The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-08
THE DREIBUND.

1t does not take much to set the nicely
adjusted scales which preserve the balance
of power in Europe moving one way or an
other. few days ago it was the ostenta-
tious display of friendship between Russia
and France, then it was speech of the
German Emperor, and now it is one by
King Humbert of Italy 1t was to be ex-
pected that the recent demonstration of
friendship between Russia and France
would be followed by a new exploitation
of the Dreibund or triple alliance between
Germany Austria-Hungary and Italy.
This is not the first time that such dem
onstration has caused the triple alliance
powers to show themselves in evidence.
Originally formed as a bulwark against the
domination of Russia in Europe, it has
never failed to assert itself when occasion
required. 1t was formed between Germany
and Austria Hungary in 1879, and Italy
Joined it in 1882. This alliance expired in
1887, when a new one was secretly con-
cluded. 1t stipulated that if either Austria
or Germany without being the aggressor,
were attacked by Russia the combined mill
tary forces of the two empires would move
against that power; if France should at
tack either Germany or Italy she would
be opposed by both those powers acting
in common and if France and Russia
should combine to assail one or more of
the powers in the triple alliance the entire
military and naval strength of all three
would be called into immediate action. The
existence of this alliance has been a con-
tinual source of irritation to both Russia
and France since it's terms first became
known, and the recent ostentatious demon
stration of friendship between them was
probably intended as a sort of feeler to
ascertain if it was still in full force. Fol-
lowing Immediately after this demonstra-
ton comes the announcement that Emper-
or William has congratulated King Hum
bert of Italy upon the stability of the
Dreibund and that the King had responded
in what was thought a rather equivocal
tone. The declarations were made in the
form OF speeches at a banquet given by the
Emperor to the King, in Hamburg. The
dispatch says: In proposing the toast to
King Humbert Emperor William said:
NV army thanks your Majesty for the
honor of your leading a corps in the re-
view, but not only my army. but the whole
German fatherland greetS III your Majesty
an exalted prince, a close friend of my
father and true ally, whose presence again
shows and the world how unShakaDle
and firm stands the Dreibund, which was
founded in the interest of peace and which,
the longer in lasts will more firmly and
more deeply strike its roots into the minds
of the people and bear fruit accordingly.
King Humbert in toasting the Emperor
replied in French. He said:
| am glad of the opportunity to give you
fresh testimony of the cordial friendship
and alliance between our governments and
states. Your Majesty has set your reign
a noble task by devoting your constant
efforts toward peace the maintenance of
which, by agreements, will end in the unan-
imouS wish of our governments and also in
my most ardent desires. / think | shall al
ways remain faithful TO my countrys mis-
sion by giving loyal support 10 the accom-
plishment of this work-the greatest and
most beneficial of all for the welfare of ma
tons and the progress of civilization.
The speeches are worth careful reading
as showing how Kings and Emperors fence
with words That of the Emperor is
strong bid for an equally strong declara-
ton from King Humbert, while that of the
latter is somewhat guarded. 1t certainly
does not place the maintenance of the
triple alliance above all other things. and
seems to hint that there may be other ends
of even greater Importance to Italy. 1t is
likely however, that the Dreibund will con-
tinue, for it is a natural alliance and has
done good work in preserving peace in
F,urope