New-York tribune., 1896-01-15
FLYING SQUADRON READY.
THE WARsHIPs ARE EVIDENTLY NOT
BOUND FOR TURKEY.

CONDITION OF AFFAIRS LOOKS BRIGHTER All
LEGGED MEAS, RES FOR A HETTER FRANCO-RU RUS
SIAN vxpERsrANDING-Gov ROBINSON
>" TOLD TO LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS
= OF AMERICAN PRISONERS - TWO
CHARGED WITH TREASON IN CAPE
TOWN THE MEETING ON
THE NATAL BORDER.
Iondon Jan 1.-THE vessels comprising the
new fyiny squadron. the duties of when are
still problematica were put in commission 10
day with all the ceremonies that attend 'ha'
naval function The fleet is composed OF 'he
frst-class battleships Revenge dlagship) ana
Roval Oak. the hrst-class cruisers Theseus and
Gibraltar and NE second-class cruisers CharyD-
dis and IIetmione and six torpedo-boat destroy
ora The fleet exclusive of the torpedo-boat de-
strovers mounts seventy-two guns. and has
total tonnage of 80 07O The officers and crew
number over 1000 men. Rear Admiral Aired l.
Dale commands the squadron. The destination
of the squadron is still unknown. But little re-
lance is placed In the statement that II IS TO pro-
ceed to Turkish waters
The arrival to-day at Malta Of thirteen Of the
British vessels. which had been at Salonica as
part of the combined European fleet, which it was
tion against Turkey. but which did nothing but
ride at anchor week after week miles from the
Turkish capital. is taken a pretty strong
indication that the new squadron Is not going
TO Turkish waters.
There is an undercurrent of popular feeling
here that strongly supports the alleged pohcy
of the Government that is said TO be making IN
the direction OF better understanding between
Great Britain France and Russia. Though Eng
land is confident in her strength ii would
be disadvan;ageous for her In the event of war
to have no friends on the Continent, and recent
events have shown that whether such action was
preconcerted not she is practically isolated
so far as European sympathy is concerned
is AN ENTENTE WITH FRANCE LIKELY?
1t is held that if the statement is true that the
dispute with France relative to Siam and the
French claims on the Mekons River has beel
settled, long step has been taken in the Cirec-
ton of an entente cordiale witn France But
there always remains a barrier TO a coniplc,e
rapprochment the question of the British occu-
patton of Egypt. Until this question is settled n
eome manner satisfactory TO France, and there Is
no evidence that any change is even contem-
plated there cannot be entire harmony in the Io-
li;!cal relations between the two countries 1t Is
thought 1t would be an easier matter u arrive
at an understanding with Russia but even in this
direction many difficulties present themselves.
Little is heard now Of the question OF an open
por for Russia in the Far East. but IL is certain
that the question is only In abeyance. and Eng
land to protect her vast interests In the East vii
be compelled to oppose by every diplomatic
means in her power the acquisition by Russil Of
a port from which her fleets could threaten those
interests However. it may be possible for Lord
Salisbury to surmount the difficulties in such
manner as would enable the three Powers 20 come
TO a workable understanding on matters per ain
ing TO all OF them and more particularly or 4ues
tions affecting theis interests in Europs
Indications to-day further bear out the pre1ic-
tlons Of The United Press tha, there will be no
war The various Government offices are very
cha-y Of giving information to the press bur it Is
evident from what be gathered from outside
sources that the condition OF affairs improves
from day to day.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN 1NTERROGATES.
Mr. Chamberlain, Secretary of State fo~ tn,
Colonies has sent telegram 10 Sir Hercules
Robinson. Governor OF the Cape Colony II.
reference to the arrest in Johannesburg of men,
bers Of the Reform Union and others. Mr..
Chamberlain expressed fears that large num-
Der Of such arrests would have the effect to
disorganize the industries carried in the
Rand and asked a number Of questions as to
what the men arrested were accused OF. when
they would be tried whether bail would be
allowed, what the penalties were In the event OF
their conviction of the offences Of which they
we're charged etc. In conclusion, Mr.. Cham
berIan directed Governor Robinson. in addition
10 guarding the interests of British subjects
under arrest. to give equal attention 10 the
American and Belgian prisoners. in accordance
with the requests of their respective Govern
ments.
Lord Salisbury has sent cable dispatches to
the Governments of Australia and the Gov
ernment of Tasmania, expressing thanks for
their patriotic assurances OF sympathy and
support Nothing" the Premier said in his
kilograms "can give us greater confidence in
maintaining the interests Of the country than
knowledge OF the goodwill OF the great colo
Mes
''Thc Morning Post" will tomorrow publish
dispatch from Cape Town dated Monday, saying
that Solomon Joel ana Henri Bettelheim, promi-
nent members OF the Rand Reform Committee
were arrested in Cape Town on Saturday and
were charged before a Cape Town magistrate on
Monday with treason and Increment to rebellion