Evening star., 1898-08-29

A MagnanimOus Proposal.
The London Daily Graphic this morning,
referring to the proposal of Emperor Mich
olas, says
1T would be idle to attempt to ignore
the many and grave difficulties standing In
the way of the attainment of the czar S
wishes; but it cannot be possible to doubt
the sincerity of the magnanimous pro-
posal."
The London Standard says, speaking ed
itorially of the cars proposal:
In England at least, respect and sym
pathy will be left for the proposal 1t is
a conception well worthy of the young SOW
ereign. 1t is painfully obvious that there
are enormous difficulties to be overcome,
which it Is possible the czar, in his ardor
and humane enthusiasm, has not matureiy
considered. 1t is vision which has oc-
curl ed to many minds but has always had
to be dismissed as a mere dream. The ma
tions are not likely to cast away the sword
unless they have a better warrant than
paper protocols and conventions. Moreover,
the mon, ent does not seem altogether pro-
pitious New armed nations are rising In
Asia and America. whom it might not be
easy to convince of the safety and deSira-
bility of abandoning the enterprise on which
they have embarked with so much energy
Enumaratng the many obstacles to the
attainment of the object sought, the Stand
ard suggests that the czar has the matter
largely in her own hands. adding:
IF Russia would abandon her menacng
and aggressive policy in China and else
where the era of universal peace would be
perceptibly nearer.
Kaiser Was FOrestalled.
The London Daily Chronicles Paris cor
respondent declares that the disarmament
olive branch would have emanatcd from
Emperor William in Jerusalem if the czar's
advisers, including, perhaps, NJ. Hanotaux,
had not forestalled the emperor's project.
The cars encyclical is assuredly one
Of the most striking documents of the CEN
tury. 1t could only have been more dra-
ra attic If the kaiser had issued it from the
birthplace of the Prince of Peace.
Looking to the present attitude of Rus
sta in the east, the proposal almost takes
ones breath away. A cynical view is pain
fully obvious. Russia has just secured a
series of vast territorial and diplomatic
| advantages which 1t will take years to as
simulate. She Is face to face with famine,
a revolt of the Poles is threatened and she
is threatened by other powers, and there
are signs of a dissolution of the Russo
French alliance. Happily the humanitarian
view is equally clear and convincing. The
Czar hitherto overborne by veteran obsti-
rate advisors, has now asserted his natural
desires. He is one of only two men who
could make the proposal without fear CT
being misunderstood. Great Britain and
the United States will certainly welcome
the proposal. If another great power does
also, much will be gained in the desired di-
rection."
A Better Understandings.
The London Daily Mail says:
.If the czar had not been, the emperor
would surely have been the dramatist. 1t
is too much to hope for the realtZation
but some good ought to come of 1t in the
way Of better understanding of the pow
ers.''
The Daily Telegraph says:
1.-The idea is SO beautiful that we are re-
Iuctant to throw cold water upon it; but
what is to be the basis of discussion? A
conference which should recognize that free
| and open markets are for the advantage of
| the entire civilized world would indeed pave
the way to universal peace; but short OF
| this we fear the gathering will prove abor-
uve."
| The London Daily News says:
The czar by this message has acquired a
| more righteous and enduring fame than be
| longs to the proudest conqueror of his IL
! lustrlOus house. There is no quarter from
| which such manifesto would produce a
more profound impression. Hitherto the
great obstacle was that nobody would be-
| gin. The cZar cannot be suspected Of max
| ing a virtue of necessity. We shall hardly
| be wrong in attributing the momentous pol.
| icy to the czar himself 1t is the pen of
Nicholas, but the doctrine of Golden.
The London Morning Post, discussing the
difficulties in the way of the proposal, ar
riyes at the conclusion that 1t would suit
Russian needs and Russian designs wonder
| fully Well. but would not suit England at
| all.
| Cynicism in Berlin.
] The cars note was posted in the Berlin
| hotels and cafes yesterday afternoon and is
generally discussed rather cynically. A
| high official of the war Office observed that
| 1t would be "a good topic for a dun season.
/ If the conference met there was no doubt
that France would demand the return of
Alsace Lorain."
| All politicians are inclined to sneer at
/ such a proposal emanating from Russia.
| The general belief is, however, that all the
powers are willing to attend the conference
| in the belief that it will prove resultless,
looking to the impossibility Of agreement.
| Comment in Paris.
| In French diplomatic and press circles the
greatest surprise is evinced. 1t Is no secret
at Paris that the sensitive cars feelings
are toward peace. He hates militar!sm and
even objects to moving about with q mil
| itary escort. He would prefer to govern
1 Dolo o,,A xr,tfh