Birmingham state herald., 1897-04-11
ANOTHER GREAT SHIFTING On the Political Chess Board of
 Europe Imminent. FRANCE, RUSSIA AND ITALY
With Germany and Austria as a Side Card, in the Deal.
FRANCE IS TOO TICKLE AS AN ALLY
Proposed Visits of Rulers Which May Mean Much-William's Slight of the Iron Chancellor the Subject of
 Unfavora ble Comment.

Copyright 1897 by the Associated Press. Berlin, April 10.-It is understood on reliable authority that another great shifting on the political chess board of Europe is imminent, the relations of France and Russia having grown stead fly worse, to the extent that they are be- ing artifcially bolstered up and the ad- hesion of Italy to the dreibund being since the financial and military impo tence of Italy became glaringly apparent by the Abyssinians adventure, but nomi- nal, therefore new arrangement for pre- serving the peace balance of Europe has been deemed necessary. Since last Sep tember private letters on this subject have been repeatedly exchanged between Berlin, St. Petersburg and Vienna and in German diplomatic and political cir cies 1t is considered foregone conclusion that an understanding has been reached. llaiy will little longer belong to the drei- bund, even nominally and the force of events is gradually driving her into the arms of Great Britain and France, and 1t is believed here with the proba- ble speedy victory of the radical party In Italy this change will be accomplished
 AOn the other hand the czar and his ad- Visers are said to be decided that France Is too tickle for reliable ally and on the oeSt pooSiplS authority the ASSOc1ateQ Press Is informed that an entente, which perhaps later will be followed by a for nal alliance is to be reached in the spring and summer between Germany, Russia and Austria. Some of the pre- lminaries will be agreed upon between Emperor William and his ally Emperor Francis Joseph, during the formers visit 10 vienna which Is now definitely fixed for April 22. Three days later Emperor Francis Joseph will visit the czar at St. petersburg. During these visits the pre- liminaries for the understanding between the emperors will be discussed and will probably be ratified. Emperor Williams visit to the czar soon after will serve the same purpose. The proposed agreement IS Nirected mainly against the dubious, shffting policy of Great Britain on the eastern question and the maintenance of thH European statu quo.
 The fact which has now become known Tn spite or the reports to the contrary that Emperor William sent neither mes sage or congratulation nor other greet ings to Prince Bismarck on his birthday has been generally and severely com mented upon by the German press and mas rendered the emperor, for the time Delng, very unpopular Even the cefl- tflst press deems the omission to be an act of unpardonable rudeness and Prince Bismarck is said to be so deeply offended that he will never forgive his majesty An interpolation of the governments intentions in view of the new United States tariff and the reciprocity claims Of 1891 will come up immediately after the Easter holidays. It will be supported by the conservatives, national liberals and part of the centre.
 The remains of Johannes Brahms, the composer of music who died on Saturday, last, will be buried between the tombs of Beethoven and Schubert. He left no legal~wiil, only letter to his publisher, Csimrock, making the Society of Friends of Music the sole heir of his fortune of S4O0O0 and the copyrights of his compo- sitions, together with all his manuscripts and beautiful collections of autographs.