The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-02-20
SIR JOSEPHFOR WAR
If Necessary to Balk France
in Africa.
SALISBURY MUCH AVERSE
Queen Has Refused to Sane
ton Any More War.

London. Feb. 19.-The press continues
its warnings that the situation in West
Africa between France and Great Britain
is growing more critical. 1t is impossible
to abandon the British flag without loss
of honor, it is said. According to the
Daily Chronicle, France and Germany are
casting covetous eyes upon Liberia and
are contemplating it's annexation.
1t is widely accepted that Mr.. Joseph
Chamberlain, the secretary Of state for
the colonies, is endeavoring to put back
bone into the Marquis Of Salisbury's deal
ings with France, Mr.. Chamberlain per-
sisting in viewing the matter purely from
the point Of view of the colonial office,
and urging above all things the mainten-
ance of Great Britain's interests as a
colonizing power. Sir Thomas Waymess,
editor of the Speaker, is responsible for
the statement that Mr.. Chamberlain
would have pushed his pro-British policy
in Africa to the risk of war and the Mar
quis of Salisbury's attitude in opposing it,
therefore. lends some countenance to the
gossip that the queen has informed the
Marquis OF Salisbury that she will never
again sign a declaration of war.
YOUNG MEN FOR WAR.
London, Feb. 19.-The danger of leav-
ing explosives about, in the shape OF
armed bands roaming in disputed spheres
under youthful officers has been amply
illustrated in West Africa, where the in
termingling of French and British troops
has already caused incidents which
threaten the most grave complications.
Happily, the positive instructions of both
governments have thus far been obeyed,
and an actual collision has been averted.
But the fuse is lighted, and unless
France withdraws from her provocative
attitude, or Great Britain continues the
graceful concession policy she has hith-
erto observed towards the French claims,
an explosion is bound to follow.
Some explanation of the attitude of
France may be found in the desire of it's
government TO turn French minds from
the inquisition that lola has provoked,
while it must not be forgotten that the
minister of foreign affairs, NJ. Hanotaux
bears upon his shoulders the burden of
elections close at hand and has to face
swamp the government if it shows the
faintest sign of yielding
FOR ARMY AND Nay.
Next week the supplementary estimate
Of 10000 pounds for the West African ex-
penses will be presented to the house of
commons and an interesting debate may
be expected. Probably the most vital
point is, not the possession of territory,
but the freedom of commerce. Where
the French have occupied the Hinterland
of British Coast colonies, the latter have
been shut out from interior trade. In
the present instance the control of the
Niger and the free navigation of that
great waterway as an avenue of trade
for the world is at stake.
Another batch of thirty-six British off
GERS and non-commissioned officers sailed
today for West Africa, accompanied by
immense quantities of war munitions.
This critical situa ton, on top of numer-
Gus pending serious questions, has re-
aroused apprehensions as to whether the
Marquis of Salisbury is inclined TO I'M
duly sacrifice the interests of the empire.
The debate on the address, in reply to the
speech from the throne has finally been
closed. and when the house meets again
on Monday, it will be to learn the provis-
ions of the great measure of the session,
the Irish local government bill. The real
business of the session will then begin.
The public is impatient that something
practical should be accomplished to re-
form and strengthen the army and TO pro-
vide additions for the navy. The army
estimates for the current year, issued to-
day, total up e2o, $40 (s104 O94 ,0S5), and
ought to satisfy the demands for in
creased expenditure.
REAL TROUBLE ON THE SEINE.
London. Feb. 19.-All the afternoon pa
pers today comment upon the gravity of
the West African situation.
Business on the stock exchange was fat
and consols were one-fourth of point
lower.
a striking article in the Westminster
Gazette. by William T. Stead, says:
1.-The news from the Niger is only seri-