New-York tribune., 1899-12-31
LIVE TOPICS IN BERLIN.

Berlin December 30.
r>.cr,Nn MAY LOSE SOUTH AFRICA-The
south African war overshadows everything else
here The correspondent Of The Associated Fress
bas inst had an interesting interview with the LID
aral leader Dr. Barth who Is one or the most
steadfast friends of Great Britain ana America Ou'
who condemns this war Dr Barth salu'
Al present II looks as II England might lose the
from Africa via Holland. according 70 whlch tne
esSumed much more serious proportions than the
English newspapers admit Ihere Lever Wa s
BY Mr. Chamberlain in provoking war without nay
made the @ mey fey yeaqs she could
have had everything without war ar ,b bnganSG bns fSns
for the world, even for England. 1t Will be
lesson she will not soon forget II VIII WI III nave Noi
tries including the Germans. Our navy scheme
which is almost sure Of adoption; must be under
stood to be in connection with the war IN South
Africa all fine phrases offered in explanation not
withstandng. The Increase decided on because
shaping England's policy The brutality of the
present English policies renders Germanys ru. po-
stion too insecure What happens in the Trans
vaal to-day on land may happen TO Germany upon
eeessary for Germany to be so strong at sea that
the English jingoes will think twice before attack
were OF the type Of Gladstone and Morley We should
have concern but with such political jack-o'-
lanterns as Mr. Chamberlain at the helm We do
not know what to expect and must arm for any
eventuality.
OPINION OF GERMAN PRESS-The German
press generally in the last few days has
pressed the opinion that Great Britain will lose
not only the war, but also South Africa. mill
tary writer In the "Deutsehe- -Mages-Xietung"
says:
m is 3 n he oe4 of Tsnas Ss %
whether she will also lose Cape Colony IT Is
under the guns OF English ships. but the entire
interior she Will lose and instead OF the dreamed H
land will only keep number OF ports This will
probably be the issue Of the war, II England does
not hurry up and conclude peace.
PEACE CONVENTION RESERVATION--From
an excellent authority the correspondent of The
Associated Press hears that Great Britain has in
structed her Minister at The Hague Sir Henry
reservation Of Article 1O all the conference Powers
having consented to such reservation
NEW CIVIL CODE-The new German Civil
Code goes into effect January 1. The German
papers are publishing the annual and century
views the general tone being satisfaction with
the turn German affairs have taken. one Of the
forms to be carried out in 1900 Will be In connection
with the Berlin police which is grossly inefficient.
The reform will be thorough. comprising the train
ing promotion and distribution Of the force Here
after the criminal policemen will be chosen from
civil life and their number will be increased
SEVERITY OF WEATHER-While the weather
Germany tell OF severe cold. A letter carrier
named Luedtke frozen to death while on duty
at Damnatz, and another, named Anton Baumann,
was killed by the cold at Frankfort-o on the Main.
The lies phenOmenally deep In the noun
tains
NEW FAIRY OPERA.-At the Royal Opera to-
morrow night will take place the first performance
Of the fairy opera, king Drossebart" the text
being by Demar and the music by Kulenkampn.
EPIDEMIC OF WEDDINGS-A perfect epi-
demic OF weddings has broken out here the num-
Der OF persons married being six times the ordinary
number
NO SERIOUS STEP AT DEI.AGOA BAY.-The
correspondent OF The Associated Press learns in
Government circles that Germany does not believe
the report that Great Britain intends to take de-
cisive steps at Deagoa Bay. 1t is admitted
any serious step intended. and the reports
circulated considered TO he mere reports
Issued by the countries interested in preventing
Great Britain from getting Delagoa Bay.
TO BE PRESENTED AT COCRT.-Mrs Beehler
wife OF Lieutenant Commander w II Beehler the
United States Naval Attache. will be presented at
Court at the next general reception.
LAUNCHING POSTPONED.-The launching of
the Hamburg American Line steamer Deutsch-
land which was to have occurred on January g. at
stettn. has been postponed because Of the heavy
ice on the river Oder.