New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-02-03


the Samoan business between them, they may both
be surprised to find the English press adopting
and expressing the American view. Prince Bis
marcks declaration in the Reichstag, that he would
undertake nothing in Samoa without a previous
understanding with England, was interpreted in
Europe to mean that he had already arrived at
an understanding with England; at any rate, with
Lord Salisbury. The subsequent proposal to re-
new negotiations with America at Berlin is sup
posed to mean that Prince Bismarck had dis
covered English as well as American opinion to
be against him. Lord Salisbury may despise
public opinion; Prince Bismarck, whose European
reputation on the whole is not inferior to Lord
Sa1isbury's does not despise it, Public opinion is
the one thins he has shown himself anxious
to have his side.
, The journals of both parties in England condemn
the German action in Samoa. The Daily News
declares that this country cannot sanction the
German policy until some clearer justification
for it appears. " The Standard" which cannot
be suspected of friendiness to America, discusses
the whole subject in elaborate article, moderate
in tone, most strenuous in substance and entirely
hostile TO the AngloGerman policy in Samoa as
against America. Articles Of this kind in the
leading Tory journal are often supposed to be
inspired by the Foreign Office. They sometimes
are; but more often are wholly independent of
notice to Lord Salisbury that he has gone far
enough in subservience 10 Prince Bismarck. There
have been in journals of all shades for months
past repeated expressions of impatience with Lord
Salsbury's readiness to forward German policy in
East Africa There were protests in Parliament.
There is, it is clear, wish TO see England made
tool of Germany. If England is to side with
anybody she seems to-day far more likely 20 side
with America than with Germany Lcrd Salisbury
will have to take account Of this feeling, whether
he likes it or not.
No diplomatist, no student Of affairs, believes
Prince Bismarck means to push matters to an
extremity with the United States. lie is not
personally in favor of colonial expansion still less
OF aggression on American rights, whether national
or individual. On him, as on Europe in general,
accounts of American feeling, Of American de
termination to maintain American rights in the
Pacific and of legislative and executive action
in Washington, have made deep impression.
He is strong enough. Germany is strong enough,
to disavow the excesses of German officials and
TO come to friendly and rational understanding
on subject in which, after all, neither Germany
nor America has interest enough 20 justify
quarrel. Such is opinion here, and such is, /
think, general opinion throughout Europe. It
will be confirmed by the scmi-oficial explanation
published last night at Berlin
The attempts to conceal the fact that the Crown
Prince of Austria died BY nus own hand was perse-
vered in for two days. The truth seems 10 have
been known at Viczna ON Thursday but tele-
grams stopped and the first news was sent
by train across the Austrian frontier. Austrian
officials saw no harm in trying TO induce eminent
physicians TO certify official lie, but the eminent
physicians refused. The truth was even kept
twelve hours from the Emperor. All sorts OF
A..
Prince Rudolf to suicide probably more causes
than one.
To-day, however, speculation turns more upon
the reasons fos Archduke Charles Louis's refusal
Of the throne, which he hands over 10 his eldest
SON. Archduke Francis Ferdinand. This young
man of about twenty-five years passes for being
amiable, but without strong points OF character.
Thursdays events in Paris do not seem to have
changed the situation The Boulangists practically
acquiesced in the vote of confidence given by the
Chamber to the Floquct Ministry. They had
little TO gain by turning them out. They could
not carry immediate dissolution, nor put in
Ministry of their own. Their policy for the pres
ent is to keep quiet.
Paris. in truth. is alarmed by its own act Not
the Anarchists, of course. They only alarmed
when things are going well. But the commercial
classes who gave General Boulanger great deal
of support now see that they have injured the
prospects OF the Exhibition Nobody knows what
will happen this summer. Many foreigners have
left Paris, many who meant to come will stay
away. There is uneasiness in every European
capital The press is asking whether France means
to celebrate one revolution by another. The syn
dicatc which is running General Bouanger has
large commercial interests TO think Of Its leaders
know that France would bitterly resent anything
which should lessen the expected profits Of the
Exhibition The foreigner is TO be milked as he
was never milxed before, till he is dry; and no
body wants to kick the pail over.
The Radical caucus which expected to control
the London County Council has been beaten in
the first contest The Extreme Progressists, as
they prefer 10 call themselves, had arranged 10
rush through slate of Radical Aldermen. The
Moderates with the help Of commonsense advice
from Lord RosebeFy, backed by Earl Compton and
young Mr. Harry Lawson, succeeded in carrying
an adjournment till Tuesday. sThe situation is
interesting. The Radicals, by professions OF
readiness 10 exclude politics, elected majority
Of the Council to govern for the next three years
g population notoriously Conservative Once in
power they put neutrality aside and resolved TO
put their own ticket for Aldermen through, be-
heving they could then make sure Of working
majority for all kinds Of extreme proposals. The
Councillors named above said this would be
fatal policy in the long run, and have for the
moment ayerted the danger. The next struggle
comes next Tuesday. Meantime compfcmiss is
said to have been arranged, by which seven
Moderate and twelve Radical Aldermen win be
chosen.
Those who hoped the Parnell Commission would
reach the question OF the letters this week have
been disappointed. The Attorney General OF
course conducts the case without regard to pub
lie expectation. The public. when nothing scnsa-
tional occurs, forget all about the Commission.
The papers, The Times excepted, have cut down
their reports The Court itself besceches yainly
that the proceedings may be shortened. The
plaintiffs counsel plod on in their own way. This
weeks evidence is in their view important but
only in connection with other evidence. so that