The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-19
THE FRANCO-RUssIAN TREATY.
Is 1t Offensive ana Defensive ,

The city which is noted for the most trust
worthy international news is Vienna, and
from there the correspondent OF the GnuIOis
writes what he asserts to be the real substance
OF the Franco-Russian treaty. 1t was well
known that a military convention of n de.
fensive nature existed between France and
Russia. The basis Of this convention was pro-
posed by Alexander III. and accepted by the
French Government. In this convention
there was stipulated particularly the number of
men that each of the contracting powers
would place at the service of the other in case
that other should be attacked by one of the
prcponderant powers Of the Triplice. The word
''prcponderant" is important. II is evident
that II Italy determined TO make war upon
France, as she threatened some time ago. and
that she carried on the war alone, Russia
would. not move. She would not advance her
battalions except In case Germany should come
Since the signing OF this convention events
nave BROUGHT about a new situation. Russia
European affairs and In Asia an Identical poll.
cy, and have blended their interests. This is
the situation that Nicholas ii. wanted to con
sondntc by n definite instrument.
1t is believed at Vienna that the now treaty
does not contain many articles. The words
that have given rise already 10 so much com.
ment, those, famous words, spirit OF justice
a 9reat squi III 4 soI 4his IKE a Re resume sumo Of the new
humorous 'notes' have been exchanged be-,
tween tho two Governments, and some Of these
point out precisely the condition and the con.
sequences OF the alliance. The two powers are
mutual support under forms which are equal
ly specified and according to events which
may happen either in Europe or in tho extreme
Some well'informed persons have exagger-
a asea ,nG terms nst@ of this am new treaty, giving II an
nave no intention 10 attack any country Inr.
without being attacked directly. For cx'
ample, II one OF the powers OF the Triple ALI
ance. or England. should become guilty OF
some act or make a demonstration absolutely
France or OF Russia, and 4, in spite OF the Of.
i0rts OF diplomacy, the difficulty would have
TO DC settled bE wer, then the two allied
tions desired. II in 1870 the Franco Russian
alliance had existed and the candidacy OF the
was presented, Russia would have made To-
Scrmany the same circumstances as France
had made, and doubtless Germany would have
twice before garbling the kilograms.
tn IN this sense i may, perhaps, be said that
France and Russia are bound TO resist by com.
mon accord any effort on the part of any other
justice and equity" which must sh"I sp al 81
guide the powers In Europe. The agreement
does not 40 any further.
Ihere If also a question In regard to the as
s~istance which Denmark might receive from
the French fleet, This eventually is not in
any one OF the clauses OF the treat y. because
there is no treaty between France and nen.
mark, but In case Denmark should he apnin
attaIked by her Unsuitable ,neighbor, and Rus.
STA should come TO her aid, then II 4, ure.
S,iHea that Franco would not remain inactive.
!d.hss hypoIhesis enters into the conditions OF tho
ample Is good to confirm the statement that
the alliance has been brought about in the
SSSS G sscaliSS ds; SSe eta ''144 nsti.a 81 sif assissi q