Swiss Preparing For Possible War.

New York Times 100 years ago today, February 2, 1913:
Warned by French and German Massing of Troops, the Little Republic Is Making Ready.
CAN MOBILIZE 100,000 IN A DAY
Every Man Has Weapon and Uniform at Home and Can Report Promptly at the Nearest Barracks.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    GENEVA, Feb. 1.— There is a widespread belief in Switzerland that war between Prance and Germany is inevitable.
    On her French and German frontiers Switzerland has seen the gradual concentration of large forces of soldiers during the last two months. The frontier forts, especially Belfort, and those opposite from Mulhouse to Istein are on a war footing.
    Since the beginning of the year the Swiss Federal authorities have begun to take precautions. All papers have published officially an article stating that in "the event of war," the Swiss in Europe must return to the army at once; while in the second zone of countries, including America and other continents where the Swiss are liable to military service, they must hold themselves in readiness to return.
    There will be no mobilization in Switzerland because 100,000 men can be at their posts in twenty-four hours; 250,000 men in forty-eight hours, and 500,000 within a week.
    Every man and officer of the citizen army has a rifle, ammunition, uniform, and everything at home, and can answer the general roll call at the nearest barracks within a few hours. Briefly, the Swiss army can give its great and powerful neighbors twenty-four hours' start, and still be ready before them.
    This is the first time since 1870 that the Swiss Government has taken matters so seriously. Even the dangerous Agadir incident found it calm and hopeful.
    Cereals of all kinds which were ordered in America and Canada, because the usual Russian supply had suddenly failed owing to the Balkan war, are arriving to fill the almost empty Government storehouses.
    Farmers have been warned to have their horses in good condition. Chief surgeons and doctors have received official letters from Berne, asking them to state whether they would like to follow the ambulance in the field or remain at a base hospital in one of the towns.