The times., 1899-01-01

causes OF irritation between the two coun-
tries. The success of the conferences has
been unprecedented. exceeding the expec-
tations of the most sanguine-except in
the matter of trade reciprocity. In this
the mastery of the American manufactur-
ers over legislators has been as strongly
apparent as in a tariff bill. What might
have led to a mutually beneficial arrange
ment has been checked by the selfish in
terest of favored few.
In the affairs of other nations, 1898 has
been noteworthy on several accounts. Eng
land, in particular, will have cause TO re-
member it as the year in which the long
deferred punishment was inflicted on the
murderers of Gordon, a popular idol and
enthusiast. The annihilation of the Sou
danese had more than sentimental ef-
feet. 1t has removed the most serious
menace to the prosperity of Egypt, has
confirmed the British hold on that ancient
land and armed the BTiton against the
| French demand for the surrender of Egypt
to independence. No such heroism as was
exhibited by the followers of the black
fanatic in the closing fight at omdurman
has been recorded in recent years-and no
such terrible havoc as was wrought by the
rapid-fire guns of the English. The saw
ages were virtually destroyed, obliterated-
At the place where the head of the martyr
Gordon was exposed by the murderers
college has been established, proving that
the British idea is not the selfish doctrine
that led TO Spanish overthrow, but to fol-
=, harn frt ttn
quered.
The destruction of the Dervishes saved
the French Major Marchand at Fashoda
from massacre, whereupon he set up a
claim to Upper Nile territory and brought
about feeling between England and
France that may yet produce war. He
has withdrawn, and that part of the issue
is past, but the relations of the two ma
tions are still strained. They have been
further complicated by successful effort
of France to extend her exclusive territory
in China against the formal and positive
protest of the English representative.
Only yesterday came the news that the
Chinese government had ignored the pro-
test and acceded to the French demand. 1t
is believed by many diplomats that this
year will witness an outbreak of hostili
ties the end of which 1t is difficult to pre-
dict. 1t is assumed that France would
hardly push matters to an extremity with
out the support of Russia.
The situation in China is such that al
most anything may happen before another
New Year Day. Russia has been extend
| ing her hold in Asia, having tricked her
watchful rivals by the course of her north
ern railway, and she is believed to retain
her influence over the Empress Dowager of
China, In spite of England's success in
| forcing the retirement of Lii Hung Chang.
| Indeed, the concession to France indicates
that Russian diplomacy is triumphant. II
| it goes too far England will force crisis,
when the interests OF Americana matter
| how friendly may be our relations with
Russia-will lie with her as against the
absolutism of the latter. The Chinese af-
of the world in 1899.
| Another event that win contribute to
| the historic importance OF the year just
| gone is the call of the Gar of all the
| Russias for conference to consider the
| question of universal disarmament. OF the
arguments in its favor all the world
knows, but the first impulse on the an
nouncement of the call was to consider
| the suggestion as impracticable. Every
nation has responded courteously and
| sympathetically and 1t is expected that in
May delegates from all will meet at st.
Petersburg. Nobody, at least nobody out
| side of Russia, seems to think any sort
OF favorable action is possible. That the
| Car is sincere nearly everybody comedies,
in spite of the first thought that he had
| some hidden purpose. 1t is known that
the late Gear believed in peace, and did
what he could TO preserve 1t. For the
first time in years no advance of the
southern boundary of Russia was at
tempted.
II has been remarkable year in France.
and it is almost surprising that it closed
with the form of republic still in ex-
istence. The Dreyfus scandal has grown
TO enormous proportions. and an imme-
diate revolution has been avoided only
| by the tinidity of the Court of Cessation,
which is engaged in the rehearing of his
case. 1t was intended TO bring Captain
Dreyfns back to Paris for his second trial,
| but the resolution OF an anti-Semitic and
another powerful league TO engage in
revolution has frightened the court into
taking the testimony of the prisoner where
! he is, on Devils Island. The officer who
| forged one of the documents on which
| Dreyfus was convicted confessed and killed
| himself in prison. and ministry resigned
rather than consent to a rehearing. That
| the military power is really supreme,
| with the approval OF the people, is ap-
| parent in the proceedings and the feeling
| against Colonel Picquart Unless for
| eign war should solidify the French peo-
| pie, no one will be surprised if a dictator
seize the government before The year is
| far advanced. A Napoleon would ask for
no better conditions.
Some degree OF surprise was caused by
| the ease with which England and Ger
many formed an alliance, which, however,
| has very narrow limits. While IL gives
| English support to German interests in
| particular region, it suggests that closer
| friendship would be possible in case of
| Russian aifiliation with France in a way
| TO exclude Germany. The latter has at
| present no international troubles save In
| relation TO Samoa, where neither Eng
| land nor America is disposed to be un-