The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-03-09
ENGLAND AFTER OUR AID?
ntp1oulrs IN LONDON TALK OF
AN ALLIANCE.

An IN
n,,s, nritain wouid Ne Willing 70 Give n
Maid Pre- QUO in the Cubau Cristn for Our
nal, in the Grave Eastcrn Situation which
ro,rronts Hsr-Talk or warship saies-Ths
p.n.rture OF the queen fer Clmlsn Pest
.on.a peeause OF the Crisis in tho Raut.
sp,ciai cable Dsspatch &c THE Sun,
1oSpoS. March s.-European diplomats ro-
r,rd the international situation In the Old
world at the present moment as far more seri-
q, and critical than that between the United
states and Spain. There is no longer much
aouh, that Great Britain's declaration that she
would 90 TO war rather than DO deprived Of the
markets OF the far East or to suffer the dis
r.mberment OF the Chinese Empire will soon DO
mt TO the test. Both Russia and France are ap-
n,rently determined to disregard or treat as q
nero bluff the recent British assertions Of q
limit beyond which England would not allow
her rivals to trespass on her prestige. These
limits have now been reached and ovcrstepped
both in China and West Africa, and Europe 10
waiting to know what Great Britain's answer
will DO. Two years ago, in n less serious crisis.
II was the sudden equipment Of q flying squad
ron. II will require something moro formidable
than that to check the aggression Of Britain's
rivals to-day, but first there is ample evidence
that England is e1hausting every honorable
resource for peace.
The Queens personal desire in this respect is
well known. Indeed. there is some reason TO
believe thu, he rival powers are taking advan-
tage Of this fact. Queen Victoria never ven
lures to interfere personally in Great Britain's
foreign relations unless war is practically In
sight. She has done so now. She sent for the
French Ambassador and Sir Thomas Sanderson.
who 10 acting Foreign Minister. yesterday. and
postponed her visit to the Riviera under tho
convenient official fiction Of indisposition. Lord
Salisbury, though far from we'll. came to Lon
don this afternoon. smothered in wraps.
But, while seeking peace, England 10 preparing
for war on even q more extensive scale than the
United States. Not only is there the greatest
possible activity In the Naval and War depart
nents. but there is credible authority for stating
that Great Britain Is negotiating for half n
dossn w~arships which Spain is trying to secure.
Iii, a significant fact In connection with tho
bAbttEu CElbl lldl tuCS D. SuhIBc u luiT
told THE Sun correspondent yesterday that
Russia had been the most persistent bidder for
several weeks for three ships which are being
constructed for Chilli. Chili's representative in
London possesses no sense of humor. for he did
not even smile when no declared that no less
than six powers had made offers for these enl-
bryonic warships..
Adespatch sent from Washington tonight in.
terprets Sir Julian Pauncefote's interview to-
day with President Mckinley as having refer.
enee TO the Cuban crisis. London diplomacy
gives q different significance to the incident. 1t
swell known that Great Britain highly values
and appreciates American sympathy with her
policy Of open markets In China. There Is no
doubt that England would like to put that SYM
pathy to a practical test In tho crisis impending.
Furthermore, the British Government would
DO willing in certain circumstances to render a
Guild pro quo to the United States In the Cuban.
Spanish complications. 1t is believed here that
the British Ambassador has been authorized to
Say as much to President Mckinley
Sir George William Dos Veux. who has been
Governor Of several British colonies. including
the Bahamas and Hong Kong. and who is recoE-
nized as one Of the most eminent authorities on
far Eastern politics. in an interview coincidcn-
tally and strikinRly confirms the gravity OF the
situation. He says:
The present 10 q most grave crisis in our
Affairs, not merely as regards China, but. In
view OF the complications all over the world,
on the right steering OF the ship OF state
Of this moment depends largely our ma
aonsl future. In my opinion. paradox
nal as 1t may appear. what is OF the
most immediate consequence is TO seize the OPP
portunity Of expressing our cordial sympathy
with the United States In her efforts to secure
nut0nnnv In Tnhn and a,. -. -
aid with our feet against any attack ON
her coasts. This would prevent war with
spain. and make general American sym.
PATTY with US. which ia now ours only in part,
AND would thus be of enormous value to both
nations. while materially assisting In the solu.
uon OF the China question. The United States
nave already a strong interest In preserving
the open door, and In tho course Of
ume, as their country fills up. tho
'o's OIL would AFFECT them scarcely less than
oussiVes. The opportunity is one for bringing
'oFether The two English.speaking peoples. 1t
may never occur again. and. II taken advantage
w. would relieve Spain OF the incubus which 10
onheing her rapidly to financial ruin"
Inc departure Of the Queen for Cimiez, which
hIa been arranged to take place tomorrow.
was postponed on the alleged ground that
lu Majesty was suffering from a slight In
II eAdcL nature Oh tue queen .
ahess WAS not made public. The report of
nr hajesty's indisposition caused the after
nooh newspapers to come out with alarming
scare heads. The sale of the papers was enor-
nous and the number OF wild rumors set afoat
1mAz4hgly large. Among the rumors was q
sor! That the Queens journey was postponed
VI account OF the complications between France
.na Great Britain in West Africa. The sensa-
s0ha!ists also called attention to tho fact that
baron de Courcel. the French Ambassador, who
went TO Paris last Friday. returned and dined
WIN the Queen at Windsor last evening, and
mat Sir Thomas H. sanderson, Permanent Sec
,s'Ary to tho Foreign ONCE. WAS also present.
seserthe!ess the royal train has been ordered
"oe In readiness on Thursday at 10 A. NJ.
Inc reports OF the Queens illness. despite tho
.Aet that they were circulated officially. were
iAse' Her Majesty's journey to tho Riviera
va postponed solely for political reasons, due
nor Intense desire to prevent war from grow
~ OUT OF tho present grave crisis with France
ana Russia. This WIS freely admitted In Min
nn'eFial circles in Parliament this afternoon.
uespte the bitter weather. the Queen drove out