Aug. 1—­Government’s inquiry about France’s intentions concerning ultimatum to Russia causes French mobilization; Kaiser signs mobilization order; Reichstag convoked; war speech by Chancellor; Government pressed Austria hard for understanding with Russia and tried to localize war; reserves in China go to Tsing-tau; officials in South Africa hurry home.

Aug. 2—­Russian Ambassador receives passport; ships at sea ordered to seek neutral port; Minister von Pourtales made demands upon Russian Foreign Minister three times; Albert Ballin says Kaiser sought peace; martial law declared in Kiao-Chau.

Aug. 3—­Rumor of invasion of Holland, but Minister gives assurance that neutrality will be respected; United States will protect German interests in Russia and other countries.

Aug. 4—­British envoy leaves Berlin; appeal made to Italy; Reichstag opens; speeches by Kaiser and by Chancellor, who promises to make reparation to Luxemburg and Belgium after the war; emergency measures.

Aug. 5—­Russian Ambassador and staff assaulted in Berlin; Embassy in St. Petersburg wrecked; school children sent to garner crops.

Aug. 7—­Report that pressure was brought to bear on Italy to secure aid; Kaiser’s proclamation to nation; soldiers march cheerfully to war; British Embassies stoned in Dresden and Berlin.

Aug. 8—­Threat to declare war on Italy; Russian official papers blame Germany for war; papers says Government is traduced.

Aug. 9—­Hermann Wendel, Socialist member of Reichstag, volunteers for service in the army.

Aug. 10—­Men of the Landsturm being mobilized.

Aug. 11—­Anti-war riots in Berlin.

Aug. 12—­Official hints that Kaiser halted attack on Liege to prevent further loss of life; attempt on life of Crown Prince at Aix-la-Chapelle; receipt of President Wilson’s offer of good offices acknowledged.

Aug. 13—­Troops in Belgian Luxemburg said to be starving; British,
French, and Belgians charge cruelties by troops.

Aug. 14—­Chancellor states Germany’s case and calls war a life-and-death struggle of the German and the Slav; report that Kaiser sent personal telegrams to Belgian King demanding surrender of Liege forts; aviators drop pamphlets over Poland urging revolt against Russia.

Aug. 15—­Government said to have asked Ambassador Whitlock to repeat to Belgium offer of increased territory in return for free passage of troops; belief that acquisition of Russian Poland is sought; many members of Hohenzollern family in field; French and English signs removed from shops.

Aug. 16—­Prisoners well treated by French; French say officers’ corps is tyrannical and demoralized; Russians accused of cruelty.

Aug. 17—­Untrained men called to colors; Paris journal reports prisoners bitter against Kaiser.

Aug. 18—­Chancellor said to have called treaty guaranteeing Belgian neutrality a “scrap of paper”; E.G.  Treat says Kaiser called the Czar an Asiatic barbarian.