[Footnote 38:  The unfortunate suspect was in truth a German officer.]

On the last page of the same edition there is an advertisement which helps to explain why the appeals for cool blood were useless.

  “APPEAL!”

“Among the foreigners in our country, especially Russians, there are a large number who, it is to be feared, are guilty of espionage and attempts to disturb our mobilization.  While the Russians engaged in work on our farms may be allowed to continue their work in peace, it is necessary to watch carefully those who are studying here, or are permanent residents.

“I call upon the inhabitants to take part in the task of observation,
and when strong suspicion is aroused to see to it that the suspects
are arrested and handed over to the civil authorities.

“The protection of our railway lines and stations, telegraph wires,
etc., demands the most careful attention during the next few days.

“VON LAFFERT,
“General in Command. 
“Leipzig, August 4th.”

An interesting contrast to the above is a police order, issued by the Director of the Stuttgart police.[39]

[Footnote 39:  Leipziger Neuesten Nachrichten, August 9th.]

“Policemen!  The populace is going absolutely mad.  The streets are crowded with old women of both sexes who have nothing else to do but disgrace themselves.  Each sees in his neighbour a Russian or French spy, and imagines that it is his duty to thrash both him and the policeman who intervenes, till the blood flows; if not that, then at least to cause an enormous crowd to gather in giving the alleged spy over to the police.  Clouds become hostile airmen, stars are mistaken for airships and the cross-bars of bicycles are thought to be bombs; bridges have been blown up, telegraph and telephone wires cut in the middle of Stuttgart; spies have been shot and water supplies poisoned!  It is impossible to imagine what will happen when serious events really come.

“It has been proved that up till now there has not been the slightest reason for all this alarm; but yet, judging by appearances, we are living in a huge lunatic asylum.  Everyone, if he is not a coward or a dangerous idler, should be quietly doing his duty, for the times are already serious enough.

  “Policemen! continue to keep your heads cool.  Be men as you were
  formerly, and not women.  Do not allow yourselves to be frightened at
  straws; keep your eyes open and do your duty!

  “BILLINGER,

  “Director of Police.

  “Stuttgart.”

It is not surprising that this humorous police commander expressed his indignation in the forceful Swabian manner.  Here are a few telegrams which had been sent to Berlin from Stuttgart, or still more probable, manufactured by the official Press Bureau in Berlin.

“A considerable number of Russians and French—­including several women—­have been arrested in Stuttgart to-day under the suspicion of practising espionage.  One of these arrests was made in the top-floor of the Central Post Office, where the apparatus connected with the telegraph office are to be found.