The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-11-14
IMPORTANCE OF VISITS OF THE CZAR
TO THE KAISER.
AN UNDERSTANDING REACHED
As to the Interests OF the Two Nations.
To Be Friends, Notwithstanding Ger
many Improving Her Relations With
England United states as a Potent
Factor in Affairs of the World Dis
cussed - Our Trade Relations With
Germany.
copyright by Associated Press.)

DCIllIl, ANONcillDtI ll-1ES 1OnS ca
pected agreement on the Sa, Joan ques-
ton and the visit of the czar to EN-
peror William at Potsdam were two
events which brought joy to the hearts
of the Germans. for they were both
construed as favorable to the empire
and the government and the press did
everything to assure the czar a hearty
welcome. The correspondent of the AS
sociated Press learns from an eye wit
ness that the emperor and empress ac-
corded a most cordial welcome to their
guests. which was fully reciprocated.
The press dwelt especially on the fact
that the czar and emperor were always
exert1ng themselves for peace and that
the presence of the czar at Potsdam on
the eve Of Emperor Williams depart
ure for England at a moment when
Germany had entered into a friendly
understanding with Great Britain re-
garding colonial policy was tanta-
mount to an additional guarantee of
peace.
After the czar's departure the press
INDUCED in the widest guesses as to
what the monarch's might have agreed
upon, especially during the ten minutes
quiet talk while alone in the nauso-
leum of Emperor Frederick, when the
doors were closed and all others were
excluded.
The correspondent of the Associated
Press learns from an excellent source
that, after 2 silent prayer at the tomb
Of Empero Frederick, they silently
shook hands and left the mausoleum.
AT dinner, where Count Muravieff,
Count Won BuelOW and Prince Hohen-
lohe were also present an exchange of
ideas on the political situation occurr-
ed, but informally. There was no
compact whatever made. 1t should be
remembered the emperor has distrust-
ed Fra1-c9 since M. Bourgeois, in 1896,
seized the opportunity when Great
Britain was wroth at the Kruger tele-
gram, to further Frances interest in
the direction of the idea of a 're-
Vanche."
While no specified agreement was en-
tered into, identity of opinion was found
to exist regarding present and future
policy in China, South Africa, the Bal
kanS, Greece and elsewhere.
The cZar left with the conviction that
Germany and Russia may remain
good friends even if Germany is i'm
proving her relations with Great Bri-
tain.
One subject of the conversation of the
mOnarchs and the statesmen accom-
panying them, the correspondent is
credibly informed, was the phenomenal
progress of the United States as a po-
tent factor everywhere on the globe.
This subject is said to have caused a
lively discussion. as the ideas on the
subject by no means tailed.
Of course precautions for the safety
of the visitor were of the most minute
and comprehensive description. The
train conveying the czar travelled only
twelve miles an hour and stopped fire.
quently while a pilot engine away
ahead was examining the ground. De-
tectives shadowed every step of the
cZar while at Potsdam, even when
alone with the German emperor in
dog cart, which the latter drove
through the park of Sans Souci.
The newspapers with few exceptions
express lively satisfaction at the Sa-
moan settlement. There is no doubt
Count Won Buelow has gained tre-
mendously in favor, not only with the
emperor, but with people of almost all
shades of opinion, He receives the
whole credit for the agreement. The
price paid sfOr Samoa is not deemed too
high. All the papers, except few of
the Pan-German variety, express con-
fidence that the United States. as the
owner of Tutuila island will prove
peaceful and accommOda ling neighbor.
The reichstag will meet November
14th and it is probable that the session
will be most lively There are three
very important measures about which
great diversity of opinion exists. They
are the anti-strike bill, the naval bill
and the renewal of the commercial
treaties. The first is not likely to pass
unless the government accepts radical
changes. The naval bill is more likely
to succeed. Regarding the treaties,
everybody including the government
sat sea, the preparatory work being
still behind hand. Beside these, of Spe-
cial interest to America is the meat in
spection bill which will come up for its
second reading at an early day. The
shape in which it was left by the COM
mittee is not acceptable to both gov
ernments. The correspondents of the
Associated Press learns from a reliable
American authority here that if the
bill, as expected, passes with the claims
amounting to a prohibition of the i'm
portation Of sausages and canned
meats, the United States will not be
satisfied and will Immediately retaliate
with prohibitory measures on German
wines. The result will be a regular
tariff war.
Frannh