Omaha daily bee., 1888-02-07
FRANCE AND RUSSIA.
No Probability That They Will Form a
Treaty Alliance.

ltOpWiWit 1888 W JTHeS JUuOH BeHHCttI
LONDON, Feb. 6.-[New York Herald
Cable-Special to the BEE. M. b. Lowitz
in the Times this morning, gives full ex-
PLANTATION of the difficulty of France and
Russia making an alliance treaty thus
The movement of Russia towards France
in spite of their profound political antag-
onism, evidently proves that Russia does not
desire to contend with the two allied empires,
should she remain alone, and as it is now
shown that she was acquainted with the
treaty that explains why, in the last
resort, before taking decision, she
has made great effort by self
estraint to bring herself closer to France.
The question is this: Will France enter with
Russia treaty alliance similar to that which
has just been publisheds 1t may be conf
IDENTIFY answered, she will not. BY article
30 of the constitution of July II, 1876, the
president of the republic negotiates and rati-
fies treaties He makes them known to the
chambers as soon as the interest and safety
of the state permit. Article 81 says the pres
ident cannot declare war without the pre-
vious consent of the two chambers. On the
discussion NJ Laboulage said, with the en-
tire approval of the whole house: "What
we ask Is that no war should be undertaken
A treaty alliance betweenthe president of
the republic and any power could not be
definite unless ratified by the chambers.
What could Russia do to negotiate an alliance
with Francea She could secretly enter on
negotiations with the president of the repub-
lie; latter he would send for his minister of
foreign affairs, there would be a discussion
and eventually treaty be signed, but it
rpm1in n 40
interest and security of the state allowed the
president to submit it to parliament.
The two parties would be in u very differ
ent position. For Russia the treaty would be
defintive Immediately on being signed,
whereas for France it would be definitve
until approved by the chamber, on which, in
any case, depends voting subsidies. The
nature of the republican constitution pre-
cludes the idea that parliament or the country
would forgive citizen, even were he her
president, who signed a secret alliance bind
ing the nation without its consent. Nobody,
| moreover, acquainted with President Arnot
| can believe him capable of signing such a
| treaty without the knowledge of parliament
1t is said, indeed but by Russians, that
! were Russia and England involved in a war
| the popular movement IN France would
| coerce the government, despite all constitu-
! tonal impediment. Even if this is the
| opinion of Russia she runs the risk of gross
| miscalculations. People have learnt here
| the weight of the stake and chances. Now,
| the risk would not be equal for the two par
ties in case of defeat. Russia might lose the
| Baltic provinces, which intelligent Russians
| would like to be rid of, together with Rus
sian Poland, which many patriotic Russians
| consider an incumbrance. After this she
would resume her rank. If victorious, her
eastern dream, which dazzles yet worries her,
| would open up.i
10 France, on the other hand, war would
be question of life and death and nothing,
in case of victory would he an equivalent to
| the states, and the French government
wonld have the patriotic courage to with
| stand the pressure of the mob. Moreover
1SSS does not resemble 1870. Experience
| would weigh, even with the mob. In 1870 of
| ten men who shouted, "A Berlin ~ nine were
certain of remaining quietly in Paris,
! whereas with the present military system the
prospect is just the reverse and even the
most heated would reflect when they them
selves We're concerned instead of others.
Not withstanding the efforts of Russia / be-
lieve France will remain quiet awaiting an
opportunity for revenge without risking her
, existence.