nsider the Russian interests
by disclaiming any territorial aspiration--a great concession on
the part of a state engaged in war--should therefore be permitted
to attend to its affairs with Serbia alone. There would be time
at the peace conference to return to the matter of forbearance
toward the sovereignty of Serbia.

"I added very solemnly that at this moment the entire
Austro-Serbian affair was eclipsed by the danger of a general
European conflagration, and I endeavored to present to the
secretary the magnitude of this danger.

"It was impossible to dissuade Sazonof from the idea that Serbia
could not now be deserted by Russia."

THE KAISER AND CZAR EXCHANGE TELEGRAMS

William II received the following telegram from Nicholas II:

"I am glad that you are back in Germany. In this serious moment I
ask you earnestly to help me. An ignominious war has been
declared against a weak country and in Russia the indignation
which I fully share is tremendous. I fear that very soon I shall
be unable to resist the pressure exercised upon me and that I
shall be forced to take measures which will lead to war. To
prevent a calamity as a European war would be, I urge you in the
name of our old friendship to do all in your power to restrain
your ally from going too far."

The Kaiser replied at 6.30 p. m.:

"I have received your telegram and I share your desire for the
conservation of peace. However, I cannot--as I told you in my
first telegram--consider the action of Austria-Hungary as an
'ignominious war.' Austria-Hungary knows from experience that the
promises of Serbia as long as they are merely on paper are
entirely unreliable.

"According to my opinion the action of Austria-Hungary is to be
considered as an attempt to receive full guaranty that the
promises of Serbia are effectively translated into deeds. In this
opinion I am strengthened by the explanation of the Austrian
Cabinet that Austria-Hungary intended no territorial gain at the
expense of Serbia. I am therefore of opinion that it is perfectly
possible for Russia to remain a spectator in the Austro-Serbian
war without drawing Europe into the most terrible war it has ever
seen. I believe that a direct understanding is possible and
desirable between your Government and Vienna, an unders