hole State,
aroused, by its evident inanity, widespread sympathy for Serbia
throughout all classes of European society.

"In consequence of this behavior of the Austro-Hungarian
Government, in spite of Russia's declaration that she could not
remain indifferent to the fate of Serbia, the Russian Government
considered it necessary to order mobilization in the military
districts of Kiev, Odessa, Moscow, and Kazan. This decision was
rendered necessary by the fact that since the date when the
Austro-Hungarian note was communicated to the Serbian Government,
and since the first steps taken by Russia, five days had elapsed,
and yet the Vienna Cabinet had not taken one step to meet Russia
halfway in her efforts towards peace. Indeed, quite the contrary;
for the mobilization of half of the Austro-Hungarian army had
been ordered.

"The German Government were kept informed of the steps taken by
Russia. At the same time it was explained to them that these
steps were only the result of the Austrian preparations, and that
they were not in any way aimed at Germany. Simultaneously, the
Russian Government declared that Russia was ready to continue
discussions with a view to a peaceful settlement of the dispute,
either in the form of direct negotiations with Vienna or, as
suggested by Great Britain, in the form of a conference of the
four great powers not directly interested, that is to say, Great
Britain, France, Germany, and Italy.

"This attempt on the part of Russia was, however, equally
unsuccessful. Austria-Hungary declined a further exchange of
views with Russia, and the Vienna Cabinet was unwilling to join
the proposed conference of the powers.

"Nevertheless Russia did not abandon her efforts for peace. When
questioned by the German Ambassador as to the conditions on which
we would still agree to suspend our preparations, the Minister
for Foreign Affairs declared that these conditions were Austria's
recognition that the Austro-Serbian question had assumed a
European character, and a declaration by her that she agreed not
to insist upon such of her demands as were incompatible with the
sovereign rights of Serbia.

"Germany considered this Russian proposal unacceptable to
Austria-Hungary. At that very moment news of the proclamation of