Evening journal., 1898-10-20
THEFASHODAAFFAIR
Sir Michael Hicks Beach's 8
Plain Talk.
THERE ARE GREATER EVILS THANWAR
British Honor Must he Defended.
Eject of the Speech-France
straining Every Nerve TO
Get Ready For War.


strafning Every Nerve to
Get Ready For War.
LONDON, Oct 2O.-Sir Michael Hicks
Beach. chancellor OF the exchequer
speaking at North Shields last evening,
announced that the government had
opened negotiations with the powers
with a view of securing to the subjects
of the various powers the right of de-
veloping the respective spheres in
which each country is especially inter-
ested.''
Regarding the Fashoda question. he
said he wished cordially to acknowledge
the desire evidenced in the speeches of
Lord Salisbury and Mr.. Herbert As
quith to help the government in the
matter, "a matter which might devel-
op to the utmost gravity"
1T is impossible" he continued, FOL
France to maintain that she has pollt-
ical rights at Fashoda. She has natE-
rally and properly asked for time to re-
ceive Major Marchand's report: but, un-
til the contrary is proved, ] decline to
believe that France will refuse TO with
draw. If she refused, the matter would
assume an aspect as grave as is possi-
bic between two great nations.
THE government is animated by the
friendliest spirit toward France and
does not wish to infiict humiliation.
What we desire is fair treatment. OuI
work in Egypt is not complete. Africa
Is big enough for us both-for France in
the west and ourselves in the east
Surely we ought to be able to agree to
respect one another's rights and claims
Il hope, trust and believe the ques-
tion is capable Of a friendly solution
but this country has put her foot down
II, unhappily, another view should be
taken by France. the queens ministers
know what their duty demands.
1T would be a great calamity IL, aft
er peace for upward of so years, ouI
friendly relations should be disturbed
and we should be launched in a great
war, but there are greater evils than
war. and we shall not shrink from any
thing that is coming, knowing that we
are supported by a united people"
This speech has deeply impressed
England, and the utmost concern is felt
as to how France will receive 1t. The
idea has been prevalent that the French
have not realized how seriously Eng
land felt on the Fashoda question,
which has been coupled with a desire
that France would not force England TO
an armed support of Lord Salisbury s
stand.
The Paris correspondent of The Daily
Mail says:
I'm Toulon and Brest every nerve is
strained to get ready for war, which
may break out on short notice. The
Paris press Is growing more and more
determined to back up extreme meas
ures, even a resort to arms. The French
have been excessively piqued by the
threatening tone Of the English papers,
which is a more likely casus belli than
the mere question of Fashoda.
consequently the outlook here is
grave. There are reports of troops hur-
rying from Paris to Brest. and Toulon
The artillery in the batteries and at
the various ports have been conhden-
TALLY instructed for any emergency
and the cannon at all the forts and bat.
teries are kept ready for action at any
moment. Today there was a prolonged
war council at Brest of the chiefs OF
the various services, and NJ. LoclSroy is
hastily returning to Toulon on account
of the gravity Of the situation"
The Paris correspondent Of The
Standard says:
If England keeps on saying thai
Marchand must go, France will reply
that Marchand win stay, and if he b,
removed forcibly there can be littl,
doubt as to what the consequences
will be-"
On the other hand, the Paris CORE
spondent of The Daily Graphic says:
Il have good reason for stating tina
Count Muravieff, Russian foreign min
ister has discouraged French resist
ance in the matter of Fashoda."
Most of the papers, however, refus,
to accept the explanation that Frencl
activity is merely in pursuance of NJ
Lockroy's scheme. Several exhort tn
government to answer the preparation
of France by mobilizing the British
fleet.
Some Of the more conservative or
gans, notably The Times, practically ig
more the French movements and declin
to perceive any war cloud.
The Daily Chronicle remarks:
"Sir Michael Hicks Beach has beel
at it again. He is a dangerous man
He has honesty without tact"
other papers hint that the plail
speaking of the chancellor at a tim
when a crisis is approaching is an in
discretion.