The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-12
THE SUDAN QUESTION.
Comments of the Paris Press on Sal
iSburY,s Attitude

PARIS, Oct 1.-THE Paris newspapers,
this morning, discuss the Fashoda question
calmly, while pointing out the strength of
frances position and the facts on which
her claims are based. They express conf
dence that the question will be amicably
settled In way satisfactory to everybody
and urge that this would be facilitated If
the newspapers of the two countries do all
they can to calm the emotions of public
opinion. The Figaro says: I'VE have been
literally subjected to an ultimatum threat
ening war on the Marchand question. The
ulttmatum is in the pocket of the British
ambassador or on his lips. Fortunately, the
document was not produced and the word
was not spoken. We should be grateful for
the skill of M. Delcasse, the minister of
foreign affairs, in preventing the delivery
of the ultimatum and to the honesty and
uprightness of the British ambassador IN
critical juncture."
After congratulating the French minister
Of foreign affairs, M. Delcasse on his
mastery parrying of the British demand"
the Temps expresses the hope that every
thing will be amicably arranged, conclud-
ing, in any case, NJ. Delcasse can rely on
the same universal support in France as
the English promise the Marquis of Sails
bury in Great Britain"
The London correspondent of Matin, who
generally echoes the opinions of the French
embassy at the British capital. admits that
the evidence supports the truth of the
ports as to the desperate condition in which
General Kitchener found Major Marchand,
and as to the latterS almost utter lack of
supplies of any kind. He says: ut is prob
able that Major Marchand confessed his in
ability to retain the position, even if not
handicapped by the presence of the British
and the Dervishes 1t u.s. however, out of
the British offer, courteous though it be, to
provide him transportation to Cairo. If he
admits the impracticability of remaining at
Fashoda, he ought to fall back to his for
mer post in Bahr-el-Ghazal. In such an
event France could negotiate with Great
Britain to enable her to revictual and rein
sibe route, namely, the Nile. Whatever
may be the development of the situation,
however. France must not abandon her
rights to have an outlet by the Nile for the
commerce of her central African possess
sions."
The Gaulois to-day expresses confidence
in a satisfactory settlement of the matter.
On the other hand, the Jour says the stu
alton appears most serious. 1t adds: THE
language of the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord
Cromer and the sirdar removes the last IL
lusionS of the most optimistic.
The Journal de Paris affirms that the
documents made public in the blue book
do not establish the right of Great Britain
to the region which France occupies.
The Justice expresses the opinion that
Great Britain, l1SIcdQ Oh IdclllIdIlnR the
negotiations, evidently aims at forcing the
situation.
The IAbre Parole says: Great Britain has
suddenly unmasked her batteries doubtless
after an understanding with her good
friends the Dreyfusards. She evidently
deems the movement will strike what she
supposes to be a decisive blow. The pre-
cipitate publication of the documents was
an act of rudeness and menace"
The Ecair remarks: I'VE have always
protested against Great Britains idea that
the whole basin of the Nile was included in
Egyptian or British influence. Effective oc-
cupation alone confers the right of possess
sion The right is on our side and we hope
our diplomatists will compel respect for it,"
The government, it is reported. has been
informed that it's dispatch to Major March
and forwarded by the courtesy of the
British government through the sirdar. has
already been delivered and that Major
Marchand is sending an officer with his re-
ply to Cairo. whence it will be telegraphed
to Paris. probably arriving early next week.
The extremist papers are making strong
efforts to excite public opinion against
Great Britain, but it is believed in the best
informed circles that Major Marchand will
be authorized to return by way of Cairo