The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-02-22
THE PEACE OF EUROPE.

The peace of Europe is probably assured
for several years to come by the renewal Of
cordial commercial relations between Ger
many and Russia, as signifi ed by the rati-
feation OF treaties which detach Russia
from France by giving Germany trade
privileges equal 10 those of the latter.
The treaties cheaper the price of bread in
Germany and admit Russian cereals to
Germany on terms fully equal to those en-
for three years past have enjoyed special
privileges under the reciprocity treaty ne
gotiated in October, 1901 Germany in
fs92 made treaties which admitted the
wines of Italy over the wines of France
and gave the cereals and meats of Austria,
Hungary and the region beyond advan-
tages over Russian export to Germany OF
like articles.
Germany in the four years. 1857 to 1900,
has taken % per cent of tho exports of
Russia and supplied IS per cent. of her
imports. In 1880 Germany received % per
cent. OF the cereals it consumed from
abroad. and - per cent was from Russia.
The average demands of Germany were
about o,ooo, 600 bushels of cereals or an
equivalent in -four. and about 10 per cent.
came from Russia when these treaties
were negotiated in 1892 During the first
SIX months of 1892 240, ISL tons of wheat,
oats and rye passed from Russia to Ger
many. In the first half of 1893. after the
treaties. only 81. 9l7 tons were sent by Rus
STA to Germany. On the other hand.
Austria Hungary sent I3t. ISL tons to
Germany in the FIRST half OF 1893.
against $500 tons IN 1892. On the
other hand German exports of iron
To Russia rose from Il 500 tons in 1892 to
A.. iei tons IN 1893. aud other articles in
proportion. In July. tsa3. Russia began
30 retaliate The maximum tariff was
applied to all German imports. Germany
retaliated bv adding 81 per cent to the
customs duties on articles from Russia.
Russia by imperial decree closed Germany
out OF some $50 oo0, 900 of trade in FIN
land, reopened the question OF German
ownership Of land in Russia. and Russia
began 20 hold out the hand of friendsh
TO France. This industrial war betwee
the new Russo-German commercial treaty.
which brings Russia into the trade league
OF central Europe. Germany has greatly
reduced duties with all her neighbors but
France. and that country is commercially
IL not politically isolated. Free Russian
corn means cheap bread TO the German
masses; the position OF Germany as n
4. -. 4
man manufactures so 20 Russia and Rus.
sian wheat comes 10 Germany. Emperor
William. strongly urged the ratification of
this treaty by the reichs.ag saying its re-
lection meant war with Russia. while its
ratification would renew the old-ume
friendship between the two countries.
The cxar wants reace; Emperor William
wants peace. Italy welcomes peace and
- does Austria. and in securing the rati-
neation OF IN treaty Of commercial reel
prcciiy with Russia, Emperor William has
corrected the greatest diplomatic b!uader
OF his reign, which lie peFposrsted when
in defiance OF Nsmarcks wise counsels
be destroyed the smicable understanding
between Germany and Russia. Bismarck
never oE5<ok t2Sk since 1sAA the friendship
Of Russia aaa Prussia had been unbrokea
THAI without the friendly neutrality of
Gar Alexander the Second the iriumphs
Of Sa9owa and Sedan would have been
impossible Bismarck knew that Ger
many with Russia on her side might defy
the rest Of Europe, aud ne centemptuouslv
said that Bulgaria was not worth the bones
o. single Pomegantan gveaadier.
This renewal OF cordial relations be-
tween S. Petersburg aad Berlin has o.
ioSed close upon the reeoncilsment Of
Bismarck With Emperor William. This
renewal of IrseHdly relations between Ger.
uaany and Russia assures the peAce of
Europe, unless France should choose Ia
pick quarrel silh England. Bismarck
wres;ed The leadership Of Germany from
Austria wjth she jacit consent OF Russia ia
/ iS@; then BE crushed France with the
consent cf Russia. who held Austria by
the ear. bismarck allowed Russia in ISIS
&c invade Bulgaria, sad kept Austria nen-
trsi. Then bismarck made the Tr.p,e
AAiaace, ani nov that Is bezsaniav 10