Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-28
BELGIUM IS UNEASY,
The Little Kingdom Desires Re-
newed Assurance of
England's Help to
SUSTAIN ITS NEUTRALITY,
Which Will Most Probably Be Threat.
ened, Sooner or Later.
TROUBLE LOOKED FOR NEXT FALL.
The Opposition to Dilke's Candidature
Continues Unabated.
THE COPYRIGHT OWNERS NEW SCHEME

COPYRIGHT, 1891, By THE NEW DYoRK ASSOCIATE
PREss.l
LONDON, March 27.-Lord Salisbury,
just before starting for San Reno, held a
long conference with Lord kuuts:ord and
Mr.. Currie, the permanent Secretary of the
Foreign Office. A work of supreme diff
Guilty, REQ uiring the most delicate handling,
was confded to Mr.. Currie, relating to en-
gagements OF England to protect Belgium.
King Leopold, during his recent visit,
pressed Tor an answer as to what practical
cooperation England would give under the
existing treaty Tor the defense OF Belgian
neutrality in the event of war. Lord Sails
bury, according to a report credited in the
Foreign Office, promised English aid by a
feet and contingent troops, if demanded, to
defend Antwerp, leaving the Belgian army
free for defensive operations in the forts of
the Meuse.
Something occurring behind the scenes of
European diplomacy sharpens apprehension
that the final move In the long game pre-
ludiug war will not be long delayed. Apart
from the renewal of the concentration of
troops on the Russian-Austrian frontiers,
and the Cars demonstrative friendship for
President Carnot. ii is reported that an
agreement has been reached between the
French and Russian Governments in regard
to the simultaneous mobilization of troops
and other movements in the event Of war.
Trouble Looked for in the Fall.
The heads of the European powers seem to
be informed of Russian scheme OF attack,
which is likely to declare itself in the
autumn. The question of Belgian neutral
ity is intimately associated with England's
attitude in such a conflict, and it will be
Lord Salisbury's justification if the agree
ment with King Leopold comes up in Par
lament
The presence of Lord Knutsford at the
conference with Lord Salisbury was proba-
bly, due to the relations OF New oundlapd
with other disputes with France. Questions
OF which notice has already been given in
the House OF Commons to be answered after
the Easter recess demand that the Govern
ment explain whether or not the fisheries
trouble has become mere pawn on the
diplomatic cbessboard on which the English
occupation of Egypt is king. Lord knuts-
ford damaged his reputation among Con-
servatives through his tactless treatment of
the Newfoundland matter. He required
coaching BY Lord Salisbury, who is blamed
within his own circle for allowing the Colo
nial Minister too free hand.
The Wesleyan agitation over biblical in
spiration is extending TO other churches.
Leading theologians keenly discuss Prof
Davison's criticism Of the tenet of verbal in
spiration. Mr.. Spurgeou and several Bap-
tist ministers, while reiraining from detailed
attacks upon the new movement, constantly
refer to the "fomenters OF doubt," and pray
that God will supply believing, earnest
men.
Opposition to Dilke's Candidsture.
Over 1000 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 Tor Parlia-
meut until he receives the official veto of the
Liberal chiefs. He had invited the opinion
of Mr.. Morley and Sir William Harcourt
on his candidature without response. Mr..
Schuadhorst, the Liberal caucus chief, dis
approves the candidature on the ground that
if the Forest of Dean electors return Sir
Charles Dixie many thousands OF dissenters
will withhold their votes from the Liberals
at the coming election.
Walter Besant, William Black and others
are discussing the formation of a Society of
English Authors and Copyright Owners,
with view OF securing control of printing
house in the . United States. The Athengun1
refers 10 the scheme as an indispensable pre-
liminary TO any attempt to derive advantage
from the American copyright act.
The Queen will remain at Grasse for a
month. There will be brilliant period of
court festivities in June, during the stay of
Emperor William at Bucking am Palace.
The programme will include receptions,
balls, concerts and other entertainments.