The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-12
CLOSE TO A CLASH
BEAR AND LION FINALLY GET TO
TIGHT QUARTERS OVER AT
FAIRS IN CHINA
OUTLOOK APPEARED OMINOUS
British Premier stood Firm, and
Russia Listened to Reason
able settlement
BRITISH FINANCIAL STRAITS

Conservative Party Is Somewhat
Annoyed Thereby, but Dare Not
Take Radical Steps for Relief
Williams Interest in Rudyard
Kipling Provokes Widespread
Comment.
Copyrighted by the Associated Press.
LONDON, March 1.-THE British
lion and the Russian bear have come
to intentionally close quarters, over
the Chinese imbroglio. The newspa-
pers had already begun to talk Of a
serious crisis and a grave outlook, but
the diplomatic swftchmen again sue
8 ceeded in warding off a collision On the
subject of the Northern railroads, a
conflict being averted by a Russian
backdown, according to the jingoes,
and by a compromise, according to
more impartial observers.
The real explanation of the affair ap-
pears to be that Russia made pro-
test against the British railroad con-
tract partly as a feeler and partly as
warning If the British premier had
shown weakness, Russia would have
persisted, but, in any case, Russia, by
her protest, elected a ministerial state
ment in the house of commons that the
conditions of the loan did not consti-
tute foreign control. Thus, Russia, OBJ
tained a pledge that no such inter-
probation would be placed on the con-
tract in the event Of default, which is
a further substantial concession to the
Russian claims in Northern China. On
the ether hand, Lord Salisbury scored
in securing a withdrawal of the Rus
sian protest. But Russia also gained
a point with which she has good reason
t. feel satisfied
The Times thinks Lord Salisbury
achieved considerable success, which
must, urquestionably, strengthen
Great Britain's position at Pekin The
paper, however, also sees in the adjust
ment of the dispute a triumph for the
pacific and conciliatory elements Of
Russian craftsmanship, and, above all,
practical expression of the czar's de-
termination to meet Great Britain half
way III the removal of all the regret
able Misunderstanding which have
hitherto kept Great Britain and Rus
sia apart. The Times asserts that
Great Britain is prepared to give full
Ter assurances of accomplishments In
Northern China provinces and to as
sist Russia in reorganizing her posi-
ton on the policy of reciprocity. This
remark of the Times shows that Great
Britain now accepts the classification
of Manchuria as an accomplished. fact
and they only expect their government
to secure compensation in other direc-
tions.
IN FINANCIAL STRAITS.
The Conservative. government has
got itself into financial straits. The
publication Of the naval estimates COM
pletes the various items of national
expenditure which totals up f112, los, 200
($560, ,926 ,000), being an increase of a.
All, 200 ($22, ,356, ,000) over the estima tes
1t is probable there will be a deficit
of over 100000 ($20, O0O, ,OOO), which it
is expected the chancellor of the ex-
chequer Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, will
meet by a reimposition of the former
tobacco duty and an increase Of the in
come tax to nine pence. The sugges-
ton is made in the press that the de-
felt be met by a portion of the sus-
pension fund. This is opposed, how
ever, as calculated to weaken the
financial position of the whole country,
in a time, not only of peace, but ample
revenues and great prosperity.
An inkling of the financial situation
Is seen in statement of. the booming
state of trade as shown by the board
of trade returns. The imports since
December show an increase Of Il, ,100,-
600 ($5, 500, ,00O, as compared with 1898
indicating that the purchasing power
OF the country is still growing. The
satisfactory figures help the chancel-
lor of the eXcheQuer in taking a hope
full view of the revenue for the com
ing year, but tEy will not avert the
necessity Of new taxation.
The Liberal press, naturally, makes
the most Of the governments financia
difficulties, which are attributed tC
the governments policy of "doles t.
sQuirearchy'' and to extravagances.
EMPEROR AND KIPLING.
Emperor Williams message to Mrs
Rudyard Kipling has naturally at
tracted great attention, particular!
the reference to "our common race
The first impression here was tha
Emperor William thought Kiplint
was an American, especially as thu
German papers referred to "the Ameri
can author, Kipling," but this impres
sion is quite erroneous. The empero
was a reader of Kipling's writings Ions
before he settled in America. Hi!
majesty, however, knew that Kip
ling's wife was an American, and i
is thought he intended to includ,
America when he spoke of the com
mon race" The Spectator today says
1.-THE emperor is evidently willing t.
substitute the Teuton for the Anglo
Saxon as the ruling race of the flu
ture. He did not venture to call Kip
ling an American, but, being anxious
that his. telegram should be taken a.
a compliment to Americans rathe
than Englishmen, the German Journal
received a hint to describe him as a,
American, at least. AS the German
read Kipling and know his pedigre
as well as we do, that is the only ex
PLANTATION We can offer for their other