Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-05
Said to Be Due to Unsettled Condi-
tons in Europe.
FRANCE WANTS RUSSIh'S BACKING
Hot Fight Over Pension Bill in
English Parliament
OLD WORLD COS S P


LONDON August 4-Whatever fanciful
reasons are offered for the visit of the
French minister of foreign affairs, NJ. Del
casse, to St. Petersburg, II 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 the motive for
Emperor Williams cvertures for a rap
prochenent with France. France is still
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 no real value. The
primary object of ii Delcasse, therefore, is
to get puplic evidence that the alliance
holds gooG by persuading the ear 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 may 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
the proposal of the British secretary of
Il,
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 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 viii be severe I'M
a famine wOlIl1
ously interfere with the currency reforms.
! he natives say the luck of the viceroy of
India. Lord Curzon of Kedleston, is falling.
An old lady has written to Mr.. Arthur
]. Balfour, the first lord of the treasury
and government leader in the house of
commons, who is an enthusiastic golf play
CT, offering him a handsome allowance,
payable quarterly, if ne will swear never
to play golf on Sunday.
Emperor Williams latest telegram TO the
royal yacht squadron at Cow es is reported
to have reference 10 the pecuiarities of the
handicapping. which puzzled many people
here also and which is due to different rules
being adopted on different occasions. After
explanations were given. ii is said the en-
peror expressed himself quite satisfied
1t is understood the royal yacht squadron
was annoyed by the publication Of the en-
peror's telegram. describing The handicap
appalling but everything is now set
tied satisfactorily.
Old Age Pensions.
1t is understood that one of the prin-
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 are utterly opposed TO
what they term "socialistic legislation" the
taxpayers are IN arms against the pros
pective heavy demands upon their dimin-
ishing incomes. and it is pointed out that
no matter how disastrous it turns out to be-
such a measure could never be repealed in
democratic country like England. 1t is
recognized on every side that increased ex-
penditure will be requisite TO meet the
fierce rivalry of the United States and Eu-
rope while signs are not lacking that Great
Britatn's income Is nearing high water and
there is d widespread feeling that this is no
time to sacrifice millions which might be
spent in insurng the country against hos
tile fleets As to the eld-age pensions
scheme. many people think it would fatally
decrease the sense of duty toward the fam
lily and render the citizen less thrifty and
energetic.
Novel Oner From FiItDinOs.
. Interesting Information comes from lie
British North Borneo Company. in that IT
has received a request from the PHILIPPINES
asking the company to lease or sell TO Fill
pinos Barguey Island. Just south of PaIa-
wan Island. 1t is only sparsely inhabited
by natives. The Filipinos who are engf-
reertng the deal, say that in case Of their
defeat Aguinaldo and other leaders with
large section OF the F'ilinnos may set
lie at Banguey. under British protection
and the comp2ny'S rule. The board is now
considering the question. but ii is under
stood the company is not averse to Ieas-
ing me island on very favorable terms be-
ing offered.
Lord Pnuncefote Congratulated.
Lord Pauncefote. the British ambassador
to the United States, continues to receive
numberless congratulations on his eleva-
no
the Associated Press yesterday saw piles
Of letters and kilograms on his table but,
singularly. none has yet arrived from
America The ambassador said:
Naturally. I am averse To trunIpeting
my work at the conference. Little can be
SAID that the world does lot know already
But l can express my solid conviction that
tangible commencement has beeeu made
In new methods Of International dealing
especially in the settlement of the gaze
issues which are bound to arise at times
between nations
cit would manifestly be out of place for
me to C4scuss the Alaskan question am
not sure / am thoroughly conversant with
the later developments. But the good
sense, tact and wisdom of the diplomatists
on Doth sides are sufficient guarantee OF a
final honorable settlement l 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 to appear to ignore the happy
cnange which has come about recently and
which none Is In better position to recog-
nize than the ambassadors
owing TO the Propagation | shall be I'M
able to take my seat during the present ses-
StonS or parliament. but I will go to Wind
sor 10 kiss hands In the ordinary course"
CasteIIaBes' Social Success
Count and Countess Boni de Castellane
and their party on board the steam yacht
Valhalla 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 Castellane
and the French women accompanying her
completely eclipSed the English women
They were perfectly dressed on every occa-
sion, while the majority of the English
beauties appeared in most inappropriate
haShy costumes The arrival of the VAL
hallas gig al the Royal Yacht SQUADRON
landing stage was always the event of the
afternoons to the OnlOokers. II is a six
cared gig and the sailors wear the ordinary