a
mediatory role with the Cabinets of Vienna and St.
Petersburg, when Russia, without awaiting the result of
this, proceeded to the complete mobilization of her forces
on land and sea. As a consequence of this threatening
measure, motived by no military "_presage_" on the part of
Germany, the German Empire found itself in face of a grave
and imminent danger. If the Imperial Government had failed
to safeguard herself against this peril it would have
compromised the safety and the very existence of Germany.
Consequently the German Government saw itself forced to
address to the Government of His Majesty the Emperor of all
the Russias, an insistence on the cessation of the said
military acts. Russia, having refused to accede to (not
having thought it should reply to), this demand, and having
manifested by this refusal (this attitude) that its action
was directed against Germany, I have the honor to make known
to your Excellency the following:

His Majesty the Emperor, My August Sovereign, in the name of
the Empire, taking up the challenge, considers himself in a
state of war with Russia.

The feverish haste with which this fatal step was taken, is shown by
the fact that the German Ambassador could not even wait to state
whether Russia had refused to answer or answered negatively. This
war--thus begun in such mad haste--is likely to be repented of at
leisure.

A few hours before this rash and most iniquitous declaration was made
the Czar made his last appeal for peace. With equal solemnity and
pathos he telegraphed the Kaiser:

_I have received your telegram. I comprehend that you are
forced to mobilize, but I should like to have from you the
same guaranty which I have given you, viz., that these
measures do not mean war, and that we shall continue to
negotiate for the welfare of our two countries and the
universal peace which is so dear to our hearts. With the aid
of God it must be possible to our long tried friendship to
prevent the shedding of blood. I expect with full confidence
your urgent reply._

This touching and magnanimous message does infinite credit to the
Czar. Had the Kaiser been as pacific, had he been inspired by the same
enlightened spirit in the interests of peace, had he been as truly
mindful of the God of nations, whom the Czar thus invoked, it would
ha