Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-05
M. DELCASSE'S VISIT
Said to Be Due to Unsettled Condi-
tons in Europe.
FRANCE WANTS RUSSIA'S BACKING
Hot Fight Over Pension Bill in
English Parliament
OLD ORLD G OS S l P

Copyright 1899. the Associated Press)
LONDON. August 4.-Whatever fanciful
reasons are offered for the visit of the
French minister of foreign affairs, NJ Del
casse to St Petersburg, 1t is safe to assume
it has reference to the present unsettled
condition of European politics. The ap-
pearance of the United States as a world.
power is primarily responsible for this dis
turbance. and there are repeated signs of
latent friction between Germany and the
United States. the latest being Admiral
Dewey's alleged warlike statements, which
give European statesmen cause for uneasi-
ness and regarded as the motive for
Emperor Williams overtures for a rap
procheulent with France. France IS stiil
smarting under the humiliation of the Fa-
shoda affair and is inclined to meet En-
peror William. if once convinced that the
Russian alliance has real value. The
primary object Of II Delcasse, therefore, is
10 get puDIic evidence that the alliance
holds good by persuading the car TO visit
the Paris exhibition Of 1900, and also by
personal contact with the Russian court
and statesmen. to ascertain to what extent
the alliance my be relied on.
Herr Fischer's Visit.
The visit of Herr Fischer. the special
agent of the Orange Free State. to Pretoria
is regarded hopefully. His influence is ex-
pected TO lead President Kruger to accept
state. Mr.. Joseph Chamberlain, for a joint
inquiry into the effect the franchise bill
will have upon the outlanders He was
the spokesman Of the Dutchmen when the
recent concessions were made by President
Kruger.
The condition of India continues serious.
Except in Bengal, practically no rain has
fallen in western or southern India for
nearly forty days. The Bombay govern
ment Is already considering means to cope
with the famine, which will be severe I'M
less rain soon comes. y famine would seri-
ously interfere with the currency reforms.
The natives say the luck of the viceroy of
India, Lord Curzon Of Kedleston, is falling.
An old lady has written to Mr.. Arthur
j. BalfOur the first lord Of the treasury
and government leader in the house of
commons, who is an enthusiastic golf play
CT. offering him handsome allowance,
payable quarterly. If he will swear never
to play golf on Sunday
Emperor Williams latest telegram 10 the
royal yacht squadron at Cow es is reported
to have reference 10 the peculiarities Of the
handiCapyinS. which puzzled many people
here also and which is due to different rules
being adopted on different occasions. After
explanations were given, it is said the en-
peror expressed himself quite satisfied.
1t is understood the royal yacht squadron
was annoyed by the publication of the en-
perors telegram. describing the handicap
as appalling. but everything is now set
tied satisfactorily.
old Age Pensions.
cipaI government measures of the com
ing session of parliament will be old-age
pensions. and there is every prospect of a
hot fight over the bill. Many supporters of
the government utterly opposed to
what they term "sociaIjstiC legislation - the
taxpayers are IN arms against the pros
pective heavy demands upon their dmin-
ishing incomes. and it is pointed out that
no matter how disastrous ii turns out to be-
such measure could never be repealed in
democratic country like England 1t is
recognized on every side that increased ex-
penditure will he requisite to meet the
fierce rivalry Of the United States and Eu-
rope, while signs not lacking that Great
Britatn's income IS nearing high water. and
there is a widespread feeling that this is no
time TO sacrifice millions which might be
spent in inSuring the country against hos
tile fleets. As to the oId-age pensions
scheme, many people think it would fatally
decrease the sense OF duty toward the fam
Hy and render the citizen less thrifty and
energetic.
Novel Offer From F'iIipfnOs
interesting Information comes from lie
British North Borneo Company. in that #
has received a request from the PHILIPPINES
asking the company to lease or sell to Fill
piros Barguey Island just south of PaIa-
van Island. 1t is only sparsely inhabited
by natives The FTipinos. who are eDgf-
reerins the deal. say that in case Of their
leaders
large section of the FiiiDinos, may set
tie at Bangu-y. under British protection
and the c9mQ8nys rule The board is now
considering the question, but il is under
stood the company is not averse to Ieas-
ing the Island on very favorable terms be-
ing offered
Lord Paunccfotc Congratulated
Lord PauuCefote. the British ambassador
to the United States continues to receive
nNmheriess congratulations on his eleva-
ton to the peerage. representative Of
the Associated Press yesterday saw niles
Of letters and kilograms on his table but.
Singularly. none has yet arrived from
America The ambassador said:
Naturally, / averse to trlIrnpeting
my Work at the conference. Little can be
s'lu tndl the world does hot know already
But can express my solid conviction that
tangible commencement has beeen made
in new methods Of international dealing
especially in the settlement of the gaze
issues which are bound to arise at times
between nations
ut would manifestly be out of place for
me to c.scuss the Alaskan question 1 am
not sure / am thoroughly conversant with
the later developments. But the good
sense. tact and wisdom OF the diplomatists
on both sides are sufficient guarantee Of
hnai honorable settlement. I am afraid
excessive praise has been rendered me for
the good understanding which exists be-
tween the two countries. but it is assuredly
Hattering, and II would be affectation on
my part 10 appear to ignore the happv
. cIange which has come about recently, and
which none is in a better position to recog-
uize than the ambassadors
owing to the Propagation I shall be m
aDie I" take my seat during the present ses-
sionS 81 parliament. but 7 will go to Wind
sor TO kiss hands In the ordinary course
fasteiiaBe~' Social Success.
Count and Countess Boni de CasteIlane
and their party on board the steam yacht
Falhalla have certainly been the social sue
cess OF Cowes week Their triumph Gull
minated in the dinner they gave on the yes
sci Thursday to the Prince Of Wales
Everything connected with the yacht and
the French people aboard were the smart
est possible. The Countess de Casterlane
and the French women accompanying her
completely eclipsed the English women