endid
passion and magnificent ardor to defend the neutrality and
independence of their country. (_Renewed applause._)

"The entire British fleet is mobilized and orders have been given
to mobilize the land forces. (_Loud cheers, all the deputies
rising to their feet._)"

_Belgium._ Baron Fallon, Belgian Minister at The Hague, reported to
M. Davignon, Minister for Foreign Affairs at Brussels, that Holland
intended to institute war buoying on the Scheldt (Dutch river
leading to Antwerp in Belgium). The river would be closed at night
only, and navigation by day would be under Dutch pilots. Belgian
lightships must be withdrawn from Dutch territory to facilitate
maintenance of its neutrality.

M. Davignon presented passports to German Minister von Below
Saleske. The minister intrusted the custody of the German Legation
to the American Minister, Brand Whitlock. The Belgian Minister,
Baron Beyens, at Berlin, asked for his passports. Before leaving he
telegraphed a report of the German Chancellor's speech to the
Reichstag on the "infamous" violation of Belgian neutrality.

"It is noteworthy that Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg recognizes
without the slightest disguise, that Germany is violating
international law by her invasion of Belgian territory, and that
she is committing a wrong against us."

Count de Lalaing, Minister at London, telegraphed that Sir Edward
Grey, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had informed the British
Ministers in Norway, Holland, and Belgium

"that Great Britain expects that these three kingdoms will resist
German pressure and observe neutrality. Should they resist they
will have the support of Great Britain, who is ready in that
event, should the three above-mentioned Governments desire it, to
join France and Russia in offering an alliance to the said
Governments for the purpose of resisting the use of force by
Germany against them, and a guaranty to maintain the future
independence and integrity of the three kingdoms. I observed to
him that Belgium was neutral in perpetuity. The Minister for
Foreign Affairs answered: This is in case her neutrality is
violated."

M. Davignon reported to the ministers at Paris, London, and St.
Petersburg all the important diplomatic happenings respecting
Belgium from July 31 to the appeal to the powers to guarantee
Belgian neutrality, which was under present deliberatio