The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-01-06

ms, SohtilueO Ullc OlplOmot. Slc mas
been looking for an opportunity to step
III and make ii treaty which would give
her control of Vardoe. Nadsoe and pos
sibly Hanmerfest and Tromsoe, tho
ports which afford free access to the AT
lantlc the year round from Lapland.
Russia already has territory adjoining,
and Il small extension of her limits would
embrace two or three of these fine ports.
TO what extent Russian influence his
| been behind the republican movement
in Norway. or through what secret meth
| DDS the Russians may have promoted the
| separatiSt agitation, l do not know, but
! if Russia does make an effort TO secure
| Atlantic ports | venture the prediction
that both Germany and Great Britain
WILL protest. Their protest may lead to
war. France will ut once be drawn into
the conflict, and then you will see the
real. the terrible, the long expected and
much talked of general war i'll the old
world. Europe will be turned into u
mighty camp. Millions upon millions of
soldiers will ravagc the lands.
The Old Franco-Gcrinnn Sore.
The best of it is, according To rv
view. that if war comes it is likely to be
the last great conflict in Europe for uer-
hapS half century. One n..'c enormous
conflict. unparalleled in its:dcstruc,ive-
ness, do expect To see in Europe, and
after that, for Il long time at least. uni
versal peace. 1t is undeniablc that the
tendency of mankind is toward peace
W ars are becoming fewer and fewer.
Even the absolute monarchs-an if YOU
will stop to think of it there are precious
few absolute monarchs left in the world
no longer go to war to satisfy their
whllns or their wounded pride War.
thank heaven, is not plaything of kings
i'll this our day and generation. But un-
derneath the surface influences are ut
work which will bring on at least one
more conflict. The old sore between Ger
many and France has never healed. 1t
Is known to all men who travel in France
and who get near to the people of that
country that the national aspiration is
the recapture of Alsace and Lorraine.
France will never be content till she has
effected this or failed in mighty effort.
Desperate Game.
Moreover, some excuse must he given
for the maintenance of the mighty ar
mics which exist in Europe All through
the old world every fifth man is a SOL
der Enormous taxes are levied for the
support of these vast troops, for their
equipment, their horses, their provender.
1t Is becoming an axiom i'll the diplomat
&c world of Europe that some day, and
not II distant day ut that, excuse must
be given the people for this levy upon
them. If they are to be continually
asked for tribute to military rule. they
must be afforded proof that military
rule is necessity. They must be salts
fed that real necessity exists for the
maintenance OF these vast armies. This
raison detrc can be given ONLY in war.
For years now rumors of war and fears
or war have sufliced. But there must
be actual war pretty soon. or the tax
payers who pay these military bills ont
OF the sweat Of their brows will rise I'M
and overwhelm monarchs and armies TO-
gether. Without money armies are i'm
possible, and, except in Russia the peo-
pie are holding the pursestrings. There
tore the monarchs must have war or 70
down. They must play the most dos
perate OF all games as Il sort of realistic
spectacularisln for the amusement and
satisfaction of their financial supporters.
II the people cannot have a show, they
Will not pay the bills
Terrible Enemies.
"As 10 Norway and Sweden" con
cluded the diplomat, Il Shall be sorry
TO see tronble come TO them. They are
two of the most interesting countries in
Europe. Nopeople are more industrious.
more hospitable than they. Stockholm
Is one of the finest cities in Europe. and
there are as much culture and refinement
there as in any Of the great European
capitals. Stockholm has often been com
pared to Paris III The gaycty and artistic
touch OF It's people. The Norwcgians are
more sober, serious minded people
They have to scratch II living ont Of
| stretch OF rocks with the sea ON one side