The sun., 1898-12-25
ARMEDEUR0P[ WANTS PEACE
Will Discuss the Subject but
Keep Powder Dry for an
Emergency.
ALU NATIONS On THE ALERT

& ferSOnAI AppcaSs "a Nho LIAR
and England's Queen,
Powerful Factors In
the Situation.
New York, Dec. 23.-While war signal
continue to be displayed from all th'
capitols Of the leading nations Of Europ'
there is no Disgusting the fact that ther'
is a strong public sentiment in favor o
peace, and that the skillful diplomacy O
the distinguished leaders abroad is ex
ercising a powerful influence in that
direction that may go far towards pre-.
venting rupture, in the near future at
least, in the Old World. 1t is of course
true that none of the Great Powers pro.
poses to be caught mapping, and when
the emergency arises they will all be
found with ample forces of men and
arms to protect their interests or carry
into effect any policy that may have been
approved by the home Government.
Neither can it be said that the issues,
that have kept Europe in a condition OF
serious unrest for many months, have
been removed, but in some instances
they are less acute and in others they
have been modified. England in her
recent dealings with France and Russia
has manifested a less belligerent spirit,
and, although she has not changed her
policy in her territorial expansions in
Africa and China, she is apparently de.
sirous OF exhausting diplomatic resources
before resorting to extreme measures
that might precipitate hostilities with
her enemies. The outlook for All alliance
with the United States is not particular
ly reassuring to her and on the adoption
or rejection Of that scheme good deal
may depend.
M
There has been less Of the sentimental
utterances by British leaders in their
speeches over America and Americans,
but the subject of a union with Greater
America is by no means abandoned and
there. No concealment of the anxiety of
England for an armed compact and a
more liberal trade reciprocity. On this
subject the Saturday RepieW, of London,
recently said, in referring to President
McKinley's allusion to China, in his
message:
"His (McKinley's) references to China,
in which he indicates with all clearness
that in matters of trade and tariff the
American Government will put itself in
line with Great Britain in resenting any
form OF exclusive treatment is the kind
OF goodwill between the two countries
which we strongly favor--a good
which is based upon material interests
rather than upon sentiment. But there
was an indication in the message that
this goodwill may, in the future, touch
upon sudden limits. The reference, for
instance, to the Nicaragua Canal was
somewhat imperious. We admit that the
United States Government is justified in
claiming full control over the canal while
it is being constructed, but at the proper
time we shall not fail to remind it that,
under the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, our
rights in the canal are quite equal to the
American rights. II the Americans are
willing to make the Nicaragua Canal a
free highway, like the Suez Canal, we
shall agree; if they art minded to make it
a restricted possession of their own, we
shall not agree.
A cablegram from London today says
there has been an extraordinary revival
OF war preparations by the British Gov
ernment. Unusual activity prevails in
all the naval depots in England. Larger
shipments of military stores and am
munition are being made from the de-
pots to Gibraltar, Malta and Alexandria.
Department officials say that more war
materials are being sent out by the Gov
ernment to foreign stations than was
ever known before. The orders for
January shipments to India are for an
Unprecedented amount. The British Ad-
miralty, it is reported, has placed orders
for four warships with shipbuilders on
the Clyde.
1.-THE Treasury there appears to he
ignorant of our free-trading pol
icy, as we'll as strangely. Indifferent to
its own consistency. For here is Presi-
dent Mckinley advocating the policy of
the open door in China, while Secretary
Gage is insisting upon the policy of a
closed door in Porto Rico and Hawaii.
We commend the sinister disagreement
between these two policies to the con-
sideration of the sentimentalists who
urge an Anglo-American alliance. For
ourselves, we prefer free trading alone
to superfine sentiment and an ally"
Thus it will be seen that John Bull is
not altogether happy.
**4
There are indications that the Gear OF
Russia's scheme for peace is sincere.
All the nations to whom he has appeal
ed to join in Peace Congress have ex-
pressed willingness to do so; but none
has yet ceased adding to its army or
navy, and the hope that the great
Powers will disarm is merely visionary
idea. England behind her enormous
navy and superbly equipped army, says
she il anxious for peace and straightway
orders more war ships. Germany is also
ready for peace, but feels safer in know
ing that she was never in better trim for
a fight,and yet she is increasing her bud
get by many millions to strength en- her
forces. France wants no war, but ii as
surred OF Russia's support will fight to
prevent England's domination in Africa.
It may be added that Queen Victoria has
echoed the Cars hope for peace and her