The herald., 1898-10-13
IS GUARDEDLY DISCUSSED BY
LORD RosEBERY
COMPROMISE IS IMPOSSIBLE
He Hopes to Avoid Trouble but France
Must Surrender All Claims
In Egypt
Associated Press Special Wire.

LONDON, Oct. 12-Lord Rosebery, Lib
eral leader and former prime minister, pre-
siding at an agricultural dinner at EPSON
referred to the critical condition on the
Upper Nile. He said:
LAS l was responsible, both ersonally
and ministerially, for the declaration Ct
Sir Edward Grey on which the present
policy in regard to Fashoda Is founded, and
as have no disposition to recede from
word or syllable of that declaration Qoud
| cheers), feel bound to say q few guarded
and, hope. inoffensive words on subject
so vital to our interests.
Behind the policy Of the government in
this matter there is the untiring and united
strength Of the nation. No government
that attempted to recede from 1t or palter
Herewith would last week. Her majes-
tvs advisers have only to maintain the
attitude revealed in the blue book and the
nation will make any sacrifice and go to
any length to sustain their action.
'On the other side of the channel the
question Of the flag is an element of great
gravity. We all honor that flag and would
not wish 1t the slightest disrespect. But,
after all. flag Is portable, and I have
hope that the flag in this case is not the
flag Of France. but of an individual ex-
plorer, and not, therefore, carrying the
full weight of the republic behind 1t.
Among the reassuring features Is the
fact that M. del Casse (the French minister
OF foreign affairs) has received the repre-
sentatives Of Great Britain in concilia-
tory spirit. By denying the existence of a
Marchand mission he has deprived Maj.
Marchand Of the character which would
give the hoisting Of flag more serious
aspect"
After mentioning the untenability of
Maj. Marchand's isolated position, Lord
Rosebery said:
These considerations lead me to hope
that the incident will be pacifcally settled
In conciliatory manner, but France must
understand there can be no compromise of
the rights Of Egypt"
Referring in conclusion to the general
disposition In recent years to treat Great
Britain as negligible quantity and to
infringe upon her rights in various parts Of
the world" he said:
1.-The present government has shown no
want Of conciliet.on-some think too
much. If the nations of the world are un-
der the impression that the ancient spirit
OF Great Britain Is dead, that her resources
are weakened and that her population Is
less determined than ever to maintain her
rights and the honor of her flag, they make
a mistake that can only end in disastrous
conflagration. The strength of British
ministers does not lie In the votes they can
command in parliament, but in the intrepid
spirit of a united people. Let other ma
tions remember that cordiality between
nations can only rest upon mutual respect
for one another's rights. Both Africa and
Asia have recently furnished strange OBJ
ject lessons in international law and in
ternat.onal practice. If that mutual re-
spect be not cultivated we shall ultimately
relapse into state Of things most perilous
to peace and the welfare OF humanity
The speech was punctuated with loud
cheera