The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1896-01-15
A GRAVE POLITICAL SITUATION.
ENGLAND'S CRISIS.
Belief That Emperor williams Attitude
Was Intended to Provoke War.

The gravity Of the political crisis in Eng
land is increasing instead OF diminishing.
The attitude of Emperor William toward
Great Britain In the matter bf Dr. Jameson's
freebooting expedition into the Transvaal,
upon closer study, seems to have been de-
nberately and carefully planned. The Trans
vaal incident, II would appear, was only the
pretext seized upon by the emperor in order
to enter the field az an active opponent Of
Great Britain's policy of aggrandizement IN
Africa, and her little misunderstanding with
King Prempeh, Of Ashanti, together with her
support of Italy's warfare against Abyssinla,
are believed TO have been the irritating fea-
lures which finally induced his majesty TO
show his hand. OF course this is only sam
pie Of the rumors in circulation here, but IL
shows the drift OF the wind, and has served
to incense the British to degree not wit
messed since war with Russia was threatened
some years ago.
To make matters worse. II is now reported
that the Transvaal republic will demand an
Indemnity of s2,50O,0 900 from Great Britain
as one of the results of DR.. Jameson's inva-
sion of the little Dutch republic. II this
turns out TO be the case no doubt will be en-
tertained that Emperor William, in his recent
interview with DIR. w. j. Leyds, secretary Of
state of the Transvaal, prompted this demand
and may also have announced his intention
OF supporting it.
Under these circumstances, and In view Of
war preparations 10y land and sea. now being
vigorously pushed by Great Britain, 1t is not
astonishing that there was an ominous drop
in consuls which, rs much rs anything. is u
clear indication that the gravity of the
lion.
Dispatches from Berlin announce that En-
peror William had an important conference
with DR.. Kayser. chief of the German col
onial Office, and that further dispatches have
been exchanged between Berlin and Pre-
toria.
The German emperor.it appears, had plan
ned TO land force of Germans at Dclagoa
Bay, in order TO assist the Beers against the
British, and only desisted from so doing
when he learned of DIR. Jameson's defeat aud
capture. This, It Is claimed, Ia proof that
his message TO President Kruger, congratu-
lating him upon his victory over the British
and his majCstys reported announcement to
DR.. W. J. Leyds that Germany refused TO
recognize any suzerainty over the Transvaal,
were well weighed moves and the result of a
prearranged policy.
Great Britain is evidently determined not
TO be caught unprepared for war. The re-
port that orders have been sent to Ports
mouth. Devonport and Chatham for the i'm
mediate commissioning of flying squadron
of warships Is confirmed.
The admiralty are now preparing lists Of
tine Officers ana men 1Or tne SQuuurOn WHICH
will comprise the armored battleships Royal
Oak and Revenge and the cruisers Gibralter,
Hermione, Charybdis and Theseus.
II is announced upon official authority
that Admiral Rawson, commanding the Cape
and West Africa squadron, has been ordered
to take his flagship, the st. George, to Della
goa bay
Besides these preparations, the greatest
activity is displayed at all the ship yards,
making ready for call for the commissions
ing of more ships as soon aS needed, and the
naval reserve lists are being prepared in
readiness for the emergency.