THE WORLD COURT Published Monthly by THE WORLD'S COURT LEAGUE, INC. 120 BROADWAY JOHN WESLEY HILL, D.D., LL.D., Editor WALTER J. SUTHERLAND, Managing Editor G. CHARLES HODGES, Far Eastern Editor Single Copies, Ten Cents Subscription Price, One Dollar a Year Entered as Second Class Matter, September 16, 1912, at the Post Office at New York WORLD COMMENT F RUMANIA OR a long while Rumania has stood on the brink of war. It has been expected for some months that the country would declare war and therefore when the delcaration came against AustriaHungary from Bucharest, the capital of Rumania, on August 27th, it was with very little surprise. The declaration was immediately followed by counter-declaration by Austria-Hungary and Germany. In giving her reasons for declaring war Rumania issued the following statement: The Rumanian population in Austrian territories, Transylvania and the Bukowina, is exposed to the hazards of war and invasion. Rumania believes that by intervening she can shorten the world war. Rumania places herself on the side of those Powers which she believes can assist her most efficaciously in realizing her national her national ideals. Rumania has been preparing for war for some time, mobilizing her troops both on the portions of her border which are north of Bulgaria and south of Transylvania in Hungary. So well was the country mobilized that the declaration had hardly gone forth before fighting began, although of an unimportant character, along the Transylvanian border. This official declaration by Rumania is of great importance both politically and from a military point of view. For the Allies it is a diplomatic victory. In the north, along the Transylvania border the Rumanian troops have a splendid opportunity of making a concerted move with the Russian troops. The Russians are now in possession of Czernowitz, which is close to the Rumania border and have been amassing large quantities of men in this region. By making such a concerted move the Rumanians could force their way. through the mountains down into Transylvania. This, with Russia in possession of Czernowitz, would place Transylvania in a pocket between the two impending forces. Another interesting phase of the situation is in the southern part of Rumania. Here the country is subject to Photo by Universal Animated Weekly attacks from Bulgaria. From the That is the general situation regarding the two fronts of Rumania. When the country entered the war it realized that it did not have suf ficient army to protect the southern border and still proceed in the north to form the wedge with Russia and consequently, Russia, who has been mobilizing troops in anticipation of the declaration of war, was ready to take up this position along the Dorbrudja. Reni, a town on the northeastern border of Rumania, was used as the mobilization point, this point being as close to the unprotected border as could be utilized before war was declared. This concerted action between Rumania and Russia was brought about by an existing political situation. Transylvania in the north is desired by Rumania on account of its rich mineral properties. Therefore, it is evident. that she does not want any other nation accupying this territory when the peace conferences meet. Russia, on the other hand, is desirous of holding Constantinople for the same reason. Hence, it is quite logical to suppose that Rumania would reserve for herself the task of forcing an opening into Transylvania and Russia would fill the breach in the south by protecting the Dobrudja border, which move would Photo by Universal Animated Weekly Tug-o'-War at the University of California. lead them closer to Constantinople. By protecting the southern Rumanian border in this way Russia could concentrate her efforts when the time is ripe in a drive through Bulgaria which would bring them to Constantinople. Photo by Universal Animated Weekly Commission to settle Mexican Dispute. (See Editorial Comment) In accordance with these plans Rumania has taken the western boundary as her line of action and have captured the towns of Kronstadt and Hermannstadt. The peculiar shape of the Rumanian frontier from Southwest Bukowina to the Vulcan Pass gives a salient which they are trying to eliminate and by advancing their forces until their line of advance reaches between these two points they will have eliminated the salient and have a much shorter line on which to work. This will also make a very strong line of defensive, being easily supplied, and can be linked up with the Russian forces in southwest Bukowina. Upon the declaration of war the Bulgarians came across the unprotected border of Dobrudja. From the time war was declared the Russians did not have time to bring their forces from Reni, where they had been mobilizing, to this border to stop the inva sion. However, the latest reports show, as we write, that the RussoRumanian advance in this region is steadily increasing and military experts state that the capital of Rumania, Bucharest, would be in little danger, except by the crossing of the Danube by a strong Teutonic force. The latest reports also show that the Rumanians are making progress in the Transylvania region and are apparently being met with little serious resistance. The situation is a serious one for the Central Powers. The addition of an army of half a million men into_ the field is in itself sure to affect the situation and if Rumania is successful Photo by Universal Animated Weekly in effecting an entrance into Transylvania she will place Austria-Hungary, and especialy Hungary, in a very precarious position. (1) The U.S.S. New York coaling in Hampton Roads. (2) The landing of the new Aero-Cable car which makes the trip over the Niagara whirlpool rapids. (3) In Girard, Alabama, the streets were wet with a million dollars' worth of confiscated liquors. (4) President Wilson delivering his speech of acceptance at Shadow Lawn, New Jersey. |