Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-05-16
THE TUNIs TREATY.

The Tunis expedition, which was under
taken nominally for tho punishment OF The
kroumirs, savage predatory Arab tribe
lowering on the borders of Tunis, has been
brought to an end which certainly was not
unexpected, however inconsistent with the
avowed purpose of the Government. The
treaty which has just been signed by the
Boy OF Tunis is justly regarded as involv-
ing the practical annexation Of that terri
tory by France, and this contamination
marks as bold and INSCRIPTIONS 4 move
ment as has been witnessed in modern
times. France had no quarrel with the
Bey of Tunis. Her alleged complaint
against the Kroumirs was palpably mere
blind. She had evidently determined be-
forehand upon the seizure of Tunis, and
all that can be said for her is that she has
shown great improvements in her military
system. The organization OF the expedi-
ton and the working out of the entire
plan of operations undoubtedly reflect
uluch cIeult upoA uei army; anu Pto'N W
the world that the time has passed when
she could be taken unawares, and when
the collapse of her defensive system could
expose her naked to her enemies. 1t is
true that the assembling of the troops
destined for African service left q
good deal to be desired in the
way of expedition, and if this move
NEXT were to be regarded solely
as test of her capacity, the
critics might claim that she had still much
to learn before she would be on par with
tine German army even of ten years age.
But the French War Minister stated, as
apprehending this criticism, that no such
test was thought of, and that in fact the
Tunis expedition was drawn from many
corps, IN way which precluded rapid
mobilization. After the expedition landed
in Africa however, everything worked
smoothly. The army, thirty thousand
strong, was divided into three columns,
and these, proceeding by different routes,
effected their march SO skillfully that their
junction was accomplished to the very day
and hour appointed beforehand OF course
it was apparent that this great army was not
sent over for the mere purpose of coercing
few Arabs armed with matchlocks. The
acquisition of apro.ectorate over Tunis was
manifestly intended from the beginning, and
was the real object OF the whole expedition
But since Italy has most important rela-
tions with Tunis since there are not less
than 30,0O0 Italians residing in that terri.
tory; it is evident that she could not view
this extension of French dominion without
serious displeasure. There is some mys.
terry about the course of the Italian Gov
eminent in this matter. 1t has manifested
an Indifference to the French movements
which may well be attributed to a con-
seriousness of impotence. That, however,
is a theory which the Italians at least will
not allow to be justified, and it is plain
that the news of the signing of the Tunis
treaty has already caused profound
popular excitement. The Ministers have
resigned. The King is said to be greatly
disturbed at the aspect of the stu.
alton. The humiliation forced upon
the country is being Indignantly
appreciated by the people. And the
present indications are that France may
yet find her new conquest very
! troublesome to her. The relations of Ger.
many to the Tunis question have thus far
been somewhat obscure. Il was believed
at first that she would back the demands
of Italy for an explicit declaration of the
French intentions. 1t was thought that
Italy would with this backing assume a
very determined and if necessary bellig-
erent attitude. Bat whether the change
of government in Russia has compelled
Bismarck to keep aloof from any fresh
entanglements with France, or whether he
thinks the time not yet ripe for action, the
fact remains that German influence was not
so used as to warrant Italy in offering
serious resistance to the French expedition
That expedition was carried forward
with such rapidity that it may be doubted
whether it could have been stopped In
any event, bat its success has placed the
Italian Government in position Of great
embarrassment, and the means used have
been SO inexcusable that England appears
more than half inclined to side with Italy
in the matter. 1t is by no means certain
that France has achieved triumph which
will eventually be found worth the cost of
it. The first result of the Tunis expedi-
ton has been to produce strained relations
with Italy, and under the circumstances it
is impossible to foresee what further seri-
Gus consequences may be involved. No
doubt most, if not all, depends upon
! the Berlin Government, while the
Berlin policy is at this moment
virtually controlled by St. Petersburg
| IF Bismarck was assured that there was
no possibility of an alliance between
| France and Russia he could afford to foster
and foment the quarrel between the
former and Italy. But of tina. he cannot
be sure, now that the Russian Govern
ment is in anti-German hands, and there.
fore he may find 1t necessary to abandon
Italy to her OWE guidance. and await more
favorable opportunities. That France has,
whether Willingly or unwittingly, taken .
course which may at almost any time lead
to great European war, is, however, one
of the most obvious aspects of the present
situation.
STANLEY MAT fHEWS.
The confirmation of Stanley Matthews
has given him the first opportunity he has
had OF protesting against the kind of at