The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-09
WAR Or A BACKD0WK.
Emperor William Must AbaHdon His Par-
pose or Draw His Sword Against
Great Britain

NEW YORK, Y. Y, Jan. s.-A Sun
cable from London says: Emperor Will
liam has not yet made known his decis-
ion upon the fate OF Europe. 1t must now
be, assumed that he has notified the Brit
ish Government of his intention to recog-
nize the indie pendence of the Transvaal
Republic.
We Go not know what Great Britain's
reply through diplomatic channels has
been. We know that she is preparing for
war with all the resources and energy at
her command.
The issue is perfectly clear. If Germany
lands troops at Delagoa Bay, or sends a
Minister resident to Pretoria, England
Will declare war against her.
There can be no doubt upon that point
Emperor William II must abandon his
purpose or draw his sword. We shall
know very soon which it is to be.
The gravity of the situation is greatly
increased by the fact which yesterday
came to light, that the Emperor's inten-
ton TO deny the British proteciorate over
the Transvaal antedates DR.. Jameson s
disastrous raid.
The result of the invasion served to post
pone instead of TO cause the execution of
the Kaiser's purpose.
This knowledge changes the whole as
pect of the crisis. 1t suggests that the
Emperor's action may be a deliberate
provocation of war.
1t creates the belief in some quarters
that Germany is not alone in seeking the
humiliation of Great Britain. The idea
has gained possession of the English popu-
lar mind that the Kaiser is counting upon
the support of France in attacking this
country.
This impression is not shared by men
whose opinion is valuable. The more
reasonable belief is that Russia is Ger
many's real supporter and that the Cars
Government has long been preparing, by
Its alliance with France, to secure the lat
ters neutrality in a struggle between her
two enemies.
The kaiser's letter to the Car, dis
patched by special messenger on last Sun
day, is expected to have an important
effect in deciding the issue of peace or war.
British South Africa, the latest dis
patches affirm, is in condition of the
greatest excitement and apprehension.
Not a word has been received regarding
Mr.. Rhodes and his plans.
The release of DR.. Jameson by the Beers
must not be regarded as an act of
clemency. His execution would not onlv
have plunged Cape Colony into war of
independence, but would have caused an
invasion of the republic from all Sides
Sir Hercules Robinson, who is an unu-
sually able man, has displayed great skill
in dealing with President Kruger. There
is no doubt that negotiations are progress
ing having, of course, the object on Eng
lands side of securing from the Beers a
fresh acknowledgment of the British
suzerainty and a refusal to accept a Ger
man minister.
1t is difficult to believe that such conces-
sions viii be granted by the Beers after
the events of the past week, but there is
no doubt that the price offered by Great
Britain will be an enormous one.
1t is not believed in naval circles that the
flying squadron is going to Delagoa Bay,
when two British ships from nearer sta
tions have already been ordered. 1t is GER
tain, naval authority says. that it is the
purpose Of the Government, in case pos
sible enemy sends ships TO any spot where
there are British interests, to quickly dis
patch q much larger fleet to the same
Dlace