PREPARING IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2219, 4 August 1914, Page 5

PREPARING IN AUSTRALIA

POLITICAL PARTIES WORKING IN HARMONY NAVY AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE EMPIRE Sydney, August 3 The German Consul-General has haa no official' information of the declara-

tiou of war. Ho does not believe there is any chance of a clash' of arms between England and Germany, and will rofuso to believe it till forced to do so.

The "Sydney Morning Herald" says: "If England is involved in war we may be assured that she w'ill be fighting m the cause of peace, and know that if committed it will not be till peace has boon sought by every means consistent with tho national honour. In this, the gravest crisis faced by British peoplo since they first became members of a world-wide Empire, there is no doubt as to what message Australia will send. Tho whole peoplo of this Continent, with united determination, will support the Empire to the utmost limits of tlielr resources."

In another place.tho "Herald'.' declares: "If. tho British Government requires military assistance it is probable there will' not be the slightest hesitation in equipping and dispatching an expeditionary force." The Federal Prime Minister. (Mr. Joseph Cook) says that tho.Australian Navy is ready >at tho disposal of the Empire. : ' , , Special references were): made ■ and prayers offered up in all' the churches yesterday morning for peace. After the services it became known that Germany had declared war, and'that a general European conflagration could ■ not be averted.

All the political parties are working in perfect harmony. Mr. Fisher (Leader ot the Federal Opposition) declares that during a stato of affairs like this there are no parties. "The safety and welfare of our country are .the first consideration. Mr. Cook knows my views." 'The Federal election campaign lias been practically suspended. It is rumoured that Mr. Fisher and Mr. Cook, in view of the European crisis, have agreed to postpone the Federal elections.

The naval and military authorities are quietly elaborating precautionary defence measures, i The cable stations are being protected, and guards placed over the wireless. Stations'. The forts are fully manned, and arrangements have been completed to keep the wireless'stations along tho coast in constant t6uch. lii order to meet the demands of measures, a limited number of citizen forces—about a thousand—has been called up for duty. ' , ,• 'All-the movements of the flee't, which iii all probability will shortly be placed undor the control Gf'the Admiralty, are being withheld at the present time. Two German Consular officers have departed hurriedly for Germany, The French Consul at Melbourne has notified his eounttymen to hold themselves in readiness to rejoin the colours, and urgently requests them, to report to the Consulate. '

Two German .professors amongst the party of scientists who arrived by the Makura, are much upset at the news of, the war. . • Professor Goldstein declares" "It is very terrible. We never dreamt such a bolt would fall. Wo are all so friendly. This, I fear, is going to cause estrangements."' Herr Pass said: "I had planned to stay in Australia some time, but I must now hurry back; It was expected in explosion would occur in Europe, but not so bit as this." Everywhere in the city streets there are signs of suppressed excitement. The cable news i 3 eagerly awaited and devoured. Yesterday crowds gathered in tho parks and on tho foreshores. Patriotic iiarereiiCus by speakers were eagerly cheered. % ' A feature was ,tho German band* playing patriotic British martial airs. OXec. August 8, 6.20 p.m.) Sydnsy, August 8. Amongst other precautions taken, t|io Government has sent two hnndered men to guard tho $awk?s.bury. River bridge.