New-York tribune., 1898-01-02
PRINCE HENRY'S MISSION
FRANCE NOW REGARDS IT AS A LEGITL
NATE MOVE OF EMPEROR WILLIAM
NO PARTITION OF CHINA EXPECTED IN PARIS
NJ CAMBoN's -ROsTAND's "cY-
RANo" CAUSES \ sENsATIoN-AABAs-
sADoR PoRTER's RECEPTION.
[By CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l

sADOR PORrERS RECEPTION.
[BY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNEl
Paris. Jan. l.-Boulevard pleasantly has com.
pared the mission Of Prince Henry with the
memorable departure Of Tartarn, but 1t is now
regarded a shrewd and legitimate move Of
Emperor William to secure coang station
and an adequate share OF the trade monopclzed
by England. 1t consequently has French SYM
pathy. instead Of anmosity and jealousy The
authorities ridicule the idea Of any partition ~
China and give the highest assurance that
France has only two objects The first is 70
maintain the independence Of China. 1t is be-
lieved that the best safeguard Of this is that
not England alone. but Russia Germany and
others have ports, thereby keeping equi-
librium. besides comforting industrial and COM
mercial benefit upon China herself. In connection
with this Il may be noted that France Is favora-
Bile TO American annexation Of Hawaii Sec
ondly. France will not consent to foreign inter-
ference in the south, which is exclusively a
French zone, and also demands unimpeded
access to Canton. Any intention to annex Hal
Nan is repudiated but the occupation OF the
harbor there as French coaling station is
possible. Except to maintain international
equilibrium it is immateral 70 France what
happens in the north unless there is a radical
change in the situation, which Is considered
y
France in Eastern Asia is expected. II is
peaceful sign that the Chinese Minister here.
who was recently agtated has regained hD
complacency
NJ Jules Cambon sailed on the Gascosne to-
day. accompanied by NJ Thiebault the new
retary OF the Embassy. formerly consul at Chi
cago. Superb furniture and upholstery. includ-
ing two salons Of pure Louis Qulnze and Louis
Seize have been shipped to Washington. NJ.
Cambons wife and family will remain in Paris
till next winter. He has special instruc-
tions as 10 reciprocity II is a mistake 10 sup
pose that the increase in the duty on pork is
for retaliation. 1t is solely TO aid the French
farmers. The Meline Cabinet is essentially
agraran. but its efforts in the Chamber secured
a lower duty than the Customs Committee de-
manded. in hopes that the two protectionist
republics might attain reciprocity on practical
give-and-take principles. The spenetic fever in
Texas. in spite Of quarantine however.
strengthens the opposition TO abrogating the
exclusion Of American cattle.
The public confirms judgment Of the critics
to a degree that has not been recorded in the
present generation: double theatrical triumph
for author and comedian equally has character
lied the production of "Cyrano" a drama in
verse by Edmond Rostand, who at twenty nine
years Of age is acclaimed as the foremost living
master Of French dramatic versdcation. Co
quelin's impersonaton is pronounced the finest
effort of his career Coquelin said: i never de-
voted such mental and physical labor 70 ore
part. | am conscious have not mastered what
/ am convinced is the greatest role on the
French stage In the first act it is Mascarille'
in the second Alceste; in the third Romeo. in
the fourth d'Artagnan; in the fifth Hamlet
Nine Sarah Bernhard after Witnessing the
performance. said: "Rostands 'Cyrano de Ber-
gerac' will live in French dramatic literature
beside the masterpieces Of Moere and Hugo
Its exquisite French versifcation touches chord
Of patriotism. consider Coquelin's Cyrano
his greatest achievement. It IS the most finished
acting | have ever seen
The success OF "Cyrano" depends on tho un.
transatabe charm OF the French verse and the
inimitabe acting OF the prince Of comedians. In
English and by another actor il would resemble
decanted champagne. Meanwhile VI. Rostand,
with his blond oustache and blue eyes and fig
ure, not bit like that Of poet. bu, Of dash
ing cavalry officer is the hero Of the hour
Ambassador and Mrs Porter gave a reception
to-day in the Rue Villejust In spite Of the rain
and the southwest gale it attended by tire
American colony and a considerable number OF
French people.
New Years Day remains the greatest holiday
in France AT official and private receptions to-
day. whether at the Elysee or in the Faubourg
Saint Germain, intease qualification is expressed
that at last the Panama resurrection is dead
and buried with the old year