Part 89

Aug. 4--Proclamation prepares people for war on behalf of England.

Aug. 5--Count Okuma says Japan would have liked to join the United States in mediation offer.

Aug. 7--Warships off Tsing-tau; reserve army officers told to be ready; navy squadrons organized.

Aug. 11--Army aboard transports.

Aug. 12--Telegraphic communication with Europe interrupted; Ambassador confers with Russian Foreign Minister.

Aug. 17--Official announcement in London that Japanese operations will be confined to China Sea and to protection; ultimatum to Germany made with concurrence of England.

Aug. 18--Count Okuma emphasizes war limitation and England reassures the United States; ultimatum to Germany was not inspired by England.

Aug. 20--Count Okuma denies that Government has territorial ambitions.

Aug. 21--United States sends formal declaration of policy bearing on ultimatum.

Sept. 5--Baron Kato makes speech in Diet outlining events leading up to war with Germany and break with Austria, and thanking United States for good offices.

Sept. 10--Government tells Russia that no peace will be concluded until Allies consent.

Sept. 15--Papers controlled by Germans ordered suppressed.

Sept. 26--Charges of misconduct on part of troops in China denied at Washington Embassy.

Oct. 5--Assurance given to China that Shantung Railroad will only be used temporarily.

Oct. 7--Ambassador Guthrie and embassy at Washington assure State Department that taking of Jaluit Island is only a temporary move.

Oct. 15--England tells China that she cannot interfere with the occupation of railroad.

*RUSSIA.*

July 21--Belief that Government will aid Servia in possible conflict with Austria.

July 24--Cabinet meets; Government will ask Austria to extend time allowed for Servia's answer to ultimatum.

July 25--Army is mobilizing.

July 26--Warning to Germany against invasion of Servia; army manoeuvres countermanded, but Government still hopes for peace.

July 27--Czar warns Germany of general mobilization of army.

July 28--Force masses on eastern border; lights along Black Sea coast ordered extinguished.

July 29--Intervention imminent; prayers for Serb victory; Baltic lights out; Czar summons reservists.

July 30--Germany demands halting of mobilization within twenty-four hours and sends Grand Duke of Hesse to urge peace; war activity in Warsaw; railroads taken over.

July 31--Railway bridge on Vienna-Warsaw line blown up; no reply sent to German note; mobilization order.

Aug. 3--Czar issues statement outlining events leading up to war.

Aug. 8--Czar addresses Duma and Council of Empire; Duma pledges people to country's defense.