to un an nouncement from the department to night, will be accepted at 75 per cont of their face value and must be pre sented through currency associations provided under the Aldrlch-V'reeland law. In making this announcement Secretary McAdoo said there is ade quate power under existing law to issue enough currency through Na tional banks to meet any reasonable demand and reiterated his statement that "it is not necessary to extend the note issuing privilege to State banks." He pointed nut that he hns power to issue one billion dollars of additional currency if required. It was explained tonight that since the law gives discretion to the Secre tary of the Treasury this currency will not be Issued unless officials 11 re convinced it is not to be used for speculative purposes, but for harvest ing and carrying crops. Banks, it was said, will be relied uon to see that the warehouse receipts are accepted which art? issued by reliable wure- house men and that cotton and to- ln atnrail r Vt a rn 11 ra nrntA(tn1 Yw ruv v v nivi VI tisv-i hi )iuiv 11 u irj Insurance and from injury by the elements. "The banks and the assets of all banks belonging to the currency as sociation." said Mr. McAdoo, "will be Jointly liable to the United States for tho redemption of such additional circulation and 8 Hen Will extend to and cover ths assets of all .banks be longing fo tho. association and to the securities deposited by the banks with the association, pursuant to the pro visions of law, but each bank com posing such association will- be liable only In proportion that its capital and surplus bear to the aggregate capi tal and surplus of all such banks. "This plan ought to enable the farmers to pick and market the cot ton crop If the bankers, merchants, and cotton manufacturers will co operate with each other and with the farmers and will avail themHelves of the relief offered by the Treasury within reasonable limits. Such co operation Is earnestly urged upon all these Interests. The farmer cannot expect as high a price for cotton this year because Tf the European war, yet he should not be forced to 'sacri fice his crop. "The banker and the merchant should not exact excessive rates of Interest and the manufacturers should replenish their stocks as much as pos sible and pay reasonable prices for the product. If this is done, and It can be done if every one displays a helpful spirit, a nnrmal condition can be restored and there ought to be no serious difficulty In taking care of tho cotton problem." Have Three Towns. I-iondOn. Aug. 27. A dispatch re ceived here from Ostend says the Germans have occupied Ille. Rou balx and Valenciennes, all In France. Another Proclamation of RELATIONS ARE OFF Chinda Says Japan Will Not Ex tend Fleet Beyond Far East. No War Decree. . Washington, . Aug. 27. President Wilson today Issued a proclamation of neutrality recognizing that "a ' state of war unhappily exists between Japan and Austria-Hungary." It Is similar to other proclamations previously. sued. , The Issuance of the Presidents procgmatlon of neutrality as between Japan f and Austria followed, an unu sual senuence Jnf events, during which so far officials . here are - aware neither country actually declared war. v A '"state of war" , was recognlied by the United States as existing, however, because Ambassador Dqmba - of Aug tra notified the 9Ute. Department that Jh Emperor of .Austria-Hungary had - Instructed ; tne cruiser Kalaeiin Elisabeth to join the German fleet defending Tsing-Tau.' Last Mon. day orders ware ' trAnsrnltted ; from Vienna t through Washington.; to the officers of hm Austrian vessel to dis mantle her. Pyet dispatches from Tsing-Tau lairt night said the- order bad' been--carried out and the crew hed left. 1 , . - ' 1. v Ambassador Jumb's. ttlegram to A PLENTYCASH WILSON STATES-WILL Neutrality; Recognizing Austro-J4panc36 War. . HOW GERMANY DECLITJEB ENGLAND'S PEACE EFFORT GERARD WAS HELPFUL TO El Ambassador Goschen Credits American With Great Cour tesyIn Crisis. London, Aug. 27. 10:41 p. m. That the German Emperor renoun ced his British titles when the rup ture of the Nations occurred, is con firmed In the official account of the final deal ngs of the British Am bassador. Sir Wll'.lam Edward Gos chen with the German Government, published tonight. High tribute Is paid the. American Ambassador at Berlin, James W. Gerard. The morning after war was declared, the Kmperor's aid brought to the Hrltixh Ambassador this mes sage: "The Emperor has charged me to express to Your Excellency his re gret for occurrences of last night, but to tell you at the same time that you will frather from these oc currences an Idea of the feellns of his people respecting the action of Great Britain In Joining with other Nations against her old allies of Waterloo. "His Majesty begs that you tell the KinK that he has ben proud of the titles of British FVld Mor shal and British Admiral, hut that 'n i-otiseciupnre of what has occurred he must now at once divest him self of those titles." The resret expressed was over the mobbing of the British Embassy. Referring to Ambassador Gerard the message- said: "I should like to mention the Krcnt assistance rendered to us by my American colleagues. Mr. Gerard nnd his stuff. I'ndeterred by tho hoot np and hissing with which he was often greeted by the mob on entertnK and leaving the Embassy, His Excellency came repeatedly to see me to ask how he could! help us and to make arranirements for the safety of stranded British sub jects." Had Talk With Wilson. Washington, Aurf.,27. The French Ambassador. Jules Jusserand, dis cussed the European war today with President Wilson. Later the Presi dent told callers that the discussion was of a general character. The Ambassador said that no protests against a.'legotl German atrocities had been presented. BAES WILL SUCCEED BOROAS AS PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC Washington Aug. 27. President Bordas of San Domingo has agreed to! rewiirn at 3 o'clock tomorrow after- noon when Raymond Baes head of the National University of San Domin-' go, will succeed him. This agreement by all factions was reached today at a conference with American peace commissioners. Former Governor Fort of New Jer sey, chairman of the committee, sent liy President Wilson to settle tiie revo lution, telegraphed that an agreement was reached aftor a day of conference. President Bordas will he a csndldate If he desires In tho elections to be conducted by new provisional presi dent. Ramon Baes, but Baes will not be permitted to enter the race. As surances have been given by the lead ers of all elements of teir Intention to disarm tomorrow and to release all political prisoners. . ENGLISH DECLARES UNITED KEEP OUT the American Government made no mention of any declaration of war. but said diplomatic relations between the two countries had been severed. Toklo dispatches describe the situa tion as a rupture of diplomatic rela tions but the order tb the Xalsertn Elisabeth was regarded by State De partment officials as of Itself an act Ion of war. The Japanese Embassy here Issued a statement today deny ing reports that Japan would send a fleet to the Adriatic. Viscount Chtnda. the Japanese Am bassador, today Issued this state ment: "Nothing Is more absurd than the purport of a London telegram appear ing In some of the papers this morn ing which intimtaes that Japan's answer to the Austria' declaration or war will be the dispatch of a squad ron to the Adriatic. f ' - rThe terms of the Anglo-Japanese alliance, solely under which Japan Is acting, contain nothing 'which will obligate japan to go mat rar; nor is there any Interest or : inducement whatever for Japan to embroil herself in this Kuropean SWar k In t Europe Itself. Tf she succeeds In, fulfilling her obligation unde- and In achieving the object of, the Apglo-Japanee alllanoe treatythere'-sh wjUrstB.l?-i'j;5f:j..y "Moreover It would he". rldlcuteVa to Imagine even for a 7 moment In te present circumstance .thaV , Great Britain Is competed, to call upon her farroff ally. to come all the way out to the assistance of her Mediterranean fleet. The-idea Ja on 'all foure with another preposterous report ulven out in' some paper that the Japanese army will hei sent to ' Europe over .the 8lbertan-railroad. . ! 1 "I take this occasion to categorically deny that 1 av aver stated or 'even hinted that Japan might be found xttd!ng her . activity, outside : the tone of German hostilities in ' the China Pea as some of the papers nave m ram m, til u MhAH.tl ' Ambassador Tells About Berlin's Attitude Toward Belgium's Neutrality. . EMPIRE DEMANDED IT No Other Route Was Available Into France Except Through ' V Little Country Was Excuse " London. Aug. 27. 10:40 p. m. ' The British Foreign Office tonight Is sued the report of Sir William Gos- . chen, former Ambassador at Berlin, on the rupture of diplomatic rela tion with Germany. . " The report, duted August 8, says that the Ambassador called on the. German Secretary of State, Gottlieb von Jagow and Inquired whether Germany would refrain from violat ing Belgian neutrality. "Ilerr Von Jagow," the report con tinues, "replied that he was sorry to say his answer must be "no' since German troops having crossed the frontier that morning, Belgian neu trality already had been violated. Hcrr Von Jagow again went into the reasons why the Imperial Govern ment had been obliged to take thla step, namely; that they had to ad vance Into France by the quickest and easiest way to net well ahead with their operations nnd endeavor to strike a decisive blow as early as possible. "It was n matter of life or death for them. as. if they had none by the more southern route they could n-t have hoped in view of the paucity of roads and the strength of the fortresses, to have gotten through without formidable opposition entail ing great loss of time. ) "This loss of time would mean time gained by the Russians for the bring ing up of their troops to the Ger man frontier. Rapidity of action waa the great asset, while that of Russia was the Inexhaustible supply of, troops. ASKED TO WITHDRAW. "I pointed out to Herr Von Jagow that this fait accompli of the vio lation of the Belgian frontier, ren drede; as he would readily under stand, the situation exceedingly grave and I asked whether there stijl was not time f 3 draw buck and avoid pos sible consequences which both he and I would deplore. ' ' .: "He replied that for reasons h had given me It was now Impossible for him to draw back." The British Ambassador went to the German Foreign Office again the same afternovn and informed the Sec retary of State that unless the Im-: perlal Government could give assur ances by 12 o'clock that night that they would proceed no further with tho violation of the Belgian frontier ' ad atop their advance, he had been' instructed by Sid Edward Grey to demand his, passports and to inform the Imperial Government that Hia Majesty s Government would have to take steps In its power to uphold neutral Belgium and the observance of the treaty to which Germany -was as much a party as Great Britain. "Herr Von Jagow." says the report, "replied that to his great regret he could give no other answer than, that which ho had given me earlier In the day, namely; that the safety of the Empire rendered It necessary that the Imperial troops should , advfhc through Belgium. . Kr ' "I gave Hts Excellency a written summary of your telegram and point-' Ing that you had mentioned 13 o'clock; as the' time when His Majesty's Gov ernment would expect . an answer asked him--whether Iji view of the terrible consequences f which .would necessarily ensue, It was not possible even at the Inst moment that their answor should bo reconsidered. He replied that if the time given .'Were even 24 hours or more, his answer must bo the same,. .. , ;. - "I said that la that case. I should have to demand my passports, r :; "Tho interview took, place about 7 o'clock. In a short conversation which ensued Herr Von Jagow, ex-v pressed his poignant regret at the ' crumbling of his entire .policy T and which had been to make friends with ' Great Britain and then through Great' Britain to get closer to France.-!.?-v & "I said that this sudden' end td my,, work In Beriln was to me also a mat- ter of deep regret and disappointment , but .that he -roust understand i that - under the circumstances and In view of our engagements 'His Majesty's ' Government could not; hav, ,- acted ' otherwise than it had don.'" . CHANCELLOR EXCITED., n The Ambassador then went to Ste , the Imperial - Chancellor,' Dr,y Von u . Bethmann-Hollweg.. whom ha.; found , . excited. ' ;tx::.VA4,l.-' , l "The Chancellor,? says the report, ; "began a harangue . which lasted about' 20 ,mlnutes. ; lle said. the step,.- Uken .by GrearBrltalrt , was terrible . to a degree.-Just ..'for. a' word, .neu trality! a ord which in war time s had, been so, often disregarded; Just , twtm'iam&W&ifa&rtt Britain was going tq "make. war w a kindred 'Katlon'wlm; tleslred K nothing;; better than t b-frtendslth ,h- All his, eff ortsJ In : thatA directtoq. vhad been, rendered useless' by" , tfila,. last "terrible step; and !tep6Uey ' to . which, es I knWi I ti . had ' devoted himself flnce hl SCCloa 'to bfftoe, Was tumbled down vltke aMtouse of "card, ;,. ; ""What weAhad dohe 'was unthink ble' tt ras tlK itrlking man from, behind, wnlle'h' was fighting for hh Hfe against ,two 'assailants,, lie hel l Great Britain responsible for all th terrible events that might happen. protested strongly against . f statement and said that In the way a he and Herr Von Jagow ed me to. anderstand that for s gleal reasons it was a matter or . death to Germany to e through Belgium and -violate t tr' neutrality.: so r would to understand that It was, so t a matter, of life or desth bonof -of .Grat Britain t should keep her solemn . ti do her utmost to d.M neutrality If aftick-!." f
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Aug. 28, 1914, edition 1
1
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75