Far from fearing war, he prayed for it, and confided his generous hopes to Baroness Bildermann, who informed the neighbouring nation, which, acting on her information, proceeded to a rapid mobilization.
The Minister of Finance unintentionally precipitated events.

At the moment, he was speculating for a fall, and in order to bring about a panic on the Stock Exchange, he spread the rumour that war was now inevitable.

The neighbouring Empire, deceived by this action, and expecting to see its territory invaded, mobilized its troops in all haste.

The terrified Chamber overthrew the Visire ministry by an enormous majority (814 votes to 7, with 28 abstentions).

It was too late.