where we were taking a cure. On the 31st of July, on opening the
paper, I read that the Third Army Corps, to which my regiment
(which is stationed in Graz) belonged, had received an order for
mobilization.

Although I had resigned my commission as an officer two years
before, I immediately left Switzerland, accompanied by my wife, in
order to report for duty. As it happened, a wire reached me a day
later calling me to the colors.

We went by way of Munich. It was the first day of the declaration of
the state of war in Germany. Intense excitement prevailed. In
Munich all traffic was stopped; no trains were running except for
military purposes. It was only due to the fact that I revealed my
intention of rejoining my regiment in Austria that I was able to pass
through at all, but by both the civil and military authorities in Bavaria
I was shown the greatest possible consideration and passed
through as soon as possible.

We reached Vienna on August first. A startling change had come
over the city since I had left it only a few weeks before. Feverish
activity everywhere prevailed. Reservists streamed in by thousands
from all parts of the country to report at headquarters. Autos filled
with officers whizzed past. Dense crowds surged up and down the
streets. Bulletins and extra editions of newspapers passed from
hand to hand. Immediately it was evident what a great leveler war
is. Differences in rank and social distinctions had practically
ceased. All barriers seemed to have fallen; everybody addressed
everybody else.