The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-01
EyGhlyD's GREAr DlNGER.
1t j. said Russia and Japan Have Formed
an Alliance.

=
an Alliance.
LONDON. oct. &.-The belief that
events OF the first magnitude are I'M
bending in the far East daily grows
stronger. not only in London. but also
IN Otner European capitals. The only
point upon which all reports and an
opinions agree IS that English interests
in that section of tire world are vitality
threatened.
The reported treaty between Russia
and China regarding Port Artnur
aroused such widespread alarm IN Eng
land that attention has been distracted
from news Of even more serious import
10 this country, which has been COM
ine from Japan for several days past.
The first hint Of what was soing ON was
contained in dispatch 10 tine Times,
which said that a strong feeling in
favor OF Russia IS gaining ground in
Japan, il being held that a friendly
alliance with that country can alone
bring prosperity 10 Japan.
Then IT was announced that Count
Yamasata IS FOR Russia, and if be gains
his point in the Council of Ministers,
Japan and Russia viii be I'm alliance.
To-day comes momentous report,
which e., being freely circulated IN diplo-
matte tAlN4t- lt isDl4A'Alf NA- A-1N t-'N
Yet appeared i'm print that such "A Russo
Japanese alliance has been practically
decided upon. This rumor. for / DO
not attempt TO dignity it In any stronger
name finds .rcadier credence among di-
Dlomats than the story about the secret
treaty with China. The diplomatic world
is beginning TO regard China as In a
condition OF decadence, almost beyond
treaty-making. impotent as a friend. and
harmless as en- enemy.
IL is well known that England has
adopted the most friendly attitude TO-
ward Japan since the treaty of peace
was signed. IL is believed here that
Japan has been putting that friendliness
90 the test. The japanese Government.
81 IS represented, argued that. il the
face OF the obvious designs OF Russia
and France. she must have the sup-
port of Great Britain 20 the extent OF "a
fan offensive and defensive alliance. be-
cause anything snort Of that would fall
10 check the plans Of the opposing coali-
ron.
England, Of course. would not grant
such a treaty. except in the face Of the
most desperate necessity There are
strong and manifold indications that
Japan. becoming suspicious. as she Us
right In doing. Of British bona nlcs has
been quietly negotiating for some weeks
with Russia
IL this proves n correct view Of the
situation. it VIII bo greeted by the
whole diplomatic world with gleoul sat
isfactiou If statesmen ever ALLOW them
selves TO entertain such an emotion.
II is quite certain that not a finger will
De raised 20 help England in her d.
lcmma. ON the contrary. all Europe
Will rejoice TO see British preponderance
Ia the far East completely oyerthrown.
as it soon would be IN such an eventu-
atty.
Every hour Of the day this week brings
fresh quotations Of opinion from France.
Russia, Germany. Austria. and other
parts OF the Continent. expressing salts
faction over The belief that England IS
being worsted On the great game OF
diplomacy now being played The only
eNpedient anywhere suggested for turn
ing the situation TO possible English adj
vantage IS the desperate one Of finding
an immediate excuse FOR declaring war
against China. in order to seize the prize
which otherwise. sooner or later. will be
divided among Great Britain's rivals 49,
New York Sun.