Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-10-22
LOOKS DARK.

War Cloud IN Europe Looms
PortentlousIy.
ENGLAND ALL READY,
Hopes for Peace But Will Accept
Gage-Naval Preparation Only In
auguration OF Reiorms-Russia
Moving.
London. Oct. 20.-A speech by Sir
Michael Beach at North Shields last
night, in which he said that he hoped
! for peace with France, but declared
that the ministers were prepared to do
their duty, has deeply impressed Eng
land, 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 standpoint.
Most Of the morning papers elaborate
some of the exciting descriptions of the
belligerent preparations of France. The
Paris correspondent Of the 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 to O resort to arms. The
French have been excessively piqued
by the threatening tone of the English
papers. which Is likely q more casus belli
than the mere question Of Fashoda.
Consequently the outlook here is grave.
There are reports OF Troops hurrying
from Paris to Brest and Toulon. The
artillery in the batteries and at the
various ports have been confidentially
intrusted for any emergency; and the
cannon at all the forts and batteries are
kept ready for action at any moment.
Today there was prolonged war coun-
Gil at Brest Of the officers Of the various
services, and Mr.. Lockroy is hastily re-
turning to Toulon on account of the
gravity Of the situation"
The Paris correspondent Of the Stand
ard says: If England keeps on saying
that Marchand must go France will re-
ply that Marchand Vill stay: and, II he
be removed forcibly, there can be little
doubt as to what the consequences will
be-"
On the other hand the Paris corve-
spondent of the Graphic says: II have
good reason for stating that Count
Muravieff, Russian foreign minister. has
discouraged French resistance In the
matter Of Fashoda."
Most of the papers, however, refuse to
accept the explanation that French
activity is merely In pursuance of Mr..
Lockroy's scheme. Several exhort the
government to mobilizing the British
fleet. Some Of the more conservative
organs, notably the Times. practically
ignore the French movements and de-
cline to perceive any war cloud.
The Daily Chronicle remarks: "Sir
Michael Hicks Beach has been at it
again. He Is dangerous man. He
has honesty without tact"
London, Oct 20.-Sir Michael Hicks
Beach, chancellor Of the exchequer,
speaking at North Shields. announced
that the government had opened nego-
tiations with view Of securing to the
subjects Of the various powers the right
of developing the respective spheres in
which each country Is especially inter-
ested."
Regarding the Fashoda question, he
wished to acknowleakSt the desire evil
denced in the speeGhes Of Lord Rosebery
and Herbert Asquith to help the govern
ment in the matter. q matter which might
develop to the utmost gravity. 1T is
impossible" he continued, "for France
to maintain that she has political rights
1t Fashoda. She has naturally and prop
erly asked for time> to receive Major
Marchand's report, but until the cen-
trary is proved decline to believe that
France will refuse to withdraw. II she
refused, the matter would assume an
aspect as grave as Is possible between
two great nations. The government is
animated by the frlendliest spirit toward
France and does not wish to infiict hu-
initiation. What we desire is fair treat
ment.
"Our work in Egypt Is not completed.
Africa is big enough for us both--for
France in the west and ourselves in the
east. Surely we ought to be able to
agree to respect one anothers rights and
claims. I hope, trust and believe the
question is capable of friendly solu-
ton, but this country has put her foot
down. If, unhappily. another view
should be taken by France. the queens
ministers know what their duty de-
mands. ~
1T would be great calamity II. after
peace for upward of so years, our FREUD
ly relations should be disturbed and we
should be launched in 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"
Paris, Oct. 20-The Times, comment.
ing upon the sensational stories Of naval
says: While the present
situation necessarily induced unusual
vigilance and activity, 1t must not be |
forgotten that the present naval move |
ments are principally an Inauguration
Of the. reforms planned by Mr.. Lockray |
when he was appointed minister of ma
rine, and which he desires to have COM
pleted prior to Jan. next-reforms
the squadrons and ports will |
always be ready and clear for action. |
and fully equipped within few days"
After enumerating the proposed fu- |
ture strength Of the various sQuadrons |
for coast defence. the Times |
concludes as follows: ASHORE our mill |
tary works are quite ready; and GER
tainly the best disposition Is being made |
OF the means at the disposal OF the navy