Now we have a proof of
energy which terrifies us. This 'note' represents about the very
uttermost which can be said to any government, and such things are only
said when the sender of the 'note' has absolutely determined upon war."

The principal organ of Germany's largest political party, the Social
Democrats, contained a still more emphatic protest on July 25th. A
telegram from the Belgrade correspondent of the _Vorwaerts_ runs: "Since
the presentation of Austria's note, public opinion has become
exceedingly serious, although the city is still very calm. The general
view held is that Austria's ultimatum is unacceptable for a sovereign
State. In Belgrade no one doubts that Russia will stand by Serbia.
Everyone is certain that in consequence of Austria's excessively sharp
tone, Russia will not remain inactive should Austria resort to armed
force. The populace is prepared for war."

In view of the subsequent attitude of Germany's Social Democrats, an
official proclamation, published in all their seventy-seven daily papers
on July 25th, is of supreme importance. At that date they had apparently
no doubt whatever as to the guilty party. The change of front in the
Reichstag on August 4th would seem in the light of this proclamation, as
nothing other than a betrayal of conscience. Further, the split which
has arisen in their ranks during the war leads to the supposition that
Liebknecht, Kautsky and Bernstein have been troubled by the inward
voice.

This is the full text of the proclamation as it appeared in the
_Vorwaerts_:

"An Appeal! The Balkan plains are still steaming with the blood of
thousands of murdered; the ruins of desolate towns and devastated
villages are still smoking after the Balkan War; hungry, workless men,
widowed women and orphan children are still wandering through the
land, and yet again Austria's Imperialism unchains the War Fury to
bring death and destruction over all Europe.

"Even if we condemn the doings of the Greater-Serbian Nationalists,
still the wicked war-provocation of the Austro-Hungarian Government
calls forth the most stinging protest. The demands made by this
government are so brutal, that in the history of the world their like
has never been presented to an independent State, and they can only be
calculated to provoke war.

"Germany's proletariat, conscious of its mission, raises herewith, in
the name of humanity and civilization, the most fervent pro