The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-23
And only an OhicfaI Firebrand Need
ed to Set Them Wildly Tearing
at Each Others Throats.
PORTENTOUS ORDERS ISSUED
BRITAIN'S RESERVE FLEETS TO BE
READY FOR INSTANT ACTION.
SaIisbury's Cabinet TO Meet This
Week-VictOria Hoping for Peace
Russia Likely to Assist France.
Copyright. 1898. by the Associated Press,


Copyright 1898, by the Associated Prsss.)
LONDON, Oct. 22-Never since Great Brit
ain and France began to dispute over Egypt,
nor during the most acute stage of the
Niger differences between those two coun-
tries, has the situation looked so ominious
as to-day. In spite of the hope expressed
in the sober journals Of both countries that
is a fact that the French naval and military
authorities are making feverish preparations
for war, and though calm reigns at the Brit
fish dock yards at Portsmouth. Chatham
and Devonport, it is only the calm of pre-
paredness, and significant orders have been
arriving there from the Admiralty, indicat-
ing the belief that Great Britain and France
are on the brink of war. AS Mr.. De Blowitz,
the Paris correspondent of the London
Times writes to-day: Never before has
there been witnessed such a state of fever
as is prevailing in Great Britain, nor so
great an exaltation of public feeling over a
matter of foreign policy, while on her side
France is promptly and rapidly. without
looking forward or backward, preparing to
fight any power provoking her. The French
statesmen, however, still cling to the hope
that the Marquis of Salisbury will offer
retire from Fashoda without apparent sac
rifce of dignity. This hope is based on a
conversation between Lord Salisbury and
Baron De Courcel 0he French ambassador
at London). which figures in a most impor-
tat dispatch in the Yellow Book which the
French government will issue tomorrow"
THE DESIRE OF FRANCE.
1t is learned by the Associated Press that
Baron de Courcel. in this dispatch, says
that Lord Salisbury, during the conversa-
ton referred to, asked him what were the
desires of France in the Sudan. To which
the baron replied that France wished for
an outlet on the upper Nile. Lord Salisbury
then responded that he could not promise
anything and must consult with his COL
leagues on such a matter. Frenchmen in
fer from this attitude of the British premier
that he is willing to discuss the French
claims and they even talk of negotiations
being in progress. The English newspapers.
however, vigorously combat this impression
and warn France not to be led away by
such illusions. They declare that the evac-
uation of Fashoda must precede anything
else.
The Times to-day, referring to the FASH
oda question, says: "It is not we who are
trying to humiliate France; but it is France
that seeks to put a great humiliation upon
US. We have beaten the KhaIifa and have
effectually occupied the provinces he
usurped. We are now asked to clear out at
the orders of an exploring party of nine
Frenchmen who owe their escape from de-
struction to our military success; or, if we
are kindly permitted not to clear out. we
are to pay a compensation for our title
to what we have wrested from the Khalfa.
This is not a thing we can consent to dis
cuss upon any such high handed summons.
We are there in effective occupation, and
there we intend to remain"
Punch hits off the popular feeling in this
matter In a cartoon representing John Bull
being pestered by a French organ grinder
outside his doorstep. The organ is labeled
'Fashoda," and monkey, in French milf
tary uniform, is sitting on the organ,
screaming and beating tiny drum. The
organ grinder asks
What you give me If go away?
John Bull-Tn give you something if you
don't
WAR PREPARATIONS.
The French naval preparations were at
first declared to be mere routine arrange
ments. but they are now admittedly directed
against Great Britain. The minister of
marine, NJ. Lockroy. is dispatching orders to
all the naval stations alcng the coast. and
he IS receiehg reports as to their condition
The French dock yards and arsenals are
working at full pressure, hurriedIy prepar-
ing war ships and torpedo boats for active
service.
On the British side a feeling Of absolute
self-eonfdence is displayed. Everything
ready is the burden Of all the statements
nom naval quarters. In fact. the British
navy has practically been on war footing
Tor year past, and an authoritative pro-
nouncement to this effect has come from
me secretary 10 the Admiralty, Mr. W. Il.
ELLISON Mccartney. Referring to the prep
afa'i0ns On the other side Of the channel,