The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-11-07
READY FOR FIGHTING.

The tone which the discussion of public
affairs is taking in Europe indicates that
England is the country which is isolated
and may be the cause of a war at
any moment. Whatever understanding
there is between France and Russia Lord
Salisbury is declared TO have been the in
nocent or blind promoter of it. He CO.
Quoted with Germany, graciously ceded
Heligoland, and allowed a feeling to
grow up that be had committed England
to the triple alliance. As matter of fact
he did not enter into any engagement. pos
tive or conditional. Observers behind
the scenes do not believe he would dare to
20 so far. But when he saw the effect
that his cordially was having he tried TO
show that the notion prevailing was mis-
taken by according a reception to the
French feet at Portsmouth. That, how
ever. did not prevent the Russian feeling
in favor Of France from growing, and
France was delighted beyond measure to
reciprocate the advances Of the Gar, and,
as has been seen lately, went into demon
STATIONS of friendship at Toulon and
Paris Enthusiastically genuine. Although it
is possible there is no bond of friendship
between the two countries laid down for
common action yet the arrangement be-
tween Germany and Russia is deep, and
therefore an alliance with France for tenn
porary purposes is not out of the question
should the aims of Russia be coincident
in opportunity with those of France.
Both Russia and France are on dubious
terms with England. There are questions
open which should have been settled long
E ho lTch tor haR
foretbought instead of letting them drift
with confidence. With France England is
ut logger heads in every quarter of the
globe. Disputes are pending about Egypt,
Newfoundland, Madagascar, Tangier,
Equatorial Africa and Siam.
With Russia England has always a bone
to pick on Asiatic policy. Russia advances
along the Indian frontier and is eating W
the buffer territory. A collision is inev-
liable some day, whatever may be the
terms of the agreement patched up for the
moment. There is also the traditional
policy of Russia in Southern Europe to be
reck oned with. All the nations of Europe
are armed to the teeth in the name OF
peace. but with 100000 men in the
armies to restrain and enormous fleets al
sea it is ratheridifficult to preserve the
peace. War there must be or disarmament
and it is moi proba Bile that the latter course
can be taken before there has been trial
of strength.
When the war occurs it would be Eng.
lands desire to remain neutral. Ever since
the Crimean war she has kept out Of
entangling alliances..and clung.to neutrality
as her wisest policy. But it will almost BIZ
a miracle if she can keep out of the fighting
if the other leading nations become in
volved. She has so many interests a
stake that some of them are certain TO be
menaced. In the event of France anC
Russia joining hands against England TIT
superiority of the latter's fleet would dis
appear. The preponderant duties to dis
charge would leave it poor match agains
coalition. AS regards armies England
could make no impression at all in con
tinental war. She could hardly place TIVE
corps d'armee in the field. All the terri
torial troubles with France should hav'
been adjusted years ago to retain the goot
will of that power. and they are in nearly
as bad a condition, in the opinion of the
French, as ever they were. During TIT
winter discreet statesmen should be busy
with projects OF reconciliation.