The San Francisco call., 1898-10-20
ENGLAND AND
 FRANCE ON TIE VERGE OF VAR Fashoda May Cause a
 Conflict. WARSHfPS ARE MADE READY HORSEBACK SAYS ENGLAND
 CANNOT RECEDE. at London and Paris Concede That the Two Countries
 Are Likely to Engage in
 Hostilities.
WARSHfPS ARE MADE READY
HORSEBACK SAYS ENGLAND
 CANNOT RECEDE.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

IASRNN~~-
 PARIS, Oct. 19.-In spite of semi official denials, the Echo de Paris as- serts to-day that the authorization ol war material and supplies continues al Toulon, adding that extraordinary ac- tivity reigns at the arsenal there. foul ironclads and three cruisers are em- barking ammunition and war material. Two transports are almost ready TOT sea.
 All French naval officers on leave or absence have been recalled. The naval authorities at Toulon are very reticent-
 The Matin says Premier Brlsson, through i'll health, wishes to retire rom the Cabinet His successor may be M. Bourgeoise, now Minister of Education.
 A dispatch to the Petit Parisienne from Toulon confirms the reports or the Echo de Paris and says the great est activity prevails in the navy-yard, where work is proceeding with fever ish speed day and night.
 LONDON, Oct 19.-Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Chancellor of the Exchequer, speaking at North Shields this evening, announced that the Government had opened negotiations with the French 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 interested.
 Regarding the Fashoda question, he said he wished cordially to acknowl- edge the desire evidenced in the speeches of Lord Rosebery and Her bert Asquith to help the Government in the matter.
 Tt is impossible he said, flor France to maintain that she had rights at Fashoda. She asked for time to re- ceive Major Marchand's report, but un- til the contrary is proved I decline to believe that France will refuse to with draw. If she refused, the matter would assume an aspect as grave as is possi- ble 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. Our work in Egypt is not completed. 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.
 T hope, trust and believe the ques- ton is capable of friendly solution, but this country has put her foot down. If unhappily another view should be taken by France, the Queens Minis ters know what their duty demands. It would be a great calamity if, after
  friendly relations should be disturbed and We should be launched into 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 united people,
 The speech of Sir Michael Hicks Beach at North Shields last evening has deeply impressed England and the utmost concern is felt as to how France will receive it. The idea has been preva- lent that the French have not realized how seriously England 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. Most of the morning papers elaborate some of the excited declarations of the bel ligerent preparations of France.
 The Paris correspondent of the Daily Mail says: Tn 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 measures, even 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 Fash oda. Consequently the outlook here is grave. There are reports of troops hur- Ty1uS ITOIn 1dTlS to BTeSL dQQ IOulOn- The artillery in the batteries and at the various ports have been constantly instructed for any emergency and the cannon at the forts and batteries are all ready for action at any moment. To-day there was prolonged war council at Brest of the chiefs of the various services and M. Lockroy 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 that Marchand must go, France will reply that Marchand will stay, and if he be removed forcibly there can be little doubt as to what the conse- quences will be"
 On the other hand the Paris corre- spondent of the Daily Graphic says T have good reason for stating that Count Muravieff (the Russian Foreign Minister) has discouraged French re- sistance in the matter of Fashoda.''
 Most of the papers, however, refuse to accept the explanation that French activity is merely in pursuance of M Lockroy's scheme. Several exhort the Government to answer the prepara- tions of France by mobilization of the British fleet. Some of the more con- servative organs, notably the Times, completely ignore the French move ments and decline to perceive any war cloud.
 The Daily Chronicle remarks: Sir Michael Hicks Beach has been at it again. He is a dangerous man. He has honesty without tact.
 Other papers hint that the plain speaking of the Chancellor at time when crisis is approaching Is an in-