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THE BIRMINGHAAt'AGE-HE RALD VOLUME XXXXIV BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1914 12 1‘AUKS NTMBKR Hrt GRAVITY OF EUROPEAN SITUATION INCREASED BY GERMAN ULTIMATUM TO RUSSIA, DEMANDING AN ANSWER IN 24 HOURS FEW HOURS WILL DECIDE WHETHER EUROPE WILL BE German Cabinet Sits at Potsdam Until Midnight. Censorship Placed Over All Telegraph Lines GERMANY DEMANDS EXPLANATION OF RUSSIAN ACTION In Absence of Satisfactory Reply to Note Regarding Mobilization of Russian Troops, It Is Feared Germany Also Will Take Steps to Mobilize l.ondnn, July Rl.—Early thin morning eontcM news that the German cabinet, presided over by the Emperor, sat at l'otsdam until midnight and that a cen sorship over the telegraph lines Is being imposed nt Iterlln. This is interpreted here as Implying preparations for German mobilization and a few bourn will probably decide whether Europe Is to be Involved In universal warfare. It is fully expected both at London and Berlin that the Russian foreign minister, Sergius Sazonoff, will reply to Germany's demand for an explanation to the effect that Russian mobilization has already been ordered and cannot be cancelled. In the event oGermany mobilizing it is expected that Premier Asquith im mediately will ask Parliament to sanc tion a large vote of credit as a neces sary precaution. London, July 30.—With the exception of offical reports from Vienna, in the briefest form, and thus far dealing with the bombardment of Belgrade and the capture of several Servian vessels on the Danube, little reliable news has been received in London concerning the course of hositities in the' Austro-Serv ian war. Numerous reports are current that battles are in progress at various points, including one reported from Milan that a heavy engagement is rag ing south of Belgrade tonight, but ac cording to Servian official accounts, all attempts on the part of the Austrians to cross the river have been repulsed, and reports of the occupation of Bel grade are considered premature. While the news of the actual de velopments in the Austro-Servian war is unsatifactory the general situation is one of growing menace. There is a vague report that. Austria and Russia are still engaged in diplomatic nego tiations through the medium of Ber lin, direct diplomatic Intercourse be tween Austria and Russia having been suspended, but slender hopes are en tertained of success in this direction. GERMANY SENDS NOTE TO RUSSIA Germany Jias addressed a note to Russia requiring an explanation of Russia's mobilization, and in the ab sence of a satisfactory reply it is feared Germany also may take steps to mobilize. It is understood that on the failure of his conference scheme Sir Edward Grey invited Germany to suggest some way out of the difficulty, | and all eyes now are turned to the ) German Emperor as the man upon whom Europe’s fate depends. It is believed if the German Emperor desires it, peace will be maintained. The German view is that it behooves Great Britain and France to bring pressure to bear upon Russia to allow the two principals to Bettle their diferences without outside interference. In the meantime, every nation in Eu rope is taking active steps to be pre pared for any eventualities. The Daily Telegraph's correspondent at Vienna, who is often the mouthpiece of the Austrian government, says that Sir Edward Grey’s mediation proposal must not have the object of modifying the peace terms agreed upon by the belliger ents. ‘The Austro-Servian conflict in all Its phases, from the wording of the ratifi cation of a peace treaty,” lie says, "is deemed to be a matter which concerns those states alone, just as Fount Von Aehrenthal (the late Austro-Hungarian minister of foreign affairs! refused firm ly to discuss the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with any power but Turkey and accepted the suggestion to come to a conference only on the express condition that this question should be eliminated from the list of topics to we dealt with. “So will Count Von Berclitold decline to (Continued ob Page Mae) #♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦••♦•••••••••••—•••••••••.. TODAY’S AGE-HERALD 1—Gravity of European situation In creased by German ultftnatum to Russia. ■ Possibility that Japan may enter Austro-Servian war considered. Wheat surprises traders at close by decllne when advance was due. Secretary Bryan defends proposed Co lombian treaty. ♦—Birmingham boys enjoy 40-mlle hike to Hendersonville. ♦-South asked for money to help In handling crops. ♦—Editorial comment. I—Bivins comes out for skyscraper Jail. Weatherly gives out letter from At lanta lawyer. Wilson not given to Interference In state rights. Missing Cullman county treasurer in tolls of law. ♦-Society. T— Sports. ♦-N., C. Ik St. I,. to rebuild yards at Gadsden. ♦-Governor asks people to aid in exhibit, Alabama will be heavy loser hy defeat of bill. Mar luta. ■ , .Jy.) | V A # 1 RUSSIA’S AMIDE CAUSES PESSIMISM AS TD PEACE PLANS OF DIPLOMATISTS Well Known That Efforts Will Be Fruitless if Russia Considers Plans Ripe AUSTRIAN SHELLS NOW FALLING IN SERVIAN CAPITAL Open Heavy Cannonade in Second Attack—Casualties Said to Be Comparatively Light — At tempt of Austrians to Cross River Repulsed * * 4 BO MB \ H I Ml EX T OF 4 * B FLORA OH BEGINS ANEW 4 4 4 4 London, July 30. -The Servian 4 4 legation here received a message 4 4 tonight from Nish saying th • bom- 4 4 bardment of Belgrade was resumed 4 4 by the Austrians at 0* o'clock this 4 f morning. Shells were directed at 4 4 tiie principal streets of the city. 4 4 The telegram added that several 4 4 Austrian spies had been captured 4 4‘ by the Servians. 4 4 ♦ Vienna, July 30.—Opinion concerning Russia's attitude in the Austro-Servian situation is becoming extremely pessimis tic, The feeling of pessimism was strengthened today by the news of Rus sia's preparations, which was regarded here as meaning a complete mobilization of her forces. It is well known here that the peace efforts of European diplo macy will not succeed if Russia considers her long fostered plans at last ripe for realization. The only news thus far received from the Servian side concerns the damage to the Semlin-Belgrade bridge. This bridge was regarded as neutral ami its destruc tion is therefore considered a breach of international law. A semi-official dispatch reaching here tonight concerning the movements of Austrian troops says: “The covering line of our troops on the River Drina has been pressed forward to the main arm of the river. There was some fighting during this advance, but Tiot of a serious character. About 10 Servians were killed. Bands of Servians vainly attempted to harrass the Austrians at Bjelina. Bjellna is in the north corner of Bosnia, between the rivers Save and Drina. Emperor Francis Joseph’s arrival here today from 'lschl was the occasion for one of the greatest demonstrations ever witnessed in Vienna. A crowd estimated at 30,000 gathered at the station and cheered the Emperor with frenzied loy alty. From the parts of the monarchy comes news of old officers and soldiers volun teering for active service. The volun teers include many of Bosnian origin. Belgrade, July 30.—The Austrians opened a heavy cannonade in their second at tack on Belgrade at 11 o’clock last night.. The guns of the Austrian monitors and the batteries at Semlin fired until 2 o'clock in the morning. Several buildings were damaged. The Servian guns replied only occa sionally. An Austrian gunboat was badly damaged. An attempt by the Austrians to cross the river was repulsed with severe losses by heavy infantry and ma chine gun fire. The rifle fire lasted until 4 in the morning. There were no Ser vian losses. The Austrians made several other at tempts to cross the rivers Save and Dan ube, hut were everywhere driven back. It was reported they intended to renew their bombardment of Belgrade today. Vienna, July 30.—The following official dispatch was received here tonight: “About midnight machine gun fire was tCoutlaued on Page Ninel THE UNITED STATES Daniels Signs the Contract Plans—To Cost $7,800,000 Each Exclusive of Armament Washington, July 30.—Secretary Daniels today signed the contract plans for three new battleships authorized by Congress this year. These ships, to be named the California, Mississippi and Idaho, will be the largest battleships yet designed for the United States navy, and their cost, exclusive of armor and armament, has been limited to $7,800,000 each. Specifications will be open for inspec tion by prospective bidders on August 1, and bids opened at the navy department, October, 1914. The new ships will be 40 feet Jonger and have 4500 tons greater displacement than those of the Nevada class, launched this month. Their speed will be 21 knots, com pared with 20% knots for the Nevada class. The Ida ns call for vessels 024 feet long, of 97 feet beam. 30 feet draft, and 32.000 tons displacement. Their batteries will include 12 1 t-inch guns, four submerged topedo tubes and U a-inch rapid fire guns. Believed if Great Britain Is Drawn Into Conflict , Japan Will Come ^ to Her Aid c^v> FLEETS Of^MA^ * NATIONS NOW IN THE CHINA SEAS Suggested That First Naval Clash of European Powers May Occur in the Orient—American Vessels Would Look After All Neutral Citizens t WATfHFIL WAITING 4 t IS JAPAN'S I'OMn . ♦ - * $ Tokio. July .'{0.—Japan's attitude $ 4 on th<* European crin’s may l»e de- $ 4 scribed us one of watchful waiting. 4 4 Should Great Britain become in- $ ♦ volved In the war and British rights $ $ and interests in eastern Asia or 4 ♦ Indian be menaced or attacked. It Is \ ♦ stated that Japan in fulfillment of $ ♦ her allianc^ with Great Britain, 4 t will assist that country. However. $ ♦ if the war is limited to Europe. $ ♦ Japan probably will remain neu- 4 ♦ Irak 4 ♦ Several newspapers here sav the 4 ♦ withdrawal of Russia's forces from 4 ♦ the far east would afford Japan \ $ an opportunity to extend her in- 4 ♦ fluence In Asia. f $ A suggestion has been made here \ $ that Japan and the I’nited States 4 ♦ simultaneously essay mediation in 4 $ the European crisis. f L_ • Washington, July 30.—The possibility that Japan might become involved in a general war should her ally, England, be drawn into the threatened vortex in Eu rope was discussed today in diplomatic circles here. The treaty of alliance be tween Great Britain and Japan, signed in 1905 and renewed In 1911, provides that the two countries shall support each other in the event of an attack or aggressive action against either in Asia or in India by another power. There have been rumors of secret clauses, greatly extending the scope of the convention, and making it apply to hostilities conducted outside of the far east, but the existence of any such extra provisions is unknown to the state de partment or to the Japanese embassy here. Therefore the possibility of Japan’s be ing drawn into any war that might in volve Great Britain with Germany or Austria, or Italy, is believed here to hinge entirely upon naval developments in the far east. In those waters are many ves sels of European powers engaged In look ing after the Interests of their citizens resident in China, Korea and Japan. Just as the list blow in the naval war be tween the t'nited States and Spain in 1898 was unexpectedly struck in the far away Philippines, it is suggested the first clash between European powers might occur in the China sea. And ift case the British fleet there should liner itself engaged in hostilities with the German and Austrian and Italian vessels, many believe Japan would be called upon to aid her ally. FLEET MADE UP LARGELY OF CRUISERS Aside from Japan’s navy, the Interna tional far eastern fleet Is made up largely of cruisers. Many of the vessels, how ever, are more powerful than any of the American warships that followed Dewey's pennant into Munlla nay 16 years ago. Great Britain. Including her East Indian squadron, has two battleships, two large cruisers, four light cruisers and 35 smaller craft, Including gunboats, destroyers, tor pedoes and submarines. Germany has two armored cruisers, four light cruisers, seven gunboats and two destroyers. Russia has four light cruisers, eight small gunboats, 30 destroyers and 13 sub marines. the latter said to be In poor condition. The French fleet In the Orient Includes two armored cruisers, five gunboats and one destroyer. Italy had only one cruiser at last re port in Asiatic waters. The American navy in the Philippines and Chinese waters comprises one first clasH cruiser, two third class cruisers, 10 gunboats, two monitors, five destroy ers and several auxiliaries. In the event of war, this fleet might play an Important part in looking after American affairs and perhaps In car ing for the rights of the citizens of neu tral governments. EUROPEAN DEMANDS FOR GOLD WILL BE MET Washington. July 30.—European de mands upon New Vork for gold will he met by transfers from the United States subtreasuries so as to keep the metrop olis always sufficiently supplied to meet all calls. Treasury officials said today It would be ugainst public policy to make known dt tails of such shipments, but they em phasized the preparedness of the United Slates for taking care without inconven leave to itself, of almost any demand which, even In event of war, Europe rea sonably might be expected to make on this com.try’s gold supply. It was declared the United States now has n.ore gold than almost any two other nations combined, and that with Europe buying heavily from food and manufacturing markets here on account of reduction tn working forces at home, it was almost Inconceivable that a situa tion could arise where Amerlou would be drained of gold to an Injurious extent. The Panama canal, which jvlll be open to ' commerce In another two (UitliM* op Pap* Mu) .. Time Verifies What Sherman Said War Was *•••••••••«•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Says United States Is Liable for Damages Caused the South American Coun try by Canal Washington. July 30.—A second formal statement In defense of the proposed Colombian treaty was Issued tonight by Secretary Hryan. Without mentioning Colonel Roosevelt, Mr. Hryan replied to arguments advanced by the former Pres ident in his attacks upon the adminis tration proposal to pay Colombia $25, 000,000 in settlement of claims growing out of the separation of Panama and the acquisition of the canal zone by the United States Reiterating his declaration that in con sidering the treaty it is not necessary to exandne into the merits of the contro versy over tiie action of the United States in 11*08. the secretary urged that even if the United States in acquiring the canal zone was exercising a right of eminent domain, it was not relieved of liability for actual damages resulting to Colom bia. Colonel Roosevelt recently asked the Senate foreign relations committee to hear a statement from him before re porting the pending treaty. Chairman Stone replied that If the committee de cided to pass upon the convention at this season it would be glad to hear from the colonel, hut the general understanding is that the matter will go over until Dece ii. her. Bryan’s Statement Secretary Bryan In his statement to night says: “in considering the treaty with Co-; Icrnbia. it is not necessary to examine into the merits of the controversy relat ing to the action of the United States in 1903. The present treaty deals with the situation as it presents itself today and Is fully justified, no matter what the ordinary one may adopt as to the course pursued by our nation in connection with the separation of Panama from Colom bia. Some contended that the action taken by the United States was based upon the necessities of the case and those necessities, as stated by those who take this position are, that Colombia was not able to build the canal herself and was not willing to sell to the United States upon reasonable terms the right to build the canal. “Those who take this position put the United States in the attitude of exercis ing the right of eminent domain iiv the interests of the world's commerce; but the exercise of the right of eminent do main does not relieve those who exer cise it of liability for actual damages suffered. “If it is contended that the price offered by the United States prior to Panama's separation was a reasonable one, and that Colombia ought to have accepted it, that valuation cannot be reduced merely be cause Colombia was not willing to accept, the offer. The price then offered was approximately $17,500,000 ($10,000,000 cash and $250,000 a year for a hundred years, which could not be capitalized at IT,500, OOO.j But when this price was offered it was understood that Colombia would re tain the state of Panama and have the advantage to be derived from proximity to the canal. “What justice or fairness can there he 4Coatlaaad ©a Pace Mae) qJ Flashes From War Zone RUSSIA GIVEN 24 HOURS TO MAKE EXPLANATION Merlin, July .‘HK— t note rits|»ntelte<| »»> 4hv ffovrrnmeiK to si. 1‘ttPrn hurg I hi* forenoon give* Russia 24 hours to explain her Intentions vvllh re gard to mobilization. In diplomatic «|imrters here Is vtm* stated that the extraordluiiry note to It oss I u asks three question*, namely, the olijeet of the mobilization, whether ll vwi* directed against A ust rln-ltiin garj anil whether Russia whs willing to order n stoppage of the inohlllKii tlon. In tlic meanwhile nil preparatory or ders for n inolilllzntion of the (termnu array were Issued. All tlie reserve of ficers were reonlled and no leave Is to l»e granted. \ll railroad battalion* have been given special orders. FRENCH MINISTERS CONSULT WITH PRESIDENT POINCARE Paris, July 30. -On receipt of advices that Germany had asked explanations of Russia, and had set a time limit. Pre mier Rene Yiviani and the French min isters of war and marine went to the Elysee palace to consult with President Poinoaire. The Temps says the sole object of this meeting was to study the measures that France should take in case Germany actually mobilized. No decision was taken, but the Temps adds: "We are able to declare that France will not mobilize unless Germany does. ’ Martial Law Proclaimed Riga, Russia, July 30.—Martial law was proclaled today over Bolderau and the mouth of the Dvina river and its vicinity. Steamers have to obtain spe cial permission to pass in and out. The field of submarine mines outside the en trance to tiie harbor is to be completed tonight. Francis Joseph to Vienna Ischl, Austria. July 30.—Emperor Francis Joseph left here today amid scenes of wildest enthusiasm for Vien na. A great crowd gathered at the sta tion and cheered the aged monarch. Archduke Charles, the heir to the throne, accompanied his majesty. England Mobilizing Valetta. Malta. July 30.—Incessant prparatjons proceeded among the large British garrison and also among the vessels of the Britich tleet here throughout the night. All leave for of ficers and men has been stopped by schedules. The authorities Issued orders for a precautionary stage of mobiliza tion and as a consequence great activi ty was apparent In the dock yards. Receive Message From Germany Paris. July 30.—Louis J. Malvy, the French minister of the interior, made the following announcement tonight to a number of deputies who had gathered in the lobbies of the chamber: “VVe have received from Germany news which we did not dare to hope.” "The situation," M. Malvy continued, "is now better than has generally been sup posed. It is permissible to foresee a mo ment when negotiations may enier Into a way leading to a favorable solution.” No Chance for Mediation Rome. July 30.—Today official circles here have abandoned all hope of the efficacy of mediation's sunshine in the European conflict. It was stated that the moment had now come for Germany to show' whether she still wants Czech's warfare, and it was estimated she alone could intercede for peace. Netherlands Neutral The Hague, The Netherlands. July 30. The Official Gazette today publishes in pica a declaration of absolute neutrality on the part of The Netherlands during the Austro-Servian war. I.oihIoii, July 80,— A iINpHleli from | St. Petersburg to IteiiterM Tclegriipli . company mH)h It 1m believed In St. j IVt (‘CnImii'k that %iiK(rin will dcctnrc j war ngnlnst IIiimmIh tomorrow. 'I'lie dlNpateli adds (hut if thin mImmiIiI be tlie cnse, If In uiiderMtood flint l<Sm« peror MoHoIum will go to Moncow to deliver a pronouncement In tlie I M|»en •k.v eat bed rnl. Austrians Invade Servia Nish, Herviu, July 30.—The invading Austrian troops advanced today some 30 miles to the southward of Belgrade, and an artillery duel was in progress today near Klcsnidy and Hemendria. To Try to Make Peace Berlin, Jul; 30.—Grand Duke Ernst of Hess brother of Princess Elizabeth Teo dorovna of Russia, was sent by Emperor William to 8t. Petersburg today in a last endeavor to arrange peace. Kmployes (iuard Railroads Berlin. July 30.—State railroad employes, armed with carbines and ball cartridges, were placed on duty t-iday at all the i allroad bridges and culverts throughout Germany. • bun Francisco. Iul\ 30. To an liisur hnee company here asking for rates on foieign shipments. Lloyds of London cabled in reply today: "No quotations poesihl#-. War believed inevitable oil all sides." Lloyds’ Sun Francisco manager said he did not understand that quotations had been suspended but they were s*» erratic thui it was useless to put them out. The uncertainty over insurance rates pas thrown the export business here into the greatest hesitancy. No shipper cans to risk the long voyage to Europe without insurance. Paris, July 30.—The French govern ment has Issued a decree limiting with drawals from the savings banks to 50 francs ($10) for each depositor. With drawals can he effected only on two w« eks' notice. The Rank of France has derided to place In circulation 30 franc and 5 fram notes to relieve the difficulties of com merce arising through the disapeur unce of gold and silver. Ottawa. Out.. July 30.—Canada is making preparations to aid England vlth regiments should the mother country become involved In the Euro pean conflict. An emergency meeting of the Canadian milith) council was held here today. It was learned tonight that the meet ing was calle.d in consequence of mes sages from the »>ir office to consider what steps should he taken to protect Quebec, Montreal and other cities on the Ht. Lawrence river, and St. John and other Bay of Fund.v points from raid ing cruisers. The most expeditious way of raising regiments for service with the British armies In Europe also was considered. London. July 80.—The British war office tonight explained tlie calling out today of several sections of the special defense force of Great Britain as follows: "ft was tn accordance with the ordinary routine when precautionary measures are put into force. Only the special reserve sections of «h*» territorial force are being employed and no other territorials are involved In these measures.” Berne. Switzerland. July 30.—The Swiss i government has authorized the issuance I of 30 franc notes on acuount of the inter | national situation. St. Johns, N. F., July 30.—The French warship Friant began loading coni and j Ifirxl'ng her surplus equipment today in readiness for immediate departure for Brest. Governor Accepts Invitation Montgomery. July 30.—(Special.!—The governor has accepted an invitation to j become one of the Incorporators of the Alabama Good Roads association, which I is being organized under the civil and I fraternal laws of the state. The invi tation came to him through J. A. Roun tree of Birmingham, sta^etary of the Good Roads association. ^ WHEAT SURPRISES TRADERS AT CLOSE BY DECLINE WHEN • - " — _ Spectacular Rise of 9 Cents in First Minute's Trade Shrinks in Thirty Minutes ALL TRADERS KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WAR SITUATION* New York Stock Market Registers Sharp Break in Prices—Bank of England Increases Discount Rate—Other Banks in Europe to Follow Suit Uhieggo, July no.—Contrary to pre vious experience, wheat pricaa in the final dealings here today were being driven not up, imt down ti> prospects that the A ustro-Servian war would spread. After a rise of !* renin a bushel, values shrunk as much as 3 cents in 30 minutes, largely on account of hold as sertions that the bulk of the surplus crop of the United States. Instead of being rushed to Rurope, might he held in this country as a result of general war disrupting ail ocean trade. Leading exporters here were quoted by name as declaring that export busi ness in wheat from the United States already had been paralysed. To a lesser degree, the same statement applied to all dealings in wheat, especially specu lative transactions. One of the conse quences was the action today of promi nent firms on tlu* Hoard of Trade in giving their pit represent at Iv«s ordet s to “take a furlough." Business which three days ago was counted in millions of bushels dwindled at times today to almost tie* vanishing point Hazard of being \vhipsr%weq mu of a, fortune by the chanc. or - ,.v mem proved too much for even tho most seasoned traders and the prin cipal efforts scented to be directed to keeping would-be investors out of the market. It is pointed out that praetieally all the ocean carrying tonnage was owned by foreign capital, was subject to gov ernment use for army transport, and that grain laden vessels in the case of a general way, would by the most keenly sought prey of hostile fleets. Would Lose LoreiKn Outlet iii other words, it was said, the United States largely would lose its foreign outlet, and he powerleaa to prevent tha piling up of wheat at terminal mar kets, the possible blockading of rail way tracks or tlie glutting of storage facilities. That views so gloomy were not uni versally accepted by holders of wheat, was made apparent when prices tonight went ti to 7 cents liighei than last Hon tinned on I'nue Mini CONFIDENT THAT I u SEATEDBYSENATE President Wilson Now Seek ing Successor to Thomas I). Jones on Federal Reserve Board Washington, July 3u-Satisfied that Paul M. Warburg of Mew York will ha confirmed as a member of the federal re serve hoard following his appearance be fore the Senate bunking committee. Pres ident Wilson will proceed immediately to choose a successor on the board to Thomas L). Jones, whose nomination was withdrawn. Tin* President said today he was seek ing to find another man for tlie board from the Chicago district. lie is under stood to want a republican of large busi ness experience, since with Mr. Warburg the board will have the requisite two bankers, and six democrats. Edwin A. Potter, a republican of Chi cago. who Ims iiud both banking and gen eral business experience, was understood today to be the most likely to be nomi nated by the President, although Charles G. Dawes. George E. Roberts, W. A. Tll den and W. T. Fenton were being men tioned. Mr. Potter has the support of Senator Lewis of Illinois. Charles R. Crane of Chit ago. who lias been mentioned for the position, saw the President today. It is understood Mr. Crane would not accept membership on the board if It were ortered him. Members of the Senate banking com mittee conferred informally today, dis cussing the expected appearance of Mr. Warburg. It Is thought he will come to Washington next Monduv or Tuesday. While general opinion in the Senate seems to be that the committee will re port favorably on Mr. Warburg's nomi nation, there promises to be opposition from the republican side and probably from the democrats. Senator Bristow of Hauer* Is leading u tight against ibg banker.