Kaiser Promises To Back Austria.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 25, 1912:
Full Assurances Given and Allies Ready to "March in Serried Line" Against Russia.
WAR MOVES ALL PLANNED
Reichspost's Berlin Correspondent Tells intimate Details of Archduke's Conferences.
HUGE FORCES ARE IN ARMS
Vienna Admits Army Has Been Strengthened — Eleven Russian Corps on a War Footing.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
Dispatch to The London Daily Mail.
    VIENNA, Nov. 24.— The Reichspost, whose well-known relations to the Archduke Francis Ferdinand set the seal of authenticity on its political news, especially at this juncture when the Archduke is fulfilling a momentous mission in Germany, will to-morrow make an announcement from Berlin that the Triple Alliance is firmer than ever before, and that in Eastern affairs, notably in Adriatic and Rumanian questions, the three allies will "march in serried line."
    The statement, which will be published as coming from "a special source" in Berlin, says:
    "All the political circles in Berlin are deeply impressed by the eminent importance of the Archduke's visit. He came at a grave moment, and the conversations he has had with the Kaiser and the chiefs of German diplomacy and of the German Army and Navy will be of the utmost importance for the future of both empires.
    "The Archduke had an opportunity, both on the journey to Springe, near Hanover, and at Springe itself, to have confidential talks with the Kaiser and the most prominent statesmen and military personages.

Germany Ready for Any Event.
    "During the last few days common sittings have been held of the representatives of all the imperial German Ministries and the Prussian War Ministry, some of the meetings having been under the Presidency of the Secretary of the interior, Dr. Delbruck.
    "At these meetings the whole position of the empire, in view of the present situation, was discussed at length. As a result it became apparent that, general as the wish is to maintain peace, preparations for every eventuality had been fully made, so that all surprises were guarded against. It may be stated that all the intensive work of the War Office and the Admiralty has borne very good fruit. Gen. von Heeringen and Admiral von Tirpitz, Ministers of War and Marine, had occasion to show that they had done their duty. "It is very fitting to make due mention of the great services of Herr von Kiderlen-Wächter, the Foreign Minister, who is a most zealous and most indefatigable champion of the alliance with Austria, and during the last few weeks had occasion several times to stand up very energetically for his views. It is certain that in Vienna the attitude of this prominent statesman will be fully appreciated.

Alliance Firmer Than Ever.
    "Archduke Francis Ferdinand will certainly return to Vienna with the conviction that Austria is supported by Germany's most loyal friendship, and that, as the Triple Alliance is firmer than ever before, the three allies will march in serried line in Eastern affairs, and primarily in Adriatic and Roumanian questions.
    "This represents a power which it is simply impossible to outvote.
    "Shortly before the arrival of the Archduke in Berlin I had an opportunity of speaking to one of the leading men here, who said:
    " 'Our policy is honestly directed, as all Europe knows, toward keeping the peace of the world. We also have the conviction that our intention will be realized. From Russia particularly during the last few days we have had satisfactory news.
    " 'Should we be mistaken, however — and to-day no diplomatist can possess absolutely sure foresight — the determination of our Government is to stand loyally and firmly by our ally. The whole German people are in agreement with this policy.
    " 'The less the people in all the important countries in Europe indulge in illusions on this point the better peace can be preserved. It would be the greatest mistake to believe that Germany will not keep to the full extent her word as solemnly given to Austria.' "
    The Reichspost statement concludes:
    "In the deliberations at Springe the Archduke, at any rate, realized how truly these words correspond to the inmost sentiments of the leading circles of Germany. The military discussions that reckon with eventualities, which, it is to be hoped, will not occur, have convinced the Archduke that the German Army and Navy are ready at the will of their supreme war lord, if need be, to place themselves in full strength by the side of their Austrian friend."