The herald., 1898-02-13

that the Spanish troops must leave, but
the Cubans must be allowed to settle
their own fate. That the United States
would be morally justified in saying
the war must end, and that Cuba be CIV
en- peace. there is no doubt for a mo-
ment."
Madrid advices show that the De LONE
affair created much suppressed excite
ment there. Public comments of diplo-
mats and Of the press were generally
unobjectionable, but there was an under
current of bitterness on all sides. Even
some days before the incident became
known there had been a particularly
nervous feeling in regard to the rela-
tions with the United States, as was
evidenced by the unusual precaution
taken to guard the residence of the
United States minister. Gen. Stewart L.
Woodford. Any rumor, however absurd,
was taken as gospel in alarmist circles,
even though repetition of news which
was stale weeks ago.
For instance. quite a ferment was
caused by reference to the fact that
sixteen United States warships were
or the Dry Tortugas, and 1t was taken
as evidence that blockade of Cuba
hSt Ga SoNS pCSQn. 1hC doNeDt VI tiC
French cruiser Dubourdieu at Havana
was hailed with delight by the Madrid
press, and much was made of the polite
remarks addressed by the French ad-
miral to the government officials on the
occasion of his complimentary visit.
These remarks are said to have been
most fiattering in regard to the estab-
lishment of new regime, and We're, it
is said, accompanied by hearty wishes
that peace would soon result from the
establishment of autonomy.
THE ORIENTAL QUESTION
Although the Chauvinists noisly per-
sist in distorting the situation in the
far east, the great majority are abund-
antly satisfied with Lord Salisbury's
statement, and there is reason to be-
lieve that they will be still more graft
fled in no far distant future. When the
government shall be in a position to lay
the papers on the subject before parlia- |
ment, it will be seen that the conduct
of affairs has been in strict compliance
with the principles enunciated by half
a dozen cabinet ministers. OF course, |
the premier is not in a position to reveal
the whole story as there is much yet to
settle, but he will be able to relieve all |
anxiety with an explicit statement that
he will allow no power to interfere with
British treaties with China which give
freedom of entry to every port which
may become open under authority or a
the request of any power whatsoever.
BY his attiture in regard to kiao Chau
bay, the marquis of Salisbury has paved
the way for community of political ac-
ton between Great Britain and Ger
many which will not only produce ex
cellent results in the far east, but help
to assure the stability of the general in
ternational situation. This is already
shown by the transfer of Herr Detring,
of Chinese customs, to the
government service in Shan Tung prov
ince, he having admittedly gone to Pc
king to undermine Sir Robert Hart, the
who has been director of the
Chinese imperial maritime customs
since 1885,
Great Britain's agreement with Russia
will probably also be found to be more
reaching than a written assurance that
Port Arthur will be free port and agree
ing to the opening of Talien Wan when
the railroad reaches there.
The British warships now on their way
to China are the first-class battleship
Bargleur the frst-class cruiser Gibral-
tar and the second class cruiser Bona
When they arrive, on March 5th
Or thereabou Great Britain will have a
preponderance of nearly 5000 tons of
over Russia and France COM
bined in those waters.
AFRICAN AFFAIRS
The publication of the treaty with
Abyssinia will prove sensational. The
'umors of big British concessions are
Great Britain secures an
)ther open door and the most favored
nation treatment in respect to imports
and local taxation. King Menelik un-
iertakes that the caravan route between
Iarrar and Zoia will be kept open for
British trade, and promises to prevent
arms and ammunition from reaching the
whom he expressly declares
to be enemies of his empire.
ZOLAS TRIAL
There is little chance of the acuuttal
Of Emile Zola. The mob would be ready
to lynch the jury, and the soldiers are
more excited than they appear to be-
Dislike for secret trial, however, is in
and, should NJ. Laborie's elo-
Iuence effect an acquittal, the govern
nent is bound to fall, in which case the
army may issue pronunciamiento.
The chances are decidedly against such
an overturn, but there is no lack of funds
FOR revolutionary movement. The
Jews are frightened and enraged at their
position under the parliamentary re-
public.
IN PARLIAMENT
The present session of parliament opens
without anything in the shape of a great
but with a general feeling on