The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-04-18
THE GAR AND THE KAISER.

Ii Mr.. Gladstone's knowledge of Euro
pean affairs is as com prehensive as he
evidently thinks il, then Europe at the
present time is dominated by Germany
and Russia, and all other nations are sub
ordinate to the diplomacy of these pow
ers. Mr.. Gladstone, indeed, states the
case more strongly. He charges that
Germany and Russia themselves are com.
pletely under the control of their rulers,
and charges that the Gar and the Kaiser
are the arbiters of the nations and directly
responsible for maintaining the Turkish
empire, and, therefore, indirectly answer
able for the Armenian atrocities and the
present complications in Crete and Greece.
In letter recently addressed to Damp
yes, the Macedonian leader, Mr.. Gladstone
says:
You might, and all Hellenes might, count
upon the sympathies of the people of
this country, and in most matters when you
have the sympathies OF this people you can
count upon the action of our Government; but
it is not the people or the Government of
Great Britain who are directing the course OF
Cretan and Greek questions
Under the present deplorable scheme all our
Government has to do is to plead for its
opinions as If it were before a tribunal of
those youthful despots. the Emperors OF Ger
many and Russia, and to abide by and help
execute their final determinations.
The language of this letter is not that of
diplomatist. hardly even that of states
man, charged with the responsibilities OF
National affairs. 1t is rather that of an
agitator preaching new crusade. None
the less will the letter have its weight and
in f1nanPo for IL fpc rdi
nary man. Mr.. Gladstone is still great
leader, and his leadership was never more
apparent than at this time, because he is
the only man in Europe holding front
rank in craftsmanship who speaks with
a clear. resolute and decided voice on the
issues that confront the nations.
When men are undecided, doubtful and
hesltating, almost any man whose mind
is fully made up, who has convictions and
not merely opinions, and who, further
more has the courage to assert them and
the ability TO maintain them with force
and effect, is certain sooner or later to
dominate the wavering and irresolute
multitude ana shape their energies to the
accomplishment of his will. 1t is this fact
which gives Importance to Mr.. Gladstone's
attitude at the present time. While
others are hesitating he goes forward, and
it Is only question of time when the
waverers will follow his leadership and
join in his crusade.
The youthful despots," as Mr.. Glad
stone calls them, have in this old but stu
eloquent and torceful orator an antagon-
list in no way unworthy of their power.
The throne is no longer superior to the
forum and thu m an who can s,,aal- - A..
whole civilized world is not unequally
matched against men whose words com.
mand armies. The Gar and the Kaiser NAV
plot and plan in secret as they will, but
SO long as the people of Europe have
leader of the courage and eminence of
Mr.. Gladstone, the cause which they sup
port will probably prove the successful
one when the final arbitrament is made
whether the issue be determined by dip
lomacy or by the sword.