Europe Fearing War

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 27, 1913

Europe Fearing War

PRESS reports indicate that there is a general expectation throughout Europe and Great Britain that a clash between the armies of the greater powers is imminent. This fear was accentuated recently when it was declared that Germany, in order to make such an increase in her army as she considered necessary to the carrying out of her aims, had provided for the placing of a direct tax on private fortunes. Fortunes up to $50,000 would bear a tax of $1.25 on every $500, and this rate of taxation would be increased for fortunes of a greater amount, until fortunes of $25,000,000 or over would be taxed $20 on each $500. It is reported that France at once began to arrange for similar taxation, in order that she should not be left behind in this race for a large army and the latest equipment. A London correspondent says, “France’s spirited response to the proposed military aggrandizement of Germany has done more toward insuring peace to-day and war to-morrow than any diplomatic move in the recollection of any person now living. On the other hand, Germany’s lame explanation as to the causes of the enormous outlay and the increase of her peace army has deceived nobody.” A British diplomat says: “It is admitted by all who are acquainted with the currents of diplomacy in Europe that the coming of Poincare has put more electricity into the French-German situation than there has been in many years. The appointment of Delcasse, who has a decided partisan policy, as ambassador to St. Petersburg, constituted nothing less than a direct challenge to Germany, the answer to which has not yet been given, and which, when it comes, may stagger the world with its suddenness.” This diplomat declares that the appointment of M. Delcasse to the Russian post is a matter of undisguised amazement to all the chancelleries of the world. It is also reported that France will spend $200,000,000 in strengthening her land forces. A well-known American, Mr. Perry S. Heath, who has just returned from Europe, states that “one hears little but war and preparations for war in Europe just now.” Germany, he reports, is preparing for a standing army of 900,000 and France for a standing army of 750,000, while the British are demanding a large aerial fleet and the strengthening of the land forces. In the Balkans the situation is little changed since the capture of Janina by the Greeks. The Turkish and Bulgarian forces have been engaged twice during the week, with honors about even. It is reported that the commander of Adrianople has offered to surrender if his troops are allowed to march out with the honors of war and to retain their arms. This the Bulgarians refuse. It is also reported that the powers are insisting upon a material reduction of the demands of the allies. The situation has never been more uncertain and dangerous than at the present time. Every European nation seems to be expecting war, and is preparing for it with all possible haste.