The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-02
FRANCE 5 SAD PLIGHT
Forced to Give an Account of
Herself to Russia.
is BROUGHT UP STANDING
For Being Friends for a Day
With Germany.
is BROUGHT UP STANDING

London, Aug. 10.-M. Delcasse's depar-
ture for ST. Petersburg was admittedly
hurried and manifestly unpreconcerted.
It is now evident that it was not a
spontaneous act of mere courtesy, but
rather an enforced mission for the pur-
pose of reassuring a disquieted and impa-
tient ally. In proposing his French col
leagues health Count Muravleff referred
to the rapidfty of the journey in so point
ed a manner that it cannot be read in the
sense of good-natured humor. and can
only be interpreted as conveying suf-
ficiently clear information that III. Del
casse had to hurry to ST. Petersburg,
without lettering in Berlin. In response to
a summons. The Russian Minister ex-
pressed thanks to his honorable guest for
having, by the speed of his journey, again
proved to what a degree the ties which
bind France so closely to Russia have
brought Paris and st. Petersburg nearer
to each other. In diplomatic language
nothing can be more explicit; and the
terms employed leave no great scope
in the way of regard and consideration
for an ally OF equal rank. II not actually
summoned, NJ. Delcasse found 1t expedi-
ent to hurry to st. Petersburg in order to
prove once more that France was bound
to Russia
Now, why had this become necessary?
Some ten days ago the Novosu of St
Petersburg published the text of a tele-
gram from the Car to Prince Louis Ma
poleon, congratulating him on his birth
day in terms which fall but little short Of
recognition Of him as a legitimate pre-
tender to the throne Of France, and asa
public encouragement of his hopes. 1t Is
true that dimenti followed from a
French source, but in terms so ambigu-
Gus and half harted that it justified those
who refused to believe a fored imperial
telegram could be published with impuni-
~ in Russian newspaper. But this Is
nor all. Two days before NJ. Delcasse's
precipitate journey, Gen. Baron Freder-
icks, the Russian military attache in
Paris. was recalled. Baron Fredericks
had been accredited in France for ten
years continuously, was the first there
in an official capacity twenty-five years
ago. anad had lately been promoted to the
grade Of minister plenipotenttary. No
successor has yet been named. and no
explanation of his sudden recall given,
beyond the assurance that It was for no
fault of his own; in fact, he has been CIV
en- post of honor at home.
What is remarkable is that these two
incidents followed closely upon the visit
of the German Emperor to the French
trainingship Iphigene. the exchange of
CORDIAL greetings between the Emperor
and President Loubet. and the discussion
by the French press of the desirability
of drawing nearer to Germany. The i'll
humor with which these manifestations
of reconciliation were received in Russia
was undisguised-the of1cIalaly inspired
papers especially were outspoken in their
comments as to the impossibdlity of the
Dual alliance being maintained concur
retnly with a closer understanding be-
tween France and Germany. And as that
alliance is principally based on a mill
tary convention originally drafted by the
military agents of the two Powers. the
sudden recall OF the Russian agent in
France was clear intimation OF the dis
pleasure of Russia How deep the irri-
tation was is proved by the petulaant
tone adopted. even after the arrival of NJ
Delcasse, by 1.-THE semi-offlcial Novoe
Vremya; "To Russia it would have made
no scerious difference If the French min
lister had delayed his return visit and re-
mained at his post. where he might have
better spent his time, had IT only been in
explaining to some of his ministerial COL
leagues. who are sufficiently acquainted
with Russia, they conduct which the
French alliance with this country really
demanded on the part of France. and in
showing to them the mendacious charac-
ter of reports such as were recently con-
tradicted by NJ. Delcasse"
Such irritation could not have been pro-
voked by the exchane of merely formal
courtesies with Germany. It is positive
that the endeavors Of the German En-
perorr TO draw closer to France pursued
with characteristic German perseverance
and method, achieved a more decided
success than has appeared to the public
eye. These endeavors were redoubled af-
ter the Fashoda incident, when pub ic
opinion in France wasa impressed with
the uselessness OF the Russian alliance.
and when the old score of Alsace and
Lorraine faded before a defeat which had
not even the glamor of a brave fight to
relieve even its abject humiliation. The
dexterity with which German diplomacy
availed Itself OF that opportunity was
quite admirable. It appealed to French
susceptibilities by offering cooperation in
colonial and extra European questions
where an ana identity of interests could
easily be established. One of the first
points chosen Tor this purpose was Asia
Minor. where Germany has Vbeen active
for many years past, and where she Is
nownow anxious TO forestall England in
securing the concessions for a line join
Ing the existing railway system from
Constantinople already in the hands OF
n German COMMUNICATIVE Ra~iad and