Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-10-20

taken by France, the Queens ministers
know what their duty demands.
It would be great calamity II, after
peace for upward Of eighty years, our
friendly relations should be disturbed
and we should be launched into q
great war, but there are greater evils
than war, and we shall not shrink from
anything that is coming, knowing that
we are supported by united people"
London, October 20.-The speech OF
Sir Michael Hicks-Beach at North
Shields last evening has deeply impress
sed England, and The utmost concern
is felt as to how France will receive it.
The idea has been prevalent 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 elabor-
ate some of the excited descriptions of
the belligerent PREPARATIONS OF Franc.
TLc Paris correspondent of the Daily
Mail says:
I'm 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 meas
ures, even resort to arms. The
French have been excessively piqued
by the threatening tone of the English
papers, which is more likely casus
belli than the mere Question of Fash
Oda.
Consequently the outlook here is
grave. There are reports of troops
hurrying from Paris to Brest and Tou-
Ion. The artilleriers in the batteries
and in the various ports have been con-
fidentially instructed for any emer-
gency; and the cannon at all the forts
and batteries are kept ready for action
at any moment. To-day there was a
prologed 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 situa-
ton"
The Paris correspondent of the
Standard say:
eff 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 consequences will
be-"
On the other hand, the Paris CORES
pondent of the Daily Graphic says:
Il have good reason for stating that
Count Muravieff (the Russian foreign
minister) has discouraged French re-
sistence in the matter of Fashoda."
Of 70
to accept the explanation that French
activity is merely in pursuance Of NJ.
Lockroy's scheme Several exhort the
government to answer the preparations
of France by mobilizing the British
fleet
Some of the more conservative Or
more the French movements. and de-
cline to perceive ay war cloud.
The Daily Chronicle remarks: "Sir
Michael Hicks-Beach has been at it
again. He is dangerous man. He
has honesty without tact"
Other papers hint that the plain
speaking of the chancellor at a time
when a crisis is approaching is an in
discretion.
PARIS, October 19.-In spite of sem-of
fetal denials, the Echo de Paris asserts
to-day that the embarkation of war ma
terials and supplies continues at Toulon,
adding that extraordinary activity reigns
at the arsenal there. Four ironclads and
three cruisers are embarking ammuni
ton and war materials. Two transports
are almost ready for sea.
All French naval officers of leave of
absence have been recalled. The naval
authorities at Toulon are very reticent.
PARIS, October ia dispatch to the
Petit Parisien from Toulon confirms the
reports of the Echo de Paris and says
the greatest activity prevails in the navy
yard where work was proceeding with
feverish speed day and night.