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103
Great enthusiasm over war.  Germans or [[strikethrough]] Ma [[/strikethrough]] Nemetz are hated in Russia.  Means of bringing together different classes and wiping out much of the dislike for the Jews.  Harvests were at once gathered in by armies, old men & boys.

Russia mobilization was [[strikethrough]] supposed [[/strikethrough]] ^[[thought]] to be a very slow proceeding.  A programme of reform was being pushed which will not be completed till 1916.

General Soukhomlinow (was War Minister) profiting by the disastrous Manchurian campaign has been devoting all his time and genius to reorganizing the army.  Owing to the speed with which Germany & Austria can mobilise, Russia must be in a European war on the defensive.  Therefore the mobilisation basis are not situated on the frontier but in the interior, at Warsaw and other towns lying behind the Vistula.  These towns are protected by a long chain of fortresses and fortified positions stretching from Kovno to Radom, designed to hold an invading force in check, until the troops have been moblised and the advance can begin.  First thing to be done no sale of alcohol (vodka) Mobilisation, thanks to Soukhomlinow proved perfect.  New uniforms, something like English in color with high boots instead of puttees and the best materials.  All who suffered loss through dislocation of trade were recompensed without delay.  Enthusiasm among all classes and great desire to go & fight at once. 
 
August 16th mobilisation was sufficiently advanced to