The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-20
FRANCO BRITISH FRICTION.
SERIOUS DANGER OF TROUBLE IN
WEST AFRICA.

the Spanish American countries
Suggested to Thwart Alleged An
cIO-SaxOn AggressiOn-Belief That
France Would support Spain
Against the United States.
Copyrighted. 1898. by the Associated Press.
London, Feb. 19.-The danger of leaving
explosives about in the shape of armed
bands roaming in disputed spheres under
vouthful officers has been amply illustrat-
ed in West Africa, where the intermingling
of French and British troops has already
caused incidents which threaten the most
grave complications.
Happily the positive instructions of both
governments have thus far been obeyed
and an actual collision has been averted
Rut the fuse is alight and unless France
withdraws from her provocal attitude
or Great Britain continues the graceful
concession policy she has hitherto OBJ
served toward the French claims, an ex-
plosion is bound 10 follow.
Some explanation of the attitude of
France may be found in the desire of its
government to turn French ministers from
the inquisition that lola has provoked,
while 1t must not be forgotten that the
minister for foreign affairs, NJ. Hano-
taux, bears upon his shoulders the bur-
den of troubles close at hand and has to
face the threatenings of the colonial party
to swamp the government if 1t shows the
faintest sign of yielding.
Next week the supplementary estimate Of
f15O.OO0 for the West African expenses will
be presented to the House of Commons
and an interesting debate may be expect
ed Probably the most vital point is not the
possession of the territory but the free
dom of commerce. Where the French have
occupied the Hinterland of British coast
colonies, the latter have been shut out
from interior trade. In the present in
stance the control of the Niger and the
free navigation of that great water way
was an avenue of trade for the world is al
stake
Another batch of 80 British officers and
non-commissioned officers sailed to-day for
West Africa, accompanied by immense
quantities of war munitions. This critical
situation, on top of the numerous pend
ing serious questions, has re-aroused APP
prehensions as to whether the Marquis of
Salisbury is inclined to unduly sacrifice
the empire.
The address in reply to the speech from
the throne has finally been closed and
when the House meets again on Monday
it will be to learn the provisions of the
great measure of the session, the Irish
local government bill. The real business
of the session will then begin.
The public is impatient that something
practical should be accomplished to re-
form and strengthen the army and to pro-
vide additions for the navy. The army es-
Inmates for the current year, issued to-
day, total up f20,S1S,S17, and ought to sat
isfy the demands for increased expendi-
ture.
There is a curious discussion in the
Spanish press as to the possibility of con-
decorating the Latin republics of South
America with Spain against the United
States Ell Pals contends that the Spanish
republics are weak through isolation and
that if united by a diplomatic alliance
they would be the first power in the world
in territory, second in population, and
their armies and navies would have suf-
hcent power to ensure respect
The papers point out that the jealouses
of the republics prevent them from TAX
ing the initiative, but Spain, it is claim
ed, ought to urge her lazy diplomats to
approach the republics with the view of
combining for the defense of Latin inter
ests endangered by the intrusion of the
Anglo-Saxons."
Ell Pals thinks Spain's advice would not
be discarded if she warned Latin-Ameri-
ca against the United States, adding:
For it is well known that the greedy
Yankees, once the Panama canal is open
cd 10 the worlds commerce, will do all
Whlch their perhdy can suggest to wrest
from the Latin countries of Central
America even as England seized the Suez
canal Tending in this direction is the
desire of the Americans TO secure Cuba
1r1ctn %.
Vahces of the United States in the sea
OF the Antilles are preliminary steps IN
the blockade and occupation of the future
canal"
lettering to Latin alliances the Specta-
tor, in long article points out that there
Is no doubt of the existence of special re-
latlons between France and Spain, which
nave lately been strengthened, and says.
Ihere are we'll informed people who be-
neVe that when in the autumn the United
states and Spain almost collided, the
chited States found there was a stiffness
an 'he Spanish attitude which could only.
os accounted for by the fact that Spain
knew she could appeal to a power which
oouid not neglect her demands for help"
continuing, the Spectator expresses the
peHel that France allowed the United
states TO understand Indirectly that con-
S!uera ions of Importance to her would not
aiow her to see Spain treated in an I'M
Ailendly manner. and that a Spanish APP
peal to France must result in the latter's
intervention
me Saturday Review, believes this ac.
cunts Tor the way the United States
snIuhk from putting in practice the treat
mem OF Spain suggested in the original
P.o-ests OF the Washington government
Inc Spectator explains that if France
hdd not helped Spain the latter would
nave applied for admission to the Drei-
yuma with almost certainty Of success
"A case which has been heard by Justice
hawkins is of interest to foot ball players
az over the world. A man was killed at
LOOT ball. and the prisoner was charged
WIN manslaughter and was convicted.
justice Hawkins laid down his view of the
Jaw with unmistakable clearness. He said
oudt II a man caused violence, whether
"Hiuuy or by negligence to another in
such way as to produce death. he was
suty of murder and there
Iote rough players of this
dangerous game" must beware
u get into serious trouble. The judge add
u' AS, however, the prisoner has exhib-
Ied sincere sorrow and bears a good char
deter will discharge him ON his own rec
oSnlZanCe in f50 hail