The sun., 1898-12-25

zspl II Il 90 an
rEIE SUN W1LMIN
dents statement is moderate and just in
that part. General Merritt's interview
blaming the conduct of Germany in the
Philippines, published in Paris, is sure
to have agood effect on French public
| opinion as a counterbalance to the evil
influence of Madrid news, the aim ol
which is to turn France against The
United States. o.
The work of the Peace Commission at
Paris is generally recognized as having
been thoroughly performed, and through
the efforts Of William j. Bryan the OBJ
jections to its ratification by the Senate
have been practically removed. His be-
lief, shared by many others, is that Con-
gress will at once declare its policy, and
the world will be notified that we do not
intend to exercise any sovereignty over
the Philippine Islands; that we will do
with the Philippines what we have done
for Cuba-drive Spain off and then per-
NIT the people to establish government
for themselves. This seems to be good
solution of the problem. although good
many persons believe that such clause
should be embodied in the treaty. In
recent speech in the House of Repre-
sentatives, Congressman Williams con-
tended that it would be hostile to the
spirit of our institutions to assume con-
troll over 100000 unwilling subjects;
that annexation would cost us $l40,O ,OOO,-
600 a year; that the annexation OF the
islands met none of the tests which ap-
piled to our past acquisitions of territory,
and that it would be mistake from a
social, political and material standpoint.
~
In connection with the work of the
Peace Commissioners it is Of interest to
note that they are receiving a per diem
allowance OF $3.50 each, which will make
the total amount received by each from
the time of appointment until their re-
turn to the United States not more than
SIC, 900. Secretary Moore Is receiving
per diem of $75. making his total allow
ance about $4,000. Disbursing Officer
Brannagan will receive not more than
$500 for his services. Interpreter
Ferguson is drawing salary of $3.50 a
month from the United States, but some
thing may be paid him by the Spanish
in addition. All these al
lowances are, of course, in addition to
The expenses of the commission.
The policy of the Powers of Europe
towards Turkey is curious one. As
everybody knows Turkey and Greece
went to war over the Island Of Crete in
The Mediterranean which the Sultan
held. No country came to the aid of
Greece, and Turkey was soon the victor
in the unequal struggle. The Sultan de-
manded big indemnity, but Greece be-
ing bankrupt, was unable to pay. Now
The Powers have awarded Crete to
Greece, driven out the Turkish troops
and placed Prince George, son of the
King OF Greece, as ruler OF the island. A
cable from Canea tells us that Prince
George has arrived there escorted by the
British, French, Russian and Italian
aagships. He was saluted by the forts
and was welcomed by immense crowds
Of people on landing.
As soon as the Prince was ashore
was formed and he came here.
The route was lined by the international
troops. The Prince and his party stopped
before the church, where a Te Deum
was sung.
He then proceeded to the Government
building, where the Cretan flag was
hoisted and saluted by the war ships.
~
France continues to be stirred over
The Dreyfus conspiracy. The secret
papers (dossier) on which Dreyfus was
supposed to have been forced
by Major Esterhazy, have been at last
under pledges of secrecy, to
,he Court of Cessation, which is to pass
lpon the question of granting the exile
new trial. Great care is to be taken to
prevent its publicity. This looks as
,hough the truth might be finally dis
closed, but the strong anti-Dreyfus feel
ng in France may prevent anything
ever being done to liberate the unfortu-
late prisoner. But until the court acts
nothing definite can be known. The
ceiling in the army against Dreyfus was
lever more bitter than at present-and
he army is France and the govern
nent
Germany may snarl and snap at
Jncle Sam, but the Kaiser evidently
lon't care to become involved in serious
rouble with the United States. So the
Provincial Court of Berlin has had
riders to release Frank Knaak, an Amer
can citizen who spoke while intoxi-
ated, in disrespectful terms of the EN-.
,eror.
A cable to the London Times from
oeking, lamenting Great Britain's loss
# the two most important railway con-
essions in China, writes: "The northern
lalf of the great Central Trunk Line
rom Peking to Hankow will be built by
lie ian-Belgian-French combina-
ion; the southern half, from Hankow to
Janton, has been secured by the Ameri-
an Washburn-Carey (Bricel syndicate
N terms more favorable than any yet
ranted in the case Of any other railway
ontract in China"
A strangely pathetic story comes from
.ondon: ''The Marchioness of Donegal
gill eat her Christmas dinner in a Lon I
on workhouse. Ill and in acute desti-
i - 4 L Az |