The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1898-11-18
SaiSblFY'S Earnest Address at
Lord Mayors Banquet.
PRECAUTIONS WERE TAKEN
Government Was Not TO Be Taken
Unawares Various Questions
Treated-The United States.

LONDON. November 9.-The annual
banquet OF the Lord Mayor OF London
took place at the Guildhall this even
ing. There were about $50 guests pre-
sent. After the usual lccal toasts. the
Army and Navy were toasted. Admiral
Sir William Kennedy and General
Wolseley responding for their respec-
tive forces. which were described as
being in a perfect state OF prepared
ness 10 meet any power disputing
Great Britain's just claims.
The brevity of the speeches showed
that every one realized the general
anxiety TO hear the Marquis OF Sails
bury, who. on rising to respond to the
toast OF Her Majesty's Ministers"
was greeted with prolonged cheers.
The Premier began by saying that a
succession OF events abroad has oc-
casioned grave anxiety To the Ministry
for year past. He alluded to the
murder Of the Empress of Austria. for
the double purpose OF expressing the
universal regret experienced on ac-
count OF the crime and for announc-
ing that Great Britain had accepted
an invitation to take part in a con-
ference which would be called To- de-
termine upon the measures which IL i
possible to take in order to- blot out
anarchy. The Marquis added that at
the same time he was bound to say
that he had no great hope that legis-
iat!on would abate this horrible,
monstrous affliction OF humanity"
After referring in a Mandatory man
ner to- the British campaigns in India
and in the Soudan. the Premier turn
ed to the Cretan question and the con-
cert Of Europe. He said he was afraid
that the proceedings OF the concert
were not always admired. At the same
time. he pointed out. patient appli-
cation. combined with the moral
strength Of Europe. has at last succeed
81 in fulfilling the promise TO the Gre
tans OF giving them autonomy under
the suZerainty OF the Sultan"
Continuing. the Premier remarked:
The solution OF this most difficult
problem has witnessed displays OF
splendid and unexpected qualities and
diplomacy upon the part OF the Ad-
mirals. who have successfully accom-
piished what the Cabinets OF Europe
had been unable to TO. / have some
times thought that If the Cabinets were
all dismissed and Admirals We're in
stalled in their places Europe would
get along better
Turning to- the crisis with France.
the Premier remarked: We have had
quite recently TO consider whether the
question OF a European war was not
very near. But. with great interest and
the result has turned out
happily, through the great judgment
and common sense displayed by France
under circumstances OF unusual diff
Guilty. which. | think. have relieved
Europe of a very dangerous and threat
ening storm.
While matters were in suspense the
Government was necessarily forced TO
take precautions that IL should not
be taken unawares. These precautions
were most prompt and effective, but
the immediate necessity for them has
passed of. There has been some sur
prise on both sides OF the channel at
the fact that these preparations have
not suddenly ceased. But IL is impOs-
sible 20 stop them al a moments no
tice."
mors OF intended action arising out OF
these preparations. including the seiZ-
ure OF Syria and Crete and the declara-
ton OF a prOteCtorate over Egypt
the latter allusion being greeted with
immense cheering-Lord Salisbury
continued. Il am sorry % say that
cannot rise To- the height OF the as
pirat.ons indicated by the cheering OF
the audience. do not venture TO pro
phecy. If we are forced by others into
q position we do not now occupy. what
may occur; but we are well satisfied
with the existing state Of things, and
We do not think any cause has arisen
TO necessitate effort on our part al
present 10 modify IL.
The position causes occasional fric-
tion but. taking the situation as q
whole. and considering the feeling OF
other people as we'll as our own, we
can reasonably rest for the present
with the existing state OF affairs I
must not be understood as meaning
that Great Britain's position in Egypt
is the same now as IL was before the
fall Of Omdurman but we earnestly