The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-10-25
EYE ON THE BEAR
Said That It Is From Russia That
England May Expect a
Check.
German Friendship Secured 10y
the British Promise Not to
Interfere
If William Should Want to Do
Some Colonizing in Asia
Minor.

NEW YORK, Oct. ga dispatch to
The Tribune from London says: The
sailing of the channel squadron for
Gibraltar is now regarded by the keen
est observers as an indication that some
unexpected attack upon British inter-
ests is possible. The magnitude of the
preparations for the war, which are ont
Of all proportions to the requirements
Of the military situation, can be ade-
quately 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.
Must Come From Russia.
The quarter from which an attack OF
this kind may come is unmistakeable.
The Russian press has license to criti-
cize the English policy in South Africa
in the moo. acrid way, and a rumor
that Herat may be occupied is already
in the air. British interests in Persia
are SO large that a Russian seizure of
the position in Western Afghanistan
would be a serious stroke aimed directly
against free trade. That seems a NOR,
likely n than the forcing of Il
Dardanelles by the Russian Black Sea
fleet. The movement of q powerful
French fleet to the Levant comedies
with the circulation of a m that
the Russian advance may be resumed
in Asia while England is ~preoccupied
by war in South Africa. 1t also fits in
with the explanation of a secret agree
ment between England and Germany.
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 1t the German emperor was TO
decide to follow up his visit to Jerusa-
lem with a serious attempt to colonize
any portion Of Asia Minor and to bring
1t under German influence.
A prominent ~diplomatist whom l con
suited 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 which
he had ever heard. Denials may be ex-
pected as a matter Of course, but | do
not hesitate to repeat on high authority
that the British navy will not be used
against Germany in the Levant, and
that this is the secret understanding
which has released England from ali
embarrassment from that quarter.
The channel squadron will not sail to
the Mediterranean on account OF n
German menace. The relations Of
England and Germany are most cordial
and the emperor's visit next month is a
plain indication that for practical rea-
sons he is reconciled to a policy which
enables the British government to re.
construct the Dutch republics and to
bring them under the authority of the
crown.
England and Germany are acting to-
gether in the samoan negotiations, bu
not to the disadvantage Of America.
Indeed. German policy is now directed
towards the establishment Of the most
cordial relations with America as we'll
as England. General Harrison. who.
with his wife, dined Monday night at
the house of commons with Mr. .Balfour.
to meet the leaders in English public
life, would be a good witness for this
point. for he was entertained by the
emperor at Potsdam, and by the Ger.
man chancellor at Berlin.
France and Russia VIII Not Prevent.
NEW YORK, Oct. ga dispatch to
The Herald from Berlin says: Tele.
grams from Brussels that in
the T%ransvaal legation circle it is stated