The sun., 1898-11-06
european WAR IMPENDING
Complications That May Bring
About a Great Conflict in
the Old World.
THE PARIS PEACE COMMISSION
Gar of All the Russias Planning
Great Peace Conference,
Whilst England is Armed
to the Teeth and
Ready for Battle.
The PARIS PEACE COMMISSION

terest aroused by the reports from Lon
don that Great Britain was actively arm
ing has undergone no abatement.
While some of the rumors as to thu
war preparations are, no doubt, exagge
rated, the fact remains that the entire
navy of England-the most formidable
in the worlds being placed in readi
ness for immediate service.
All the battleships, cruisers and othel
vessels of Great Britain are being equip
ped, enormous supplies of coal have beer
purchased-larg quantities in the neigh
boring State of Pennsylvania-and the
big feet i'll Chinese waters has received
orders to hold itself in readiness to sal
at short notice.
A similar war-like activity prevails in
France. and great Russian squadron
has assembled at Port Arthur in the fal
east.
All this may indicate war, and if il
comes the conflict promises to be one Of
enormous magnitude.
Europe is vast armed cam p and a
clash between any two nations may set
it ablaze. Persons who are surprised
that a climax has not already been
reached should bear in mind that the
political leaders of England are prepar-
ing for conflict which may tax the
strength OF that great nation. The issue
will not be with France alone.
The dream of British leaders has long
been for the establishment of vast
African Empire extending from Egypt to
the Cape of Good Hope. England not
only wants to maintain her supremacy
in Egypt, but to make it permanent and
to extend her authority on the African
Continent.
She promised years ago to get out Of
Egypt instead doing so. She has strength
ened her grip on that country. Opposed
to this policy, stand France, Russia,
Germany and Turkey, the latter, the
nominal ruler of Egypt, but who hopes
to be some day again the actual ruler.
The recent capture Of Khartoum by the
Anglo-Egyptian forces over the Mahdis
army has given England a stronger grip
in Africa than she ever had before, but
it has aroused the jealous hatred of her
powerful foes, who seem about to call a
halt. She must be prepared to meet the
protests, not alone of France but of
Russia and Germany and Of Turkey,
whose friendship with Germany was
cemented by the recent visit Of the
Emperor to the Sultan and the inter-
change Of royal gifts and honor at Con-
stantinople.
This is sufficient explanation why
England is arming to the teeth, but
another reason is found in Ter quarrel
with Russia over the contemplated grabs
of both these nations in China. There
the issue is acute and the vast English
and Russian feet now in Chinese waters
may open conflict which will plunge
all Europe in war. That England needs
all the guns and men and money and
alliances she can secure is apparent, and
some of her leaders are very anxious to
the existing friendship with the
United States. If her policy leads her
into war the aid of the United States
would probably prove her. greatest safe.
guard.
That such a war would prove disas.
trous to the civilized world is, of course,
true; that English shipping should be the
prey of privateers means that the great
marine interests of the world would be in
that the closing of the ports of
France and possibly Germany land would
stop the vast commerce of those countries
would seriously affect the trade of the
United States is we'll known.
1t may b. that England's formidable
display of sea and land power will make
Ter enemies cautious; but if her present
policy, as outlined by her leaders, is
'arried out aggressively the hope for a
of peace is daily diminish
ng.
British Premier Salisbury in his speech
1t London Friday night, during the ban
luet given to General Kitchener, who
las just returned, crowned with victory,
rom Egypt, declared that France had
its intention of withdrawing
1er troops from Fashoda, thus ending
he issue over the dispute of occupying
hat place.
But Lord Salisbury admitted that
here were other grave issues which he
hoped might be settled by skillful diplo-
macy. Whether they will be or not re-
mains to be seen.
The arming and massing of British
roops goes on both in France and Eng
and. As indicating the sentiment of
British leaders at the banquet where
Salisbury spoke, it may be remarked
hat everything that could be construed
IS an allusion to war was jumped at by
he assembly with prolonged cheers.
When Sir Newell Salmon alluded to the
preparedness of the navy" and Lord
Iansdowne to the readiness of the
rmy," there were prolonged outbursts
+ applause.
1t is generally believed that the Span
war has ended, but until a
reaty of peace has been ratified by both
hostilities are only suspended.
Ience the interest in the proceedings of
he Joint Peace Commission at Paris.
he rejection by the Spanish Commits
ioners of our demand for the Philip
inc Islands will open the negotiations
,r complications that may present grave
spects.
The point made by the Spanish Com
lissioners in refusing our proposition,
as that under the terms of the protocol
le United States haye no right to de-
land cession Of the Philippines. In
tort, they want to be paid a big lump
I'm for the islands. There has been no
lpture of the negotiations, and the
commissioners will resume work next
nesdav In this connection q s,,rnris- | I