ons led logically to this conclusion. In the
face of the repeated statement that Germany was ignorant of the
contents of the Austrian note, it was no longer permissible to
raise any doubt on that point; but was it probable that Germany
would have arrayed herself on the side of Austria in such an
adventure with her eyes closed? Did the psychology of all the
past relations of Vienna and Berlin allow one to admit that
Austria could have taken up a position without any possible
retreat, before having weighed with her ally all the consequences
of her uncompromising attitude? How surprising appeared the
refusal by Germany to exercise mediating influence at Vienna now
that she knew the extraordinary text of the Austrian note! What
responsibility was the German Government assuming and what
suspicions would rest upon them if they persisted in interposing
between Austria and the powers, after what might be called the
absolute submission of Serbia, and when the slightest advice
given by them to Vienna would put an end to the nightmare which
weighed on Europe!

"The breaking off of diplomatic relations by Austria, her threats
of war, and the mobilization which she was undertaking make
peculiarly urgent pacific action on the part of Germany, for from
the day when Austrian troops crossed the Serbian frontier, one
would be faced by an act which without doubt would oblige the St.
Petersburg Cabinet to intervene, and would risk the unloosing of
a war which Germany declares that she wishes to avoid.

"Herr von Schoen, who listened smiling, once more affirmed that
Germany had been ignorant of the text of the Austrian note, and
had approved it only after its delivery; she thought, however,
that Serbia had need of a lesson severe enough for her not to be
able to forget it, and that Austria owed it to herself to put an
end to a situation which was dangerous and intolerable for a
great power. He declared besides that he did not know the text of
the Serbian reply, and showed his personal surprise that it had
not satisfied Austria, if indeed it was such as the papers, which
are often ill informed, represented it to be.

"He insisted again on Germany's peaceful intentions and gave his
impressions as to the effect that might arise from good advice
given, for ins