The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-09-26
FRENCHMEN FOR WAR
They Realize Their Strength and
Are Anxious to Test 1t.
The Siamese Dispute Not Yet Settled
The Argentine Revolution
Gaining Strength.

New YORK, Sept. 25.-The SUMS London
cablegram says: Lovers of peace cannot
gain much encouragement from the Euro
Dean situation, as it presents itself to-day.
Nc casus beli or tangible excuse for war
threatens. except the Siamese affair. which
for the moment is not discussed. Still the
impression grows stronger daily In the
great capitals that the cords or internation-
al friendship, or. rather, tolerance. for no
stronger sentiment exists. are under Sc
we're and Increasing strain. / have talked
with many close students of public affairs.
in both Paris and London. this week. They
ell look forward to the coming winter and
spring as most critical period for Eu-
rope lam far from prophesyin ing war. do
not believe any government is planning or
desiring it. There are indications. how
ever. that more than one is expecting it,
and that all are preparing for it.
The decisive factor In such O situation
is apt to be the people themselves. ltrare.
ly happens that public opinion of the
whole nation demands war. When it does.
there is good oause for apprehension. The
masses of Paris are fast approaching that
stage. Within q month. unless restrained
clamoring for war. The present senti.
ment is but little short of it. 1t is fully
significant of the unnatural tension OF the
situation that two such incidents as the
proposed entertainment of the Russian
fleet at Toulon. and the message of gym.
pathy sent by Emporer William to Prince
Bisma:ck's sick bed should cause the
whole French nation to smell powder in
anticipation. But they do smell it and it
is almost like the smell of blood to q
hungry tiger.
This war fever which has been spreading
In French veins for several weeks. comes
not only of q desire for revenge. but of
love for conquest. 1t ls q peculiar desire.
various forms of emotion. especially during
the past year, and this last is the most in
teresting of all. They have discovered
that they are vigorous. fully restored
nation. The Russian alliance or entente
has com pleted their realization of strength.
They are impatient Co test their power.
The average Frenchman would 60 TO war
with England to-day with almost as much
enthusiasm as he would march toward the
RAine. This newest passion of France has
surprised her own government. has
alarmed Russia, and has startled all
Europe.
The Czar has demanded that next
months welcome to the Russians shall be
restricted to the form followed at Cron.
stadt two years ago. Paris had begun prep
aratlons for series of the most maRnlfl-
cent fetes in history. The Russian EN- has
sador announces that the visitors will ac-
cept only an official entertainment. Paris
is annoyed. but she will make her demon
stratIon. nevertheless. Defiance to all the
world and the rebirth of the national DOW
er, which the affair is intended TO signify.
Will be proclaimed to ChristendOm.
The most hopeful element of safety in
this situation is President Carnot. He may
be relied on to repress folly and main.
tain national common sense to the best of
his ability. The President Of the French
repu blIc is not FOR war. He will exert him.
self unselishly for the peaceful prosperity
of his country during his remaining days
OF usefulness. The greatest blessing for
which France can hope is that he will be
spared to direct her affairs during the next
few months.