The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-15
PEACE IN EUROPE.


Senior Canovas Thinks the Relations of the
Continental Powers Very Strained.
Gable Special to New York sun.
An important interview with Don Antonio
Canovas Del Castillo. the Spanish Prime Minis
ter is telegraphed to night from Madrid by the
correspondent of the Cable News. The CORE
spondent first asked Senior Canovas for an ex-
preston of opinion as to the state of Europe in
regard to the relations between the powers.
Senior Canovas replied, slowly and thoughtfully:
''The situation appears to me serious, even
threatening A conflict between England and
the continental powers has been preparing for
half a century. France, Germany, Austria,
Italy, Russia, and the minor states have been
occupied during the time with frequent quarrels
and with some serious wars. They have had
comparatively no time for colonial enterprises or
for the development of maritime commerce
England has had, since the fall of Sebastopol, no
serious wars on hand, and her energies have been
devoted to colonization, to consolidating her en-
pire abroad, and to extending her commerce
upon the sea-"
''Why should this not continne2H
''FOr two reasons. France, Germany, and
other powers are becoming ambitious in new
directions, and England is getting arrogant
Continental Europe is now iii a condition of pro-
found peace, at least so far any international
quarrels are concerned There is no better out
let for its surplus wealth and enterprise than the
acquisition of territory in Asia and Africa
Hence the colonizing schemes OF Germany,
Holland, and Italy, to say nothing of the French
complications in Formosa, Tonquin and MAZDA
gascar."
lis there any evidence of concerted action by
the continental powers in this direction as
against EuglandF
There are certain symptoms which are at
least suggestive. One is the Congo conference.
so called, which is about to he held at Berlin.
In view of the interests represented the most
natural place for that conference would be either
Brussels London or Lisbon. But it is to be
held at Berlin. and will be presided over by
Prince Bismarck. These facts appear significant
There is also in progress at the present moment
a large increase in the naval strength OF all the
European powers, Germany being first in this
movement Then all the governments of north
ern Europe are encouraging colonzing societies.
colonial banks, and steamship lines with direct
subscription, with loans of government CREDITS
and with various other forms of subsidies"
what power appears to be taking the initia-
tive in this crusade against England"
sfGermany. No doubt Prince Bismarck still
guides the destiny of that empire, and there is
no question as to his sentiments 1t might be
going too far to say Bismarck hates England but
he abhors her present government. lie believes,
Also that there is no better way in which he can
end his career and prepare for brilliant reign
by Frederick William than by making Germany
o great colonial power" ts.
Evil not all this cause friction. which may
produce warp
probable"
"And the resultF
eve can only Judge by the past. Napoleon
failed in similar schemes and became, in the
end, prisoner in English hands. At the pres
emit time Bismarck's power, great as it is, is not
equal TO Napoleons at the beginning of this cen