Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-09
THE WEEK IN EUROPE.

THE WEEK IN EUROPE.
Morocco and the Mediterranean Oues-
ton Of Growing Importance.
OF all the news that came Of the political
situation in Europe last week the most i'm
portant was that brought by a special cable
concerning "the eventual partition of Morocco"
Says cable from Paris: "a secret convention
has been signed by England, Spain and Italy
for the partition CT Morocco. The sultan may
resist this summary disposition Of his domin-
ions and it will be an expensive task to subdue
the country" Among other difficulties quoted
a. probable in case Of such an attempt by the
powers named to occupy the country there
is that of the hostility of savage
hill tribes siding with their nominal
ruler, the sultan, against whom, for years, they
have, off and on, been at war. Speaking Of
Engiands recent doings in Morocco French
newspaper printed statement afterward de-
MED to the effect that part of the Mediterranean
French squadron of Agiers had been ordered
to the waters Of Morocco. While there may be
some exaggeration in all these contradictory re-
ports it is nevertheless recognized fact
that what has been termed recently
as ''the Mediterranean question is
growing every day more important and
serious and may be the cause Of trouble
between the present occupants OF. the northern
coasts Of Africa, prominently among them the
English and the French. According to the
European press, which is warmly discussing the
subject, it appears that with regard to the Med
iterranean there are two questions-one refer
ring to the commercial advantages to be gained
by the occupation of Morocco, the only Moor
lsh state still Independent on the whole line of
the northern coast Of Africa; the ether, the mil
itary advantages with reference to he strategic
system of Notifications carried OH by the Diff
ferent powers within the last ten years and the
establishment OF the French protectorate on the
regency of Tunis, still considered as nominally
existing.
CHAIN OF FORTS.
In order to explain the position Of the differ
ent powers with regard to the growing compli-
cations in the basin Of the Mediterranean with
reference to future naval warfare q newspaper
recently drew the attention of the public to the
fortified points as follows: Before the occupa-
ton of Tunis by France the only fortified places
on the Italian side were Genoa, Spezia, Leghorn
and Naples: England centered her system of
naval Notifications in the Mediterranean waters
at Gibraltar and Malta, Egypt's occupation being
still commended by other powers Frances
strong strategic points were Toulon and Mar
settles and the Algerian fortified portions. After
the occupation Of the regency of Tunis, Eng
lands occupation became permanent and the
ton Of the isle Of La Maddelena, situa ted
between Corsica and Sardinia and
commanding the middle Mediterranean
zone. When, quite recently, France under
took to fOrtify and heavily arm Bisert. a port of
the regency, Italy's attention was directed to
the position Of Sicily, situated 1lS miles from
the new French fortress, and great discussion
took place on the subject, eliminating in the
plan of establishing fortified camp at Castro
San Giovanni, point central to all points Of
Sicily, and the resumption Of the works In
progress at laramie in order to make it a naval
station of the first class. The Morocco ques-
ton, after such precedent, is destined to be-
come a most important one in European
politics.
Among other most recent advices from Tan
giers IL a report that two American citizens,
Messrs. Chamber and Bonsal, who are travelling
in Morocco, have been severely maltreated in
Fez and, besides, grossly insulted by depend
ents OF the government after they escaped fall
ing victim to an armed mob. Says the cable:
"A representative of the Moorish government
and Messrs. Chamber and Bonsal appeared be-
fore the British minister, who, after an inquiry
into the case, declared that they had serious
grounds for demanding redress. They had
given the Moors no cause for annoyance"
BISMARCK AND THE REPTILE FUND.
The press of Germany, siding with the gov
eminent, refused to take up the discussion
that caused quite o stir in European politics
two weeks ago. However, referring to the sud-
den dismissal of the old statesman from the
most eminent position of chancellor Of the en-
pire by Wilhelm II, they say that should Prince
Bismarck keep up attacking the present admin
istration documents would be published, yet un-
known to the public, by which the name Of
the ex-chancellor would be darkened. In
this connection a semi-offcial Berlin daily
stated that it can be proved that Prince Bis
marck used the reptile fund, an institution of
an odious character, created by the EXCHANGED
lor himself some twenty years ago, in order to
secretly force on the public mind unfavor-
subject Of the health of the young emperor
and his moral and mental faculties and
strength" The above mentioned threat hav-
ing been widely spread all over Germany,
caused a sense Of surprise, as the true motives
of the dismissal Of Prince Bismarck had never
been so publicly subject Of discussion. The
result Ia a desire for more information. which,
however. has not been given. The whole con-
trOversy between Bismarck and the govern
ment has now limited itself to one point-that
Of the criticism of the ex-chancellor of the
craftsmanship Of the new chancellor, Gen. Won
Caprivi
SPAIN AND HER RIOTERS.
Since the troubles Of May day that were Of a
more serious character there than anywhere
else in Europe, Spain seems to be in q continu-
Gus state of internal agitation, and mart ial law
and the display Of naval or military force be-
comes necessary every once in awhile in order
to keep public order. Troops were sent last
week from LogrOno to Calahorra. a town in Old
CASTLE, and martial lew proclaimed in the
town. riotous mob attempted to force the
prison with the object of rescuing the conyicts
therein, among whom are n number Of political
prisoners. Before the arrival of the regiments
the houses Of three alcaldes. municipal, coun-
cillors and officials, charged with the
collection Of the octroi tax, were
totally burned and the windows of
several other houses were smashed. 1t il
stated that the cause Of the riot, while particu-
larly due to municipal questions OF Calahorra,
is also connected with the political and social
situation of Spain, where the republican party
and the anarchists are very active. A Spunish
moderate newspaper, discussing the different
riotous movements that have taken place in
Spain within the last few months and analyzing
the elements that compose the mobs to whom
such movements are referred, express the opin-
ion that the regency, by using unhesitatingly
and at first notice the national army and navy
to quell local disorders, is seriously compromis-
ing the situation Of the government and giving
the popular breaches Of the law q political
character, "the growing OF which may prove
fatal to the monarchy"
The Fourth at Frying Pan.
Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
HERNDoN, VA, July 8, 1892
Tha Fourth was ploriouslv celahrafed nj Erv-