Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-08
SUNDAY. ............MARCH s. 1891.
Course of Events in Europe.


Course of Events IN Europe.
The general course of events in Europe
does not promise well for France. While
there is no reason 10 expect sudden out
burst Of bostilities the tension between
the French republic and some of the other
Powers is increasing, and complications
are arising which point to almost thorough
French isolation. The reports regarding
the temper of the German Emperor over
the recent manifestation of Chauvinism
in Paris are contradictory. Some OF
them are absurd. particularly those
Z which represent that disappointment
ct failure TO secure pictures for the Berlin
exhibition and the personal snubbing in-
volved therein. have done more to anger
him than anything else connected with the
matter. Young WILLIAM is not puerile.
whatever his faults may be. Furthermore
ths Paris mission was not a sudden fancy,
but was part of policy for propitieting
France and isolating Russia that had been
pursued for some time. certain theories Of
the Emperor in connection with which
we're the cause of the differences between
clusion is that the Emperor is incensed,
and the preponderance of testimony so far
indicates an entire reversal of his policy
towards France, yet it is simply justice to
him 10 attribute his anger to loftier con-
alterations than those mentioned.
In the mean time France, not satisfied
with mourning the Emperor's displeasure,
Aw1 hot - inn
popular feeling in Germany against her,
seems disposed to make an issue with Eng
land over the Egyptian question. Such
step at this critical juncture suggests the
query, Where are the French statesmen
and di;lomatists? for certainly by her
course France has NIL TO lose and nothing
to gain. The protest against the appoint
ment of Justice ScoTr as judicial adviser
of the Khedive. which was entered with
the Porte by the French ambassador at
Constantinople. and which was based on
the ground that the appointment was
fresh proof Of the determination Of Great
Britain TO "eternalize" British oc-
cupation of Egypt is brp'um ful-
nun. As long as Russia covets
any rights in Egypt that interfere with
English interests there. The Sultan's
hands are manacled and England holds the
KEYS to the manacles. This has been patent
for years. and il is equally patent that Eng
land has no intention Of relinquishing her
grasp upon Egypt. SAIIsBUEY's limit of
the work TO DO accomplished in Egypt
has not been reached; nor will it have
been reached until the present Khedive's
ambition shall have been satisfied and
British prestige re-established in the Sou
dan. In view of the points at which the
English are planted on the coast of the
Dark Continent, what that contamination
means in respect of the ultimate destiny
of Egypt is not difficult problem to
solve. The further the English flag is car
ried into Africa the greater will be the ne
cessity for Great Britain's eternahzing"
her domination of Egypt.
French interference in Egyptian affairs,
either by direct approaches to the Khedive
or through the Porte, can therefore only
result in increasing the irritation the Eng
iish In common with the Germans feel over
Paris and in drawing the two last-named
nations more closely together. The taunt-
fng tone of the English press touching the
part France played, or rather failed to play.
In suppressing the Arab Pashs rebellion
In 1882 is pretty good evidence that the
enti-French feeling in England is deep.
Another phase of the situation which &C
centuates tho contention that events do
not bode well for France is found in the
emphatic declaration of the RUpISI Min
istry that Italy will remain in the Drei-
bund. In whatever other respect the
Marquis de RUpnI may depart from his
predecessors policy, it is clear that he con-
siders the retention of the friendship of
Germany aud the Austro-Hungarian mon-
archy OF paramount Importance.
1t will be readily recognized that with
these conditions existing should France
excite further the displeasure of Germany
the latter would be encouraged to settle
matters in summary manner. The two
other parties 10 the Dreibund, backed by
England. would make il hazardous for
Russia TO interfere. and that England
would back these Powers with her armies,
II necessary. does not seem to admit of
doubt.
There is one hope, however, growing
out Of the situation, and that is that after
ell the isolation OF France may cause sober
second thought in the republic, exercise
restraining influence upon Chauvinism.
and exert pressure that will bring the
true patriotism of the country 70 the front
In shaping the affairs of the nation. This
is an outcome devoutly to be wished. II
would deprive Germany of excuse for
nourishing resentment and restore sense
of repose in the fatherland. II would
enable WILLIAM TO resume his work Of
welding together the internal interests of
The different German States, and leave
Russia the single disturbing element in
European affairs. 10 be dealt with by
combination she would not dare provoke
20 active hostilities. 1t is in the power of
France not only TO make PREPARATION 70
Germany without compromising her dig
nifty. but 10 hasten the day when the ter
rible drain upon herself and the par
ties to the Dreibund may be stopped
by partial disarmament. That would
be an achievement which would secure for
her the plaudits and gratitude Of the Eu-
ropsan masses and render her autonomy
absolutely secure. We believe there are
IN France the brains. the loyalty to no
bic purposes, and the moral forces capable
of dong this If they viii assert them
selves But will they? The answer will
be awaited with intense interest and anx-
iety by the friends OF France everywhere.
The Charlottesville Chronicle SAYS that