The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-05-17
ErarGc ard England.

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ErarUc ard England.
one of the imminent probabilities of
the European political situation is a
war between France and England. 1t
is well understood by politicians on
each side of the English Channel that
the territorial concessions made by
Great Britain in East Africa, and the
diplomatic arriability with which Lord
Salisbury has allowed France to have
her own way ana pursue her own
course ~ Tunis. Madagascar, Siam and
particularly IN West Africa, apparently
nn thu taCit understanding that these
were parts Of a reversion of territorial
ANA International obligations due by
England. while further instalmcnts of
this d"hr were Immediately expected,
would be prompu, enforced. Lord
Salisbury yielded to these peremptory
demands ard unauthorized incursions
"f French military adventurers on the
hintcrlands Of British African posses"
sionS, recognized by treaties with the
native chiefs as within the sphere of
british influence. Like the crow in the
fable, the more the prime minister's
plastic temperament fell under the in
tlucrcc of French Foreign Office. the
more France demanded Lord Sails
bury probably thought that these saw
age REGIONS were not worth uuarrclling
about between countries So intimately
connected in geographical affinity and
historical association as France and
tn" United kingdom. The natives Of
these coded countries wear no clothes.
ana as England's cOloni2ing expansion
has been undertaken and exploited for
many years for trade purposes alone,
the quarrel was not worth the bad
blood that wculd necessarily be engen-
d"red and probably split. Moreover,
although France did not forgive or for
get England'S occupation of Egypt. she
has given little trouble over that intri-
cate aud complicated question recently.
ana above all things. Lcrd Salisbury
loves quiet.
!'nrortunatrIy ror France ana the
peace uf thu world but emphaucally
fortunate for England's prestige and
dignity The Secretary of State for the
Colonies Is Nh Joseph Chamberlain.
Nr. Chamberlain has forced the con-
sid"raticn Of the problems that awaited
him NJ the Colonial OlHce with q fresh
in the world 10 he deceived by French
charNirism ~ mposed upon by the
uuroality for thc real Mr.. Chamberlain
has been educated N . political school
in which m" commercial interests Of
Great Britain received paramount at
tCntlon. He believes that France is
WiltullS preparing - OuSt ana Obstruct
Putish uade in every part Gf the world
in which she has an opportunity,
Through Hegitimatc interference with
treaty rights, and even in Brtain'S own
colonies ana colonial possessions. How
eve" much Englishmcn may disagree
with MI Chamberlain in domestic and
social politics, they have unbOunded
confidence in his administration of the
colonies. Ii is the only member of the
cabinet who was willing and even anX-
ious to risk a war with France. and not
alone With France bur war which
mleht "mbroil Europe in saething
cauldrcn of hloodshed. But England is
prepared for this. She stands now in a
position ot ISOLATION in Europe not at
an disyimilar 10 that in which she
stood before and during the era Of the
Napoleonic depredatiuns. Relatively,
h"r maritime strength is not less than
It was then, ana relatively that Of
France is not much greater. The inn
mCnse naval armament of England is
little understood by even Englishmen
themselves. y few experts realize it
fully, bat that Is all,
England's infinite disgust aud disap-
ppntment n the outcome Of Lord Sal
isbury's negotiations with Russia over
the annexation of Manchurla, Mr..
Chamberlain does not attempt to con-
ceal, He who sups with the devil
needs a long spoon" is his neat sum
mary OF this extraordinary diplomatic
Transaction Russia absolutely refuses
10 allow this immense and fertile prov.
ince OF what once was the Chinese EN-
pira 20 be opened free 10 the trade OF
the world as England stipulated and as
Germany has done with her slice " 4.
The perhdy Of the transaction. which
affects us no less than il does England.
is all the more humiliating that Great
Pritain could have so easily frustrated
it, This was another of Lord Sails
bury's blunders, but one not likely to
occur again The situation in Europe
is exceedingly grave. II seeTns to us
that war between England and
France Is inevitable. Such a bclliger-
ent cataclysm would involve Russia on
the side of France undoubtedly. No
less certainly, however, is Japan await
ing the word NJ England 10 step in by