The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-23
THE FAsHopA INCIDENT.


Any event that threatens war between
England and France has worldwide inter-
est The Fashoda incident does involve this
eventuality, and while there is a general
belief that war will be avoided the relations
between the two countries are evidently
quite strained. At present they are in a
deadlock over the question, England de-
handing almost in the terms of an ulti-
matum the evacuation of Fashoda and
France declining to take any action until
the official report of Major Marchand shall
be received showing the nature of the occu-
patton and the exact situation. When the
British blue book was published, on Oct 9,
containing the diplomatic correspondence on
the subject up to that date, the London
Times said: while not despairing of an
amicable settlement, we cannot but think
the situation extremely grave. Lord Sails
bury has taken up a position from which
retreat is impossible after the publication
of the blue book" In one dispatch Lord
Salisbury said. Her Majesty's government
considers that there could be no discussion
upon such questions as the right of Egypt
to Fashoda.' This was notice to France
that there could be neither argument nor
compromise over Fashoda-nothing but un-
conditional compliance with England's de-
mands Since the publication Of the blue
book containing these peremptory dis
patches nothing has happened to mitigate
the situation On the contrary, some things
have occurred to add to its gravity. The
speech of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, British
chancellor of the exchequer, few days ago,
was very determined in its tone and prob
ably intended as notice to the French gov
eminent that there had not been and would
not be any change in England's attitude on
the question. He said it was natural and
proper that France should be granted time
to receive Major Marchand's report, but,
after that, if she refused to evacuate Fash
oda, 1.-The matter would assume an aspect as
grave as is possible between two great ma
tions." He added:
/ hope trust and believe the question is
capable of a friendly solution, but this coun-
another view should be taken by France,
the Queens ministers know what their duty
demands. 1t would be a, great calamity if.
after peace for upward of eighty years, our
friendly relations should be disturbed and.
we should be launched into great war. but
there are greater evils than war, and we
shall not shrink from anything that is COM
ing, knowing that we are supported by a
united people.
This speech rather added to the excite
ment in both countries. making the English
people more determined and the French
inst. says the speech is characterized there
as "a provocation that is almost a threat of
war;" and that 1.-The attitude of the public
is more inf1amed and more defiant" The
same dispatch says:
1t is reported that the policy of France.
as definitely stated TO Great Britain, in
cludes the retention of Fashoda. RumOrs
that the Russian foreign minister. Count
Muravieff has assured M. Delcasse the
French foreign minister, of Russia's sup
port in the controversy tend to stiffen the
backs of the higher officials. although these
continue to maintain a conciliatory tone
and declare that France is prepared to
carry anna blity to the utmost limits con-
sistent with her rights and dignity.
If France has already declared her inten-
ton of retaining possession of Fashoda it
would seem as if war were inevitable, for
England viii not recede hairs breadth
from the position indicated by Lord Sails
burys dispatches and Sir Michael Hicks
Beach's speech. 1t is more likely. however.
that France has not yet made any definite
reply to England's demand and is still
awaiting the report of Major Marchand.
Yesterdays dispatches stated that par
tial report from him had been received, and
that a complete one was still awaited.
In the light of these statements there
can be no doubt that the situation is seri-
Gus. The resources of diplomacy may be
equal to clearing it up. but with point
blank demand for certain action on one
side and pretty nearly point-bank refusal
to comply on the other the case does not
seem to be one for diplomacy as much as
for backing down and out on one side or
the other. If it comes to that there can be
no doubt on which side it will be.