The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-27

be far different. He had even shown rath-
er naive way what was at the bottom or
MS mind, IN the toast, where he went SO
far as TO place the Russian army above
the German That was certainly more than
any one asked or expected from him. He
must have regretted this fiattery later, and
we may feel assured that he bears grudge
against France for it as well as against
Russia This feeling of his is point in
the new diplomatic situation that must not
be lost sight CT. The Prussian monarch, on
entering public life, has known only the in
toxication of absolute power. The cheek
he has received is the first in his expert
TO submit to it,
Assuredly it is the intention of neither
Russia nor France to seek in the transfor-
nation just undergone by the political sit
uation OF Europe pretext for a quarrel
with Germany. Yet circumstances may
arise which will demand decisions that no
one now foresees and that no one wishes.
of Germans settled in Russia Is the cause
OF some apprehension. They have not sue
ceeded, it appears, in making themselves
liked everywhere by the people, and there
are fears of conflicts which mutual i'll will
might easily embitter
The essential idea Of the Franco Russian
alliance is. however, one of general peace,
and it has been developed and strengthened
during the last years. Let us hope that
the future will bring only new guarantees
to this ideal Even If other after thoughts
are Joined to this wish by some political
Spectators all the nations of Europe sim
cerely desire that the future may add new
guarantees to the existing condition of af-
fairs. Doubtless different thought must
have mingled with the enthusiastic celebra-
ton, with which all France, moved by a
truly national Impulse. we can say, greeted
the prospect of rehabilitation But if the
Russian alliance opens out new ViStas be-
fore us, it likewise bears to us CounSeS OF
patience which viii be listened to. cur
country has now regained the place 1t held
among the powers even in its most brilliant
days. Let time complete the work 1t will
succeed better than the wisely prepared
combinations of diplomacy
One point there is in what has been just
accomplished, to which no one for the mo-
ment seems to, pay attention, though its
1t overpowerS even the international point
of view which our own situation has caused
us to consider first. The change made is
certainly a great one, yet 1t becomes of
secondary Importance when compared to
the metamorphosis which must take place
in the progress and position of Russia
The spectacle of the Russian people APP
plauding the "Marseillaise" and singing ii
alternately with the national hymn in its
enthusiasm is one which the boldest spec
tator would not have dared to imagine
few years ago. Nothing, TO be sure. that
happened on the banks of the Neva touch-
ed in any degree the prestige, the authority
or the effective power of the Car. 1t Is
possible on the contrary, that he may find
a new force in the events to which he has
in manner thrown wide the gates. That
will depend on the consequences and the
CALAMITY brought about in his traditional
policy. One thing is certain even now. 1t
will be an acquired gain whatever course
events may take. The applause that
greeted the 'Marseillaise" and the tri-
color banner in the streets of st. Peters
future alone can tell us what it has in
store for us.