her.  German papers and public speakers retorted that Russia is the patron and protector of assassins—­a calculated distortion of the facts intended to have due effect on public opinion.  On all sides it was said that Russia had given Serbia secret assurances of help which caused her to become stiff-backed and unrepentant.  Fortunately, it is possible to refute the accusation through the pen of a German journalist, who described Belgrade’s desperate position on July 25th, the day when the ultimatum expired.

[Footnote 2:  “The interests of Russian and German imperialism have continually clashed during the last ten years, and more than once Russia has had to beat a retreat before Germany’s threats.”  Dr. Paul Lensch, member of the Reichstag, in his “German Social Democracy and the World War,” p. 35.  Published by “Vorwaerts Co.”  Berlin, 1915.]

“At last the inhabitants of Belgrade have become aware of their serious situation.  ‘We are lost!  Russia has left us in the lurch!’ is being shouted in the streets.  Journalists, who at 2.30 p.m. had assured me that Russia had intervened in Vienna with success, succumbed now to the general depression.  The people believe that they have been betrayed and sold; rumours of assassination pass from mouth to mouth.  The ministerial council has been characterized by violent recriminations, ending in blows.  Others asserted that the Crown Prince Alexander had been stabbed by a leader of the war-party.  Another whispers that King Peter is dying from an apoplectic fit or as the result of an attentat.  The reports become wilder, and each increases the dread of some unutterable, imminent catastrophe.

“The streets are crowded with terror-stricken citizens.  Curses resound on all sides.  Certainly a most unusual struggle is going on between the two parties for peace and war.  Shortly after three o’clock it seems to be settled that Austria’s demands will be fulfilled.  It is true the mobilization decree has been posted up on all public buildings, but that means nothing.  We still have nearly three hours in which all can be righted.  How will this gallows-respite be employed?

“It is four o’clock.  Messengers rush from one Embassy to the other.  In the coffee-houses the rumour goes round:  ’Italy is our saviour in distress.’  Cries of ‘shame!’ against Russia are raised, while the ‘vivas!’ for Italy sound louder and louder.  The crowd marches to the Italian Embassy, but are received with long and astonished faces.  No! there is nothing to hope for from Italy.  Next they go to the French Embassy; now there are about two thousand of us.  Another disappointment!  A young diplomat receives the thronging masses and talks empty nothings, including a great deal about France’s sympathy for Serbia.  But in this dark hour sympathy is of no avail.  Downcast and silent, the people go next to the representative of Albion—­who declines to appear.