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This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Elgin Echo
Location
Elgin, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Aug 13, 1914
Page
1
The report describes Britain declaring war on Germany and mobilization across Britain, with Kaiser Wilhelm appealing for unity. It notes German troops through Belgium halted at Liege, and a broader European state of war with Austria-Hungary, Germany versus Russia, France, Great Britain, and others.
Emperor William opened the imperial parliament and spoke on the Brett war funding. A bill to appropriate 1.25 billion dollars for war expenses was introduced, framing the conflict as lasting years and tied to Germany's strength and prosperity.
Premier Viviani defended France's actions in the chamber stating the country did not seek war and tried to avoid it. A war note announced break in relations with Germany and an official declaration of war. General Joffre left Paris for the front.
Belgian defenses at Liege repelled German attacks after heavy casualties on Wednesday and renewed assault on Thursday. German losses reach around 8,000 dead, 1,200 wounded, with about 40,000 Germans facing 25,000 Belgians. German detachment reportedly reached city quarters before being repelled.
German forces breached walls and seized two fortresses while Belgians kept firing from other forts. Berlin denied a siege retreat on a report claiming German troops on Belgian soil were compelled to retreat.
The article reports on German appeals to mobilize after 42 years of peace, British naval losses from a submerged mine sinking the Amphion and casualties, a large British war budget and army expansion, Russian cavalry actions in East Prussia, Swiss neutrality upheld, U.S. censorship of wireless stations under neutrality, Sweden potentially joining Allied powers, and Germany’s ultimatum to Italy amid Adriatic tensions.
A chronology from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28 to the escalation of World War I. It lists Austria’s demands and ultimatums to Serbia, Serbian mobilization, German and Russian military moves, Belgian resistance, and the outbreak of war with Germany declaring war on France and Britain entering the conflict.
A Chicago Tribune style feature portrays dirigibles as Germany’s deadliest war instrument. It argues airship supremacy, contrasts national air services, and details plans to strike Paris and London from Metz with Zeppelins. It notes strong German searchlights at Metz Leipsig Cologne and Frankfurt.
Crowds of Americans crowded West End offices of the American Express and steamship lines to cash checks and secure passages home. Berths on American liners were in high demand, with steerage tickets bought at premium as British ships faced navy delays. Express offices opened early and honored checks up to 50 dollars while Wells Fargo stayed open to serve west coast travelers.
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