The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-24
PEACE OF FRANCE
Internal Dissensions Should
be Forgotten.

Paris, Jan. 23-M. D'Estournelles de
of the French embassy at London, in
the chamber of deputies today, raised
the question Of the Anglo French rela-
tions. He reviewed the Fashoda ques-
ton, pronounced himself in opposition
to the colonial megalomania, criticized
the policy of the government through
out and asked if they were at the be-
ginning or at the end of the difficulties
with Great Britain, with which he
urged cordial understanding.
M Denis, radical republican de-
putty, and M. Cochin spoke on the same
subject, urging friendly negotiations
for a peaceful settlement of the dis
putes with Great Britain. Former
Premier Ribot criticized many of
Great Britains pretensions especially
in regard to Egypt and Madagascar,
but at the same time upheld the neces-
slty of an understanding between
France and Great Britain. In so do
ing he pointed out that the dreibund
has been weakened by the Franco
Italian rapprochement and the Russo
Austrian entente. France he added,
only desired the peace of Europe, and
to that end Frenchmen ought to forget
their internal dissensions and think
more of France.
The minister of foreign affairs, M
Delcasse, said his policy had been di-
rected toward conserving the perma-
nent interest Of France. He recalled
the role of France during the Hispano-
American war, and said the appeal adj
dressed to France "by one of the two
nations, with which we had equal cor
dial relations" was all to the honor
of France, and the government could
not refuse its assistance, knowing that
it would not be misunderstood by our
friends in America" The result, he
added, was "a moral advantage for
France, which no one failed to under
stand.''
referring to the cars disarmament
proposals, the minister said France
wholly supported them, for two reasons
the good of humanity and respect for
the nation with which her friendship
was never more complete than now
France, M. Delcasse continued, was
aware that nothing would be asked
of her in the nature of diminishing her
strength. Relative to the protection
of eastern Christians, Frances his
toric position had not been weakened
in the slightest degree. Unfortunately,
there was reverse side to the picture.
The great states of the world differed;
but, he belived, their disputes might be
settled in a spirit of Cancellation. 1t
was in this spirit that the Fashoda in
cident was settled. M. Delcasse mar
rated the diplomatic incidents already
known in connection with the Fashoda
question, and praised Gen. Lord Kitch-
ener's treatment of Maj. Marchand, the
French officer who occupied Fashoda.
But, he said, in the general interest of
France, the government decided it was
advisable to evacuate Fashoda. The
honor of France was in no way tar
nished, but M. Delcasse believed it was
true patriotism to avert a conflict
which would be a calamity for the en-
tire world and entail sacrifices alto
gether disproportinate to the interests
at stake.
The foreign minister said in conclu-
sion: France Is always ready to nego-
tiate, being conscious of her rights.
Great changes are preparing through
out the world, and, therefore it is nee
es0'rv IN walk prUdently. To complete
our task in dignif1ed manner, the full
support Of the chambers is necessary"