The above report refers, of course, to incidents which happened on the preceding day.  The 30th of July was marked by the suppression of three Berlin papers, including the Berliner Neuester Nachrichten, for divulging the fact that the 1st, 5th and 17th Army Corps had been mobilized.  An account of this faux pas appeared on July 31st in the Kreuz Zeitung and concluded, after denying the truth of the mobilization, with the following paragraph:  “If bodies of troops have been moved to various points of our Eastern frontier, then it only means the so-called frontier protection (Grenzschutz), which has been made necessary by our Eastern neighbour strengthening his customary frontier guards by troops of the line.  Frontier protection is not generally intended to prevent a serious attack, but means rather a kind of police action.”

Two other passages will suffice to illuminate the mobilization question.  “Yesterday Russia gave official notification in Vienna and Berlin of mobilization against Austria.  Is it to be wondered at that a feeling of disquietude is spreading throughout all classes of the nation.  By delay on our side, valuable military advantages may be lost if the people once suspect that there is an absence of that firmness and joy of responsibility (Verantwortungsfreudigkeit) which marked the action of the Austrian Government and was hailed with jubilation by the German nation.

“Summa summarum:  The German Government has taken honest pains during the last week in showing its peace-loving disposition and in seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis.  Nevertheless the political situation on all sides and in every respect, has become worse from day to day through the fault and according to the intention of the Triple Entente."[10]

[Footnote 10:  Kreuz Zeitung, July 31st.]

“The others are mobilizing.  We—­issue denials.  We deny everything which might mean mobilization or look like preparation for that step.  It is done for the sake of ‘peace,’ so that Russia, who is gathering her national strength together in masses, may not be offended.  Are we being led?  We look to the Kaiser.  The Peace Societies and some of Germany’s enemies are looking to him.

“Can we remain indifferent in our hour of dread need, when the gleaming promise of a bright future appears in the distance, if the inability to resolve and dare has made Berlin its headquarters.  All efforts are for ‘peace’ with honour.  But in politics one must be able to recognize when it is impossible to continue at peace; when peace is at the cost of our friends, our own security, and the future of European peace.  In view of this one must be able to act."[11]

[Footnote 11:  Deutsche Zeitung, July 31st.]

The internal tactics of the German Government had been successful all along the line.  Insignificant Serbia had dropped out of the reckoning.  Russia must be humbled.  The German nation, believing itself entirely peaceful, and convinced that its leaders had done everything possible for peace, now demanded in no unmistakable voice—­action! mobilization! war!