Morning journal and courier., 1891-03-28
IN THE EVENT OF WAR.

Lord salisbury's Talk With Lord
 Knutsford-The Defense of Belgium
 Neutrality-Sfmultan Mobiliza-
 ton Of French and Russian Troops
 A Russian Scheme of Attack
 Copyrighted by the New York Associated Press.l
 LONDON, March 27.-Lord Salisbury just
 before starting for San Reno held long
 conference with Lord Knutsford and Mr.
 Currie, the permanent secretary of the for
 eign office. King Leopold during his re-
 cent visit pressed for an answer as to what
 practical cooperation England would give
 under the existing treaty for the defense
 of Belgian neutrality in the event of war.
 Lord Salisbury, according to a report
 credited within the foreign office, promised
 the English aid by fleet and contingent
 troops if demanded to defend Antwerp, leaving the Belgian army free for defensive operations in the forts of the Mouse. Something occurring behind the scenes of European diplomacy sharp ems apprehension that the final move in the long game preluding war will not be long delayed. Apart from the renewal of the concentration of troops on the Russian Austrian frontiers, and the czaI's demon strative friendship for President Carnot, is reported that an agreement has been reached between the French and Russian governments in regard to the simultaneous mobilization of troops and other move ments in event of war. The heads of the powers seem to be informed of Russian scheme of attack, which is likely to de- clare itself in the autumn. The question of Belgian neutrality is intimate ly associated with England's attitude in such conflict, and it will be Lord Salisbury's justification if the agreement with King Leopold comes up in parliament. The presence of Lord Knuts- ford at the conference with Lord Sails bury was probably due to the relations of with other disputes with France. Questions of which notice has already been given in the house of com mons to be answered after Easter recess demand that the government explain whether or not the fisheries trouble has become mere pawn on the diplomatic chess board on which the English occupa- ton of Egypt is king. Lord Knutsford his reputation among conserva- tivcs through his tactless treatment of the matter He required coaching by Lord Salisbury, who is blamed within his own party for allow ing the colonial minister too free a hand Sir Charles Dilke, in an article written for to-morrow's papers, discloses a source of uneasiness prevailing among 'If," he says, "the strange foreign arbitrators picked up in the Rus sian foreign office and elsewhere should for political reasons declare against us then the modus vivendi under the Knuts- ford bill becoming an act will have to be forced on the colonials by deeds of civil war If Newfoundland was an American state France would sell her rights. She only refuses to sell them to England be- cause she is irritated about Egypt" Sir Charles Dilke is right. The inner official circle distrust arbitration and know that the fate of Newfoundland is interknit with the governments Egyptian policy.
 The Wesleyan agitation over biblical in spiration is extending to other churches. Leading theologians keenly discuss Pro fessor Davidson's criticism of the tenet of verbal inspiration. Three Wesleyan pro- of Headingly college, Slater of Didsbury and Macdonald of Hansworth college-concur in the opinion that Profes- | sor Davidson's paper ought not to dismay the orthodox. They argue that it is ti6c views of the scriptures. Dr. Clifford describes the paper as "well balanced, luminous and breathing the intellectual sincerity of Wesley" The Scotch Pro- lessor Bruce counts the Wesleyan min istry's attitude as a token that God is guiding his church in the path of wisdom through a critical period of history. On the other hand, MT. Sturgeon and several Baptist ministers, while refraining from detailed attacks on the new movement, refer to "the fomenters of doubt," and pray that God will supply | believing, earnest men.
 Over 2,000 dissenting ministers have signed the protest against Sir Charles Dilke's return to public life. Sir Charles persists that he will stand as a candidate for parliament until he receives the official veto of the liberal chiefs. He has invited the opinion of MT. Morley and Sir William Vernon Harcourt on his candidature, with out response. MT. Schnadhorst, the lib eral caucus chief, disapproves the candi- dature on the ground that if the Forest of Dean electors return Sir Charles Dilkes, many thousands of dissenters will with hold their votes from the liberals at the coming elections.
 Walter Besant, William Black and others are discussing the formation of society of English authors and copyright owners with the view of establishing or securing control of printing house in the United States "The Atheneum" refers to the scheme as an indispensable preliminary to any attempt to derive advantage from the American copyright act.
 The queen will remain at Grasse for month.
 There will be brilliant period of court festivities in June during the stay of Elm peror William at Buckingham Palace. The program will include receptions, balls, concerts and other entertainments.