Evening journal., 1898-11-08
FOR WAR
England Mobilizes Her Troops,
Italy Her Navy.
FRANCE TRYING TO BUY SHIPS.
Peaceful solution OF African Ques-
ton Seems Remote = Orders to
English ships at st. Johns In
dicate That War IL Expected.

LONDON. Nov s.-Great Britaln'A
preparations for armed conflict have
taken a remarkable turn.
All the troops in the western district
are mobilizing. This means the move-
ment Of many thousands OF men, sew
eral of the regiments being Of the flow
er Of the British army
The orders for mobilization were is
sued by the military authorities at
Davenport, the largest naval arsenal
depot and doclSyard in the kingdom.
The mobilization Of the western d.
vision, containing, as It does. many
crack regiments. is looked upon as
highly important and significant.
The western district troops are COM
manded by Lieutenant General Sir
Frederick William Edward +. For
estier-WallSer.
Another striking index TO the situa-
ton IS presented by the warlilSe prep
aratlons being made IN Italy. which
hitherto have been overlooked In the
rush Of complications between England
and France and Russia.
Notwithstanding the stringent condi-
ton OF the Italian exchequer, a sudden
demand has been made upon the war
and navy departments. The navy de-
spite lack Of cash, Is being rapidly mo-
bilized. The warships have been order
ed 10 concentrate at the island OF Mad
dalena for extraordinary maneuvers.'
The Italia Militaire evidently believes
In a war between France and England.
and IL declares that In such an event
the least italy could do would be 10 mo-
billze her navy and army.
IL
ships are gathering, Is the key 10 the
maritime defense OF italy In ordinary
times the active fleet would have gone
Into winter quarters at SpezzIa in Oc-
tober. remaining out OF commission un-
I'll March.
In view OF Italys extraordinary activ-
lty. these facts are significant: The re-
lations OF Italy and Germany as mem
bers Of the triple alliance: the relations
OF England and Germany as regards the
mysterious Anglo-German compact
which possibly covers the whole Afrl-
can question: Italy's old friendship foi
England: Emperor williams close rela-
tions with the sultan, who is suzerain
Of Egypt and the emperor's hurried re-
turn home.
There Is also the possibility that tia
ly's activity Is a hint 10 Russia. whose
agents have been intriguing with the
sultanate OF Raheita, on the Red sea.
which has long been an italian protec-
torate
A dispatch has been received from
Dover announcing that the French
northern squadron is about to sail from
Brest for a cruise.
II is not known whether or not this
squadron intends 70 join the French
southern squadron at Touion. The Brit.
ish channel squadron is massed at CT.
braltar 90 watch for any such strategic
attempt on the part OF France.
This Is the day OF meeting OF the de-
Tense committee. which win deliberate
In secret.
At the request Of the war Office tn
London newspapers win probably re
frain from publishing anything concern
i ing the mobilization or the work OF TIT
! defense committee.
There Is the greatest energy and &C
tivity at the doolSyards. particular,
Davenport. Among the provision orders
OF that yard are 100000 pounds OF CO
Goa. 500, 900 pounds OF biscuit and $780,
900 gallons OF rum.
The gunboats Pincher and Blazer arr
IN dock being thoroughly overhauleC
! and repaired. Every available ship II
the British service is being prepared FOL
| sea service.
1t Is reported throughout London tina
Great Britain will be compelled 20 taxi
definite action II any reinforcement
are sent to the French colonies.