As the Prime Minister has informed the House, it is with our concurrence that he has made the suggestion which we have just heard.  At a moment like the present, when even those of us who do not share diplomatic secrets feel that the statement of the Prime Minister is true, that peace and war may be trembling in the balance, I think it is of the utmost importance that it should be made plain to every one that, whatever our domestic differences may be, they do not prevent us from presenting a united front in the councils of the world.  I am obliged to the Prime Minister for saying that in the meantime party controversial business will not be taken.  I am sure that it is his intention, as it would be the wish of the whole House, that this postponement will not in any way prejudice the interests of any of the parties to the controversy.  I should like to add—­and I do so, not to give information to the House, the members of which quite understand the position, but in order that it may be plain outside that in what I have now said I speak not only, so far as I am entitled to speak, for the Unionist Party, but for Ulster—­that in what I have just said I have the concurrence of my right honorable friend the member for Trinity College [Sir Edward Carson].

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PEACE THE GREAT OBJECT.

Statement by Sir Edward Grey in House of Commons, July 30.

I regret that I cannot say the situation is less grave than it was yesterday.  The outstanding facts are much the same.  Austria has begun war against Servia.  Russia has ordered a partial mobilization.  This has not hitherto led to any corresponding steps by other powers, so far as our information goes.  We continue to pursue the one great object of preserving European peace, and for this purpose we are keeping in close touch with other powers.  In thus keeping in touch we have, I am glad to say, had no difficulty so far; though it has not been possible for the powers to unite in diplomatic action as was proposed on Monday.

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RUSSIA’S MOBILIZATION.

Statement in House of Commons by Prime Minister Asquith, Aug. 1.

We have just heard, not from St. Petersburg but from Germany, that Russia has proclaimed a general mobilization of her army and fleet, and in consequence of this martial law is to be proclaimed in Germany.

We understand this to mean that mobilization will follow in Germany if the Russian mobilization is general and is proceeded with.

In these circumstances I should prefer not to answer any further question until Monday.

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THE GERMAN INVASION.

Editorial Article of The London Times, Aug. 3.