THE SU KIIOMLI NOFF TIt1.1 I,.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATs,...1
Sot,—There is a point which I have not seen noted in the matter of Ifr. Brailaford's contention that Russia was equally guilty with Germany in precipitating the war (though, be it observed, he is merely following the German argument, without inquiring into its technical soundness, even if the facts on which it is supposed fo reet are proved). The point is that made by the author of J'Accuse! (pp. 177, 178 of the Popular Edition) wheu he says that mobilization is not in itself a casus belli, but merely "a measure of security anal foresight against the contingency of a conflict arising with another country." He says that " during the Balkan War both Powers [Austria and Russia] had remained mobilized for mouths at a time and nevertheless negotiations had been sue- eessfolly carried on," and ho actually cites Count Forgach, the Austrian Minister, as sayiug to Sir Maurice de Bunsen on July 31st that "mobilisation was not to be regarded as a necessarily hostile act on either side " (Blue Book, No. 118). If the above be correct, then the whole question en to whether Moeda mobilized against Austria alone or against Germany as well, and whether her mobilization did or did not precede that of the Central Powers by as few hours, is mere obscuration—the ink of the cuttlefish. 'that Germany feels the need of exculpation is shown by the way she has caught at one pretext after another to justify herself. First it was the Russian mobilization; next that England did not say plainly (1) that she would intervene, (2) that she would not intervene; then that France had crossed the frontier, &c., &c. She "fries all the shrinking doubles of the hare," indeed, while your readers. recollecting the facts, are irresistibly reminded of Mr. Booth Turkington's clever summary of the final act in the drama :— " aertaang: Bessie, quit loading that gunk [old-fashioned shot- gun].
Russia: I can't while things are in this shape, but I will quit loading at once if Austria will promise not to shoot, Serbia.
Germany: I love peace and I have done more than mortal may to preserve it. The sword is forced into my hands, evidently by God, assail 1 defend myself. [Draws two well-oiled and loaded pump-guns of a magnificent new model and begins to shoot, tic.]"
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