The age-herald., 1898-10-23
EUROPE ON THE
 BRINK OF WAR FashOdO Dispute Will Be Set-
 tied By Arms' THE SITUATION IS OM|NOOS Both Nations Are Calmly and Quietly Preparing for Conflict. FRANCE HOPING AGAINST HOPE War With England Would Be Death
 KneIl of the Republic. NAVAL PREPARATION CONTINUE Were First Declared to Be Mere Routine Arrangements, But It Is Now Ad-
 mitted That They Are Di-
 rected Against England.
War With England Would Be Death
 KneII of the Republic.
NAVAL PREPARATION CONTINUE

(Copyright 1898, by the Associated Press.)
 London, October 22.-Never since Great Britain and France began to dispute over Egpyt, nor during the most acute stage of the Niger differences between those countries, has the situation looked so ominous as today. In spite of the hope expressed in the sober journals of both countries that the matter would be amica- bly arranged, it is a fact that the French naval and military authorities are making feverish preparations for war, and though calm reigns ct the British dock yards at Portmouth, Chatham and Davenport, it Is only the calm of preparedness, and signii- cant orders have been arriving there from the admiralty indicating the belief that Great Britain and France are on the brink of war.
 As MT. Deblowitz, the Paris correspond ent of the London Times, writes today: Never before has there been witnessed such state of fever is now prevailing in Great Britain nor great an exaltation of public feeling over a matter of foreign policy, while on her side France is prompt ly and rapidly, without looking forward, preparing to fight any power provoking her. The French statesmen, however, cling to the hope that the Marquis of Salisbury will offer some exchange which will enable them to retire from Fashoda without ap- parent sacrifice of dignity. This hope is based on a conversation between Lord Salisbury and Baron De Courcel, the French ambassador at London, which fig ures in most important dispatch in the yellow book. which the French government will issue tomorrow
 France Still Hopeful
 It is learned by the Associated Press that Baron De Courcel in ths dispatch says Lord Salisbury, during the conversation re- ferred to, asked him what were the desires of France in the Soudan. To this the baron replied that France wished for an outlet on the upper Nile. Lord Salisbury then responded that he could not promise any thing and must consult with his colleagues on such natter
 Frenchmen infer from this attitude of the British premier that he is willing to dis cuss the French claims and they even talk of negotiations being in progress. The English newspapers, however, vigorously combat this impression and warn France not to be led away by such illusions. They declare that the evacuation of Fashoda must precede anything else.
 The Times today, referring to the Fasho- da question, says:
 Ut is not we who are trying to humil- fate France, but it is France who seeks to put a great humiliation upon us.
 "We. .have beaten the khalifa and have actiyeSy occupied the provinces he usurped. We are now asked to clear out at the orders of 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 a compensation for our title to 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
 Cartoon in Punch
 Punch hits off the popular feeling in this matter in cartoon representing John Bull being pestered by a French organ grinder outside his doorstep The organ Is la- belled "Fashoda" and monkey, in French military uniform is sitting on the organ screaming and beating tiny drum. The organ grinder asks:
 ''Nhat you give me to go away"
 John Bull--'I'll give you something # you lont.''
 The French naval preparations were at first declared to be mere rountine arrange ments, but they are now admittedly di- rected against Great Britain. The minister of marine, M. Lockroy, is dispatching or dcrs to all the naval stations along the coast, and he Is receiving reports as to their condition. The French dock yards and arsenals are working at full pressure, hurredy preparing warships and torpedo boats for active service.
 on the British side a feeling of absolute self-confidence is displayed. Everything ready" IS the burden of all the statements from naval quarters. In fact. the British navy has practically been on war footing for a var past, and an authoritative pro- nouncement to this effect has come from the secretary to the admirality w. Ellison MacArtney. Referring to the preparations on the other side of the channel he said: ..So far as the British admirallty is con- cerned, the ships, officers and general ad- ministration are ready now to meet the wishes of the country"
 Mobilization Scheme < prominent dock yard official in an Inter- view declares that the ctrcunis. s.anees of the