The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-08-10
ALLIANCE AGAINST ENGLAND
Specuiations AS to One Being Formed by
Russia. Germany aud Frapcc- EpghAh
Engineers strike-Row in English Post
office-To Increase the Natican's Rev
enues

Engineer = strtke-Row In Englt-h Post
office-To Increase the vatican's Rev.
enues
London, August The leading
question is continental political circles
is: Will the visit OF Emperor William.
of Germany, to st. Petersburg, result
in a German Russ IAN French under
standing directed against Great Bri-
tain? Such consummation is un-
doubtedly devoutly wished for In Ger
many. where. the denunciation OF the
treaty of commerce between Great
Britain and Germany has rekindled
Anglo -phobism.
The Deutsche Zeitung voices the gen.
eral hope, saying: The emperor viii
achieve imperishable renown IL he sue
ceeds in creating an alliance aiming at
the annihilation of Englands power"
Continuing. The Deutsch Zeitung sug-
gestS that the emperor should endeav-
or to obtain the closing of continental
ports against English goods. The fact
that the German emperor Is accom-
panied to st. Petersburg by the imperial
chancellor, Prince Hohenlohe, and by
the preSumptive foreign minister, Ba-
ron Won Buelow indicates the import
ance which Is attached to the visit.
Advices from Paris, however. show
there is little enthusiasm there on the
subject of the suggested anti-English
alliance, the impression being that
France, in entering into such an ar
rangement, is only playing Germany's
game, and it is very doubtful il France
will derive material advantages there
from. On the other hand, Great Bril-
tain, judging from the tone OF the
press, is absolutely Indifferent and is
content to continue in her position of
n1nf f-ffa
either the dreibund or the Russo
French combination will receive her
with open arms If she desires To join
them, even though maps are already
published showing the approaching
partition of the British empire.
The trouble in the engineering trades
is apparently not a whit nearer set
tlemen. The employers declare they
will not permit the union men to re-
turn to their shops unless they UNDER
take to work amicably with the nom
uniOnists. Large numbers Of eX-sol-
diers and ex-policemen are employed
to prevent any interference upon the
part Of the engineers pickets with the
men remaining at work. There are
signs that the funds of the strikers
will be exhausted sooner than expect
ed. though the engineers seem more
determined than ever to fight ii out
1t Is stated that the Employers Fed
GRAFTON has arranged to lock out early
during the coming week enough addi-
tiOnal men to cost the engineers E2O,-
600 ($100, ,00O in additional weekly strike
pay.
The attitude Of the postoffice teIe-
graphers is becoming threatening. The
answer Of the postmaster general, the
duke Of Norfolk, to their demands, is
not forthcoming and il the telegraph
operators carry out their threats an al
most complete stoppage Of the service
Is probable during the coming week
The delays In the transmission OF mes
sageS are already serious. The finan-
cial secretary Of the treasury. Mr.. Han
bury, in the house Of commons ON
Thursday. explained that the delay was
due to motives OF economy. The news
papers are most scathing In their CON-
ments on the mismanagement Of the
pOstoff1ce.
Antarctic expeditions are becoming
thick. In addition to the Belgian expe-
dition and the suggested British expc-
dition to the south pole. Professor
Neumayer. president Of the German
Antarctic committee Is organizing an
expedition consisting OF two ships,
with which to penetrate the meridian
of Kerguelan island. His plans include
the erection Of an observation station
on some yet undiscovered land where
he and his scientific staff will remain
for two Antarctic winters. One Of the
ships is to keep in communication with
the outer world, while the other is to
explore behind the mysterious coasts
Of Wilkes and Victoria land. The cost
of this expedition Is calculated TO be
$3.50 200.
The vatican, including the pope him.
self. Is actively engaged in a cam
paign to stimulate the revenue from
Peters Pence, which shows a serious
decrease. The chief contributor TO this
fund has always been France, but the
tendency Of the vatican to support re-
publicanism has cooled the ardor OF
the aristocratic donors and while the
gifts from America have increased.
they do not cover the French deficit
The receipts are steadily abating while
the expenses Of the vatican are in
cre2sin0