The times., 1897-09-12

London, Sept. 1.-THE last, for the
ptesent, OF the great meetings OF Emper-
ots, Presidents, Kings, and Princes, which
have been the most remarkable feature
of recent European history, takes place
In Hungary next Week. Nearly every
bedy attaches the highest significance
not only 20 the recent visits OF the Kaiser
and President Faure to st. Petersburg,
but also to the meeting Of Humbert and
william, at Hamburg, aud next Weeks
entertainment of the German Emperor
by Francis Joseph.
The most reasonable Interpretation OF
the latest situation seems to be that
the relations of the Car and the Kaiser
are genuinely friendly, and the Emperor
most anxious to secure Russa's support
in the execution OF his personal designs
against England. The Gar desires 10
heal the long stan ding breach which
amounts 10 commercial war between Italy
and France.
The Kaiser does not object, but it is
necessary 10 demonstrate in advance that
Italy 5 still a stdnch member of the
triple alliance. Hence Humberts public
declaration at Hamburg the-other day that
ne Is still true TO his allegiance. The
same declaration served also TO silence
the report that there is growing Italian
aneC tion for England. There undoubtedly
VIII bc u similar observation next week
from Francis Joseph, which viii cancel
The stories tHat Austria synlpathiZes while
turning toward Russia. Everything la con
tinentdi politics viii be nicely in order. The
balance of power not only viii be per
feet, but the two alliances VIII be ON
suCh good terms with each other that
the Kaiser will be at liberty to press
lis scheme of general cooperation against
the selfish British ambitions.
The secret OF what occurred at the meet
ings of Kaiser Wilhelm and King Humbert
and their ministers has been Well Kept SO
far One thing appears 10 be certain.
the rleetings Were held for business. IL
looks as though King Humbert and his
ministers We're trying to strike bar
gam, and that they demanded a bigger
price than was expected for standing
apart, willie Russia, Germany and France
" orried England.
There are signs that France is disposed
tocomiaence diplomaticcampaigna against
England without waiting for Italy to de-
eide what she will do. The recent re
marks Of the Paris Temps that the future
OF the Soudan cannot be left to the caprice
OF British diplomacy has not attracted adlf
the attention 1t deserves The Temps Is
the only newspaper at this moment IN
France which can be regarded as inspired.
Either by accident or design the Temps
remarks about the Soudan Were followed
almost Immediately by the announcement
that the two French expeditions TO the
upper Nile region had united and were now
doubtless installed on the great river it
self.
In some quarters the impression prevails
that the Anglo-Egyptian army will find the
French flag at Khartoum If the advance
beyond Rerher be delayed till next year
That would constitute casus beli, and
there is not the slightest reason to doubt
that If Gen. Kitchener should find the
French flag flying he promptly would
pun it down. Such a contingency is
remote, however. The row between France
and England is much more likely TO com
mence over the disputed boundaries of the
upper Niger region of West Central Africa.
Long ago the French outmaneuvered the
English in that part Of Africa, and calmly
occupied territory recognized as British.
These unpie asant facts have been dis
covered and made public. They were
printed 10y the London Tory paper only
this week, and made prodigious stir.
There is an uneasy feeling that Salisbury
will yield to France in this matter. That
would be an easy wayof averting trouble,
and there is certainly nothing in the recent
career OF Salisbury TO makeit see em likely
that he would take it.