The Austrian Government has decided, in view of possible- contingencies
north of the Balkans, to mobilise 90,000 men, and has borrowed 23,000,000 for the purpose. It is anxiously explained, however, that this movement is not intended as a menace to Russia, or as a preliminary to the occupation of Bosnia and the Herzegovina. As a Govern- ment in the position of that of Austria does not borrow- without some motive, the presumption is that the Government is strengthening its army in order to prevent its hand being forced, either by the Maygars, who are holding meetings against Russia, or by the Slays, who are secretly most anxious that their Govern- ment should annex Turkish provinces. A serious defeat of Russia would produce a tremendous effect in Vienna, where the Govern- ment would be obliged either to break up the alliance of the Imperial Powers and play for its own hand, or to step forward in a new character, as agent of their united policy in Turkey. The Austrian Government could not allow Roumania to be invaded.
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