It has been understood that Mr. Bryan, in an excess of caution, desired to ask Count von Bernstorff personally if he would consent to having Ambassador Gerard instructed to make inquiry of the German Government as to whether the conversation between the Emperor and the Imperial Chancellor might be regarded as indicating that an offer of mediation of the United States would not be unwelcome to Germany.  Count von Bernstorff is understood to have assented to Mr. Bryan’s suggestion, and the instructions to Mr. Gerard followed.

* * * * *

WHO BEGAN THE WAR, AND WHY?

CASE FOR THE TRIPLE ENTENTE

* * * * *

FIRST WARNINGS OF EUROPE’S PERIL.

Speeches by British Ministers.

Sir John Simon, British Attorney General, in Speech Before Altrincham Liberals, at Manchester, July 25.

We have been so filled with our own political development that some of us may not have noticed how serious a situation is threatening on the Continent of Europe.  All I will say about it this afternoon is this—­if times of anxiety are coming into relationships between different European powers, we in this country, and I think not only Liberals among us, have reason to be glad that our foreign administration is in the calm, cool hands of Sir Edward Grey.[06] [Cheers.] And let us all resolve that, whatever may be the difficulties and dangers which threaten the peaceful relations in Europe, the part which this country plays shall from beginning to end be the part of a mediator simply desirous of promoting better and more peaceful relations.

* * * * *

[06] On the next day, July 26, Earl Grey addressed to The
      London Times the following appeal for national unity: 

     To the Editor of The Times: 

     Sir:  The Lord Chancellor, in his speech on Friday, called on every
     Liberal to work for the peace of Europe, but to go forward
     unflinchingly to civil war at home.

     It is obvious that the only hope of England’s effective mediation
     lies in the unity and solidarity of the United Kingdom.

     Is it not time that the common sense of the nation asserted itself
     and called upon our rulers to take steps which will enable a united
     nation to confront with confidence the perils which encompass us?

In moments of national peril every loyal citizen should not hesitate, however painful the process may be, to burst the fetters of party allegiance in order that he may devote his whole energies to an endeavor to safeguard the higher interests of the State.

What is the cause which is dividing a so-called United Kingdom into two hostile camps?  It is the endeavor of a tyrannical House of Commons