With the fate of a nation and the probable embroiling of all Europe hanging on the outcome, forty-eight hours was a time too brief for proper consideration.

Serbia could hardly summon her statesmen in that time.

Nevertheless the little country, realizing the awful peril that impended, and that she alone would not be the sufferer, bravely put aside all selfish considerations and practically all considerations of national pride and honor.
The records show that every demand which Austria made on Serbia was granted except one, which was only conditionally refused.

Although this demand involved the very sovereignty of Serbia--her existence as a nation--the government offered to submit the matter to mediation or arbitration.

But Austria, cats-pawing for Germany, did not want her demands accepted.