The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-17
The German Minister'S Remarks at
Last MONDAYS Session
Interpreted BY Some as Fllnglng Down the
Gauntlet TO Great Britain.
Declared by One Journal That
Germany is Determined to OBJ
tain the Greatest Possible Adj
vantage From the South Afri-
can Complications.

vantage From the Soutn <AATA-
can Complications.
Copyright, 1899, by Associated Press)
LONDON, Dec. 16.-The grave situa-
ton confronting Great Britain in South
Africa. almost obliterates the effect or
the speech of the German Minister OF
Foreign Affairs, Count Won Buelow, III
the Reichstag on Monday last. Though
scarcely any announcement of recent
years has had so much bearing on the
future of Europe, in spite of the unin-
formed comment in some English quar-
ters that Count Won Buelow spoke
merely for political effect, in other
words, .'jollied'' the Reichstag by means
of jingoistic sOphistries for home con-
sumption to vote of the navy, in
Vienna, which is in closer touch with
Berlin than any other capital, Count
Won Buelow is interpreted as f1inging
down the gauntlet to Great Britain.
The 'eNeue Freie Presse," which has
personal connection with the Foreign
Minister of Germany, declares that
Germany is determined to obtain the
greatest possible advantage from the
1.-THE cool mention of England dissi-
pates all apprehensions caused by En-
peror Williams stay at Windsor, and
it is not impossible that Englands diff
Guilty may, in certain circumstances,
be Germany's opportunity"
The Vienna correspondent of the
Standard detailing much similar
comment, reiterates what has often
L., L ~ +
Britain is more hated on the Continent
on account Of her interference in be-
half of the United States when the lat
ter was at war with Spain than for
any other recent cause.
Why Count Won Buelow should have
gone out of his way to indicate the pos
sibility of Great Britain's hostility, and
belittle the friendship between her and
Germany is an enigma yet unsolved by
any British authority. A concensus of
the best opinion tends to the belief that
the German Minister wished to offset
Mr.. Chamberlain's rash speech at Lei
eester. Yet this seems small excuse
for such language at this pgriod, while
the suggestion that Count Won Buelow
spoke for purely political effect is dis
missed as being entirely uncharacter-
istic of the man, who is rapidly achiev-
ing the reputation of being the first
statesman in Europe.
$50 far" says the Saturday Re-
view," referring to the war, I'VE have
been able to answer each reverse by
the potent argument of another divi-
sion, but that cannot last forever
Such an expression appearing in an
ultra Conservative and optimistic pub
LEGATION is significant.
While the Won Buelow anti-British-
isms have not stirred up criticism, the
public is just beginning to realize that
with 100000 men in the field no prog
ress is being made in any direction.
and Kimberley and Ladysmith seem as
far off as ever from the promised re-
lief.
While General Buffers reverse was an
unexpected blow to the public that
had pinned it's faith to him, it would
appear that the original plan of cam
paign, if adhered to, would have given
better results, for the Designed towns
have shown themselves quite capable of
holding out. AS it is now, the British
forces are split up, have been seriously
repulsed, are unable to cooperate, and
at any rate for the present are unable
to reach their objective. 1t was for
this plan that the central advance was
sacrificed. Even the relief of Lady
smith can scarcely have great alleviat-
ing consequences to the campaign, as
a whole, unless it's moral effect uuiets
the growing disaffection in Cape Colony
and disheartens the Beers to a more
serious extent than their other minor
reverses have SO far done.
But, however looked at, the British
position is most unenviable, and there
is a great cry for more troops. Lord
Londonderry urges the War Office to
send out 100000 more men, saying:
Conceive the effect on the empire if
Methuen is forced to surrender"
The st James Gazette" caps this
with the intimation that the treasury
send out reinforcements, adding: "If
this is SO, even Lord Salisbury's re-
luctance to sacrifice a colleague will
not serve to shield a Minister who
stands between England and the restor-
alton of her damaged superiority in
South Africa"
On the other hand, there are many
magnificent examples, through public
SpSoCA anu cQitOIldlS, VI the great
common sense which is the backbone of
the nation. There are people who i'm
plore Englishmen not to make fools of
themselves, and not to imagine that a
few reverses make it necessary to drain
the country of every man able to carry
rifle. The volunteers are greatly
worked up, and numbers of applications
to serve in regiments from individuals
have been received. The Associated
Press learns, however, that Lord
Wolseley believes that though these
men are excellent as volunteers. they
lack the evenness in the ranks and
among the officers which marks a line
regiment To use his own words, they
are brilliant in spots, but weak in
Others" and, while he appreciates the
offers, he sees no way to accept them
at present.
The action of the National Liberal
Federation this week in deciding to
support vigorous prosecution of the
war, but reserving the right of criticism
now and in the future, while stating
that there is much to be deplored in
the conduct of the negotiations pre-
ceding the hostilities, may be said to
voice the opinion of the bulk OF the
Liberal party.
The correspondent of the STANDARD"
suggests that the United States Gov