The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-10-21
MAJOR MARCHAND'S REPORT
FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER OR-
 DERS IT REDUCED TO CIPHER.
It Was Expected to Arrive in Carlo Last Night and at Least Forty-eight Hours Will be Required Before it Is Forward ed from Egypt and Translated In Paris The French Naval Activity.
'e French Naval Activity.


 The French Naval Activity.
 Paris, Oct. 20.-M. Delcasse, minister of foreign affairs, has ordered that the report of Major Marchand as to the situation at Fashoda, which is expect ed at Cairo tonight be telegraphed textually. Owing to its probable length it is expected that at least forty eight hours will be required to reduce it to the French cipher code at Cairo and to translate it in Paris.
 The apparent war preparations in France are now the absorbing subject of discussion here. According to the French papers there were important naval experiments at Toulon yesterday evening. A fotilla of torpedo boats was detailed to make an endeavor to force the entrance of the harbor, and the whole garrison was called to arms, and the forts and batteries were man. ned, ready for instant action. The re- suit of the experiments has not been made public.
 Vice Admiral Barrera presided yes- terday at a secret council at Brest, in which the chiefs of the maritime forces took part. Confidential orders were subsequently, issued to the garris- son.
 The municipal council of this city to- day adopted a resolution urging the French government, without sacrificing the material interests of the country, to use it's utmost efforts to avert a conflict with Great Britain over this dispute.
 A dispatch from Brest to the Aurore says that last evening orders were is- sued for the mobilization of five local classes of reserves. The mayors upon whom the orders were served were in- formed, however, that the men would only be held in readiness for service and not be called out definitely until telegraphic instructions to that effect were received.
 The Matin says if any unfriendly act is committed England will be the de- linquent, because she has divided Egypt with every nation except France which had the most right there.
 The Echo de Paris says that the mill itary preparations which are being made do not mean that the govern ment nourishes belicose intentions, but certain precautions are necessary against an enemy who is known to be interruptions.
 British Comment.
 London, Oct. 20.-The speech deliv- cred at North Shields yesterday by Sir Michael Hicks Beach, chancellor of the exchequer, in which he declared that there were greater evils than war, and that England would not shrink from anything that might come, has further stimulated discussion of the Fashoda situation Nearly all of the afternoon newspapers contain leading articles on the subject.
 The Pail Mall Gazette's article is headed "worse Things Than War; and points out the advantages that England would be likely to gain in case of war
 The St. James Gazette says: "There is reason TOT EIlSlduu to oe Cdilii' '' because of the reports that Franco IS a.r:ing WI ich we do not believe, cut because we are as ready with oIr na- tional t,efences as ever in our history.
 The Westminster Gazette praises the cabinet councils skilful management of the Fashoda affair and says: Public opinion, though firm concerning the substance of the dispute, requires Lord Salisbury to do nothing to increase Frances difficulties"