hear!"]

Russia's Mobilization.

The Russian Government, which from repeated admonitions knew what
mobilizing on our borders meant, did not notify us of this
mobilization and gave us absolutely no explanation. ["Hear! hear!"]
Not until the afternoon of July 31 did the Kaiser receive a message
from the Czar in which he assured him that the attitude of his army
was not hostile toward us. ["Hear! hear!" and laughter.]

However, the mobilization against us on the Russian border was on
the night of July 31 already in full progress. While we, at the
request of Russia, were mediating in Vienna, the Russian Army
appeared on our long, almost entirely open border. France, although
not yet mobilizing, was making preparations for war. And we, up to
this point, had intentionally not then called a single soldier of
the reserve, for the sake of European peace. ["Bravo!"]

Should we continue to wait with patience until the powers by which
we are surrounded choose the moment for attack? ["No!"] To expose
Germany to this danger would have been criminal! [Stormy,
concerted, prolonged "Very true and bravo!"--also from the Social
Democrats.] Therefore, on July 31 we demanded that Russia
demobilize, this being the only measure which could save the peace
of Europe. [Hearty approval.] The Imperial Ambassador received,
furthermore, the order to declare to the Russian Government that in
case they did not comply with our demands they should consider that
a state of war exists.