New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-24
RUSSIA MAY INTERVENE.
ENGLAND WATCHING FOR AN
ATTACK IN THE EAST.
SECRET UNDERSTANDING WITH GER
MANY-LOSSES TO BRITISH FORCES
IN THE BATTLES AT GLEN
COE AND DUNDEE.
fBY CABLE TO THE TRIDUNE.1

COE AND DUNDEE.
fBY rRIDuNEl
London. Oct. 24.-The sailing of the Channel
Squadron to-day for Gibraltar is now regarded
by the keenest observers as an indication that
some unexpected attack upon British interests
is possible. The magnitude of the preparations
for the war. which are out Of all proportion to
the requirements Of the military situation can
be adequately explained on the theory that the
Government suspected that some great Power
would be tempted to seize the opportunity for
striking a sudden blow or carrying out a deeply
cherished policy.
The quarter from which an attack Of this kind
may come Is unmstakable. The Russian press
has had license to criticise the English policy in
South Africa in the most acrid way. and a
rumor that Herat may be occupied Is already IN
the air. British commercial interests In Persia
are so large that Russian seizure of the
commanding position in Western Afghanistan
would be a serious stroke, aimed directly against
free trade. That seems more likely menace
than the forcing OF the Dardanees by the Rus
sian Black Sea fleet
AGREEMENT WITH GERMANY.
The movement Of a powerful French fleet to
the Levant comedies with the circulation OF
rumor that the Russian advance may be re-
sumed in Asia while England is preoccupied
with the war In South Africa. II also fits in
with the explanation OF a secret agreement be-
tween England and Germany. which have al
ready given In previous dispatches This was
that England, in return for a free hand in South
Africa in settling the Transvaal question. had
agreed not to make any hostile use of her fleet
II the German Emperor were to decide to follo"
I'D his visit to Jerusalem with a serious attempt
10 colonize any portion or ASIA Minor anu u
bring It under German influence.
4 prominent diplomatist whom I consulted
Yesterday remarked that the nature OF the
Anglo German agreement was the closest secret
in European diplomacy, but that the foregoing
statement was the most reasonable explanation
r.bich no had ever heard Denials may be eX-
racted as a matter Of course, but do not hesi-
tate TO repeat on high authority that the BTU
ish Navv will not be used against Germany IN
the Levant. and that this is the secret under
standing which has released England from ali
risk Of German Intervention in South Africa
KAISER FAyORS ENGLANDS PLAN.
Certainly. Germany is not the quarter from
chlch Englani a-- Hected that some supuen
attack might be made. and consequently mas Or
dered preparations for war on larger scale
than the campaign with the Dutch burghers has
justified.
The Channel Squadron will not sail TO the
Mediterranean on account Of any German men
ace The relations Of England and Germany
are most cordial, and the Emperors visit next
month is a plain indication that for practcal
reasons he Is reconced to a policy which en-
ahles the British Government to reconstruct the
Dutch republics and to bring them under the
authority Of the Crown.
England and Germany are acting together IN
tbe Samoan negotiations but not to the dis
advantage OF America. Indeed, German pollcy
IS now directed toward the establishment of the
most cordial relations with America az well as
England General Harrison, who with his wife,
dined last night at the House Of Commons with
Mr. Ralfour. to meet the leaders in English
public life would be good witness for this
point. for he was entertained by the Emperor at
Potsdam and by the German Chancellor at
Berlin.
e,ation. and closed at most peoples bedtime In
doubt and some suspense. The anxiety was due
to the sudden and unlocked for silence from
Gler coe and Mr. Wyndhams statement in the
House Of Commons tended to increase the un-
eas,ness When asked for the latest news from
the front. he responded with a quotation from
Lord Volseley TO the effect that General fule,
the force In the Dundee and Glencoe
district had found a Boer force greatly superior
in numbers advancing on his position and had
thought fit to leave the wounded at Dundee and
TO fall back Glencoe Junction
NO FEARS OF A REVERSE.
The curtness Of this pronouncement was sus-
nicous but the explanation was made at a late
hour that It was due 10 the ambiguous terms
Of the dispatch rather than to any positive in
formation ~ any decided reverse which lad |
been sustained
II WAS evident that Glencoe had been men |
aced by a third body Of Boer troops under Jou-
bert after two other columns had been de- |
feated and that the War Office was anxious and |
holding back news which would be misunder- |
stood and might cause needless alarm.
Official lists Of the dead and wounded have |
shown that the second British victory was |
achieved at a higher cost than the earliest re-
ports Indicated The Boer losses in killed. |
and prisoners also very heavy, |
and the death of General Viljoen the capture |
Of Colonel Shel, the German commandant of |
artillery the capture and death OF General |
Kock and OF other prominent officers with the
taking OF the entire camp. gave material in |
jury to General Jouberts really brilliant plan |
OF campaign.
DUTCH COURAGE OOZING OUT
The moral effect Of the earliest Victories was
invaluable. Private as well as newspaper and |