The times., 1897-08-29
Circulation Statement.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2e, 1897.
The Frnnco-Russien Alliance.

Much may be forgiven TO the vanity of
O great but rather hot-headed and mer-
ourial people, who have a distinct aud
sore grievance. 1t is none the less true
tl.at undoubtedly the most misleading
view of the important treaty of alliance
announced a. having been signed between
France and Russia is presented 10y the
leading newspapers OF the French republic
1t must be remembered that the import
snce or this event of the day rests rather
upon publicity and official confession than
upon the bare fact. The latter has been
more or less in evidence for months; but
proba bly, it had not been reduced to written.
final and binding form until this week.
We await the text OF the treaty with con
siderable interest. 1t is said that IL Will
he promulgated simultaneously by both
governments.
What hopes and ideas have been raised
In France by this matter is revealed In the
words Of one Partisan journal, L'Autorite,
which says: After the Cars reference
70 right and equity it is no longer for
lddden that France should think of Alsace
and Lorrainei" All this, of course, is
nonsense. It does not appear anywhere
Cd the horizon Of European affairs that
the good understanding between Russia
and France has the slightest reference 70
the relations, past, present, OF future
between France and Germany, except that
1t probably is intended 10 keep the peace
between them on the Russian side of the
contract.
The history OF this ''rapprochement'' be-
tween the countries is vital to any un
Outstanding OF the present status. Iu was
the outgrowth OF a community of ami
mostly against Great Britain. That power
gave tire French nation most sweeping
affront, in aIpropriaung, occupying and
absorbing the suez Canal, Egypt, and the
control OF Oriental trade by that route
ANY kind OF alliance was good enough for
France when that had happened, against
British aims and interests, and a firm
one with Englsnd's most natural enemy
was useful, also, in limiting the char
aeteristic turbulence OF the German En-
diplomatic leverage in the evolution OF
the new continental policy and coalition.
When the Greek war came on, readers
will recolleet that the rulers OF Russia,
Austria and Germany very soon got their
heads together and established an under
EtandinG between themselves which ut
less she could effect an offensive and de-
fensive alliance with France.
From time to time we have seen evi.
ocnces of the efforts that Lord Sails
bury has made TO secure Gallo friend
ship. The present outcome is seen 10 De
that he has failed, and that the Enperors
have won France and the game. On the
logic OF the situation, the isolation and the
expulsion of Great Britain from the coun-
rIls OF Europe is as complete could be
conceived. That nation is with out al
ally worth talking about IN the old world,
and is not likely to find any in the new.
This is the important thought from an
American standpoint, and, on the whole.
mis- satisfactory one. England ought to
be too much engaged With her own troubles
and perils for the next few years 10
much bother US in the development of our
bwn little ambitions and projects. Nothing
rould be better than that. Success, peace
and happiness to the Franco Russian al
hance!