The Progress., 1898-10-01
PROBLE MSIN DIPLOMA
PRESENT THEMSELVES. TO OBSERVERS
OF EUROPEAN OFFAlRS.


The Dreyius Affair as Interesting as
Ever--The Gillian ana Argentine Trouble
Creating Much Notice in England.
LoNDoN.-The recent dramatic de-
velopment Of the Chinese puzzle came
as disagreeablc shock to the people
of Great Britain end their chagrin was
intensified by the fact that they were
revelling in their apparent diplomatic
triumph in the disgrace of Lii Hung
Chang and the wane of Russian infu-
ence. Not only in Great Britain but
abroad the queen dowager's proclama-
ton is interpreted as fresh defeat
for British policy and as an act of
revenge upon the part of England's
arch enemy, Ii Hung Chang.
Advices received here from the Eu-
ropean capitals indicate that the polit-
ical circles anticipate the reinstate-
ment of Ii Hung in power, and that
the reactionary wave in China will
lead to closer understanding be-
tween the United States, Great Brit
ain and Japan, resulting in combined
measure in reforms. The French
newspapers rejoice at tho prospect of
LII Hung Changes return to power,
simply because it would be unpleasant
for Great Britain.
The impotence here to learn the
outcome of the journey of Gen. Sir
Berbert Kitchener to Fashoda is in no
wise allayed, and although tho press
on. both sides of the channel is calmer
this week, yet anxiety is evidenced in
Great Britain in regard to the effect
the determined action of Gen. Kitch-
ener will have upon France in view of
the critical political situation in that
country. There are fears that the
French authorities may seek q foreign
diversion from their internal strife.
The Partisan newspapers have adop-
ted more compromising tone, and in
stead of declaring that the French flag
will never be lowered at Fashoda, they
now put forward the occupation of that
place by Major Marchand, as lever
by which France may be able to OBJ.
tain advantages elsewhere.
The alarming situation in France
rivets the attention of Europe.
The excitement is increasing hourly,
new revelations and developments are
expected, and military coup d'etat
would not surprise anybody. The
weakness Of NJ. Brisson, the premier,
over the affair of Lieut. Col. Picquart,
who is now in secret confinement in
military prison, has Disguised even his
personal friends, who call him a
coward and dolt, while the enemies
of revision Of the Dreyfus case accuse
him of being hypocrite, and of hay
ing sold himself to Dreyfus syndi-
cate, an organization which undoubt-
edly exists.
Only bold action will secure the gu
premacy Of civil law.
One satisfactory feature of the pros.
ecution of Col. Picquart is that the
war office has engaged to give an open
trial, which NJ. Brisson insisted upon
before he consented to the prisoners
to prison. The friends of Col.
Picquart declare that if he is publicly
tried he will throw floods of light upon
the whole matter.
In an interview published in Satur-
days News, q former parliamentarian
who has figured in all the political
events in France since 1894, is quoted
As expressing opinions regarding the
role which President Faure is playing,
previous statements on the
same subject. He says that General
enjoys the full confidence
Of the French president who is in line
with military glamour. President
Faure, he adds, has but to say the
word and have France at his feet, and
be further says if he does not say this
word and declares himself in favor Of
revision Of the Dreyfus case, he will
have the whole French mob in hue
and cry against him and he will have
to 60. But, if in order to oppose
revision, he resigns the presidency,
the national assembly, Or congress,
Tor the election of presidents, will
meet at Versailles within twenty-four
hours, and M. Faure will be elected
by a crushing majority Of those
who are hostile to revision.
He will then form ministry
with N. Barthou as premier, and with
m ambitious, strong general at the
head Of the war office, then he will be
able to do what he likes with France.
The war cloud lowering over Chill
md Argentina is being closely watch
ed and has caused uneasiness here.
The idea Of an appeal to arms is deep