Germany Still Preparing?

New York Times 100 years ago today, December 18, 1912:
Socialist Newspaper Says Steps Are Still Being Taken to Meet Hostilities.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    BERLIN, Dec. 17.— Under the heading "Preparations" the Vorwärts, a Socialist newspaper, states that it is apparent that war is not thought impossible in Berlin, inasmuch as the Imperial German Treasury has notified all Government offices throughout the country to hoard up gold and pay salaries and wages as largely as possible in silver and paper money. It says that steps have already been taken to ascertain which civil servants will be absolutely needed to be present at their posts in case of war.
    The Vorwärts also asserts that the War Office on Friday sent a circular dispatch to every command in the empire, asking if all was in readiness for carrying out its orders on receipt of another dispatch.