The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-10-23

Copyright. 1893, by the Associated Press)
London, Oct. 22.-Never since Great
Britain and France began to dispute
over Egypt, nor during the most acute
stage of the Niger differences between
those two countries, has the situation
looked so ominous as today. In spite
of the hope expressed in the conserva-
tive journals cf both countries that the
matter would be amicably arranged. 1t
is a fact that the French naval and
military authorities are making fever
lsh preparations for war, and, though
calm Teigns at the British dOckyards at
Portsmouth, Chatham and Davenport,
it is only the calm of preparedness,
and significant orders have been ar
irving there from the admiralty, indi-
eating that Great Britain and France
are on the brink of war.
NJ. De Blowitz. the Paris cOrrespOn-
dent of the London Times writes to-
day: Never before has there been
witnessed such state of fever as is
now prevailing in Great Britain, nor so
great an eXaitation Of public feeling
over a matter of foreign policy, while
on her side France is promptly and
rapidly, without looking forward or
backward, preparing to light any pow
er provoking her The French states
men, however, still cling to the hope
that the Marquis of Salisbury viii Of
fer some exchange which will enable
them TO retire from FashOda without
apparent sacrifice OF dignity. This
hope is based on a conversation be-
tween Lord Salisbury and Baron de
COurcel, the French ambassador at
London, which figures in a most impor-
tant dispatch in the yellow book which
the French government win issue to-
morrow"
1t is learned by the Associated Press
that Baron de Coureel.in this dispatch,
says that Lord Salisbury during the
conversation referred to, asked him
what were the desires Of France IN the
SOudan to which the baron replied that
France wished for an outlet on the
upper Nile. Lord Salisbury then re-
sponded that he could not promise any
thing and must consult with his col
leagues on such q matter.
Frenchmen infer from this attitude
of the British premier that he is willing
to discuss the French claims, and they
even talk of negotiations being in prog
ress. The English newspapers, how
ever, vigorously combat this impress
sion, and warn France not to be led
away by such illusions They declare
that the evacuation OF FashOda must
precede anything else.
FRANCE THE AGGRESSOR.
The Times today, referring to the
FasnOda question, says; 1t IS not we
who are trying 10 humiliate France,
but il is France who seeks TO put
great humiliation on us we nave
beaten the khalifa- and have effectively
occupied the provinces he uSurped- ~
are now asked to clear out at the or
ders OF an exploring party of nine
Frenchmen, who owe their escape from
destruction TO our military success; or,
if we are kindly permitted not to clear
out we are to pay compensation Tor
our title 70 what We have Wrested from
the khalifa This is not thing We
can consent to discuss upon any such
high-handed summons. We are there
in effective occupation, and there We
intend to remain
Punch hts On the popular feeling in
this matter in a cartoon representing
John Bull being pestered by a French
organ grinder outside his doorstep
The organ is labelled "FaShOda and a
monkey. in French military uniform. is
sitting on the organ screaming and
beating a tiny drum
The organ grinder asks: What will
vou give me if I go away
John Bull: TN give you something
if you don't
FRENCH PREPARATIONS.
The French naval preparations We're
at first declared to be mere routine ar
rangements. but they are now admit
ted they are directed against Great
Britain The minister of marine, NJ.
TocI<rov. is dispatching orders TO all
the naval stations along the coast and
he is receiving reports as TO their con-
d:tion The French yards and aTsenals
are working at full pressure and pre-
Daring warships and torpedo boats for
active service.
In The British side a feeling of abs
soIl-+e self-confidence is displayed.
everything ready is the burden of
an of the statements frJ-~l naval quar-
ters. In fact the British navy has prac-
ticaliy been on a war footing for year
Dast and an authoritative pronounce
ment 70 this effect mas come from the
secretary OF the admiralty, Mr.. W. =.
ellison Mccartney. Referring TO the
Drenarations on the other side Of the
channel he said: $50 far as the British
adrniralty IS. concerned, the ships, off,
GERS and general administration are
ready now 20 meet the wishes OF the
country"
a prominent dock yard official. in an
interview. declared that the circum-
fully provided for in the mobilization
sche-ce. He added that the British
naval authorities had all their ships
ready and could commission d squadron
OF cruisers and have them off the
French coast in less than "A hours. This
official also pointed out that It was not
Tor nothing that the British naval ma
neuvers were TO be put off this SeaI. He
added tnSt the British ships at the
present moment have large supply of
coal on board and available. larger
stock of provisions than ever known
before.
The British admiralty list today
shows that nine British battleships and
eleven fast cruisers are lying in the
Mediterranean, while the British chan
mel squadron, which was last reported
of Vilagaria. Spain, consisting Of eight
battleships and five cruisers, Nnstitutes
the most modern and powerfIA fleet OF
warships aflcat.
TeIegrams from Balmoral intimate
that queen Victoria is follSNing the