The times., 1899-10-25
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER. %. 1888.
The European Situation.

The utterances and movements Of per
sonages connected with the ''hautes poll
tiques' Of Continental Europe. are be-
ing watched with intense interest just
now, for there is a general b5Hef that
something OF cosmic importance is prepar-
ing in the Franco Russian brew-house and
that il is nearly fermented and ready for
use. Just what kind of Jack is in the box
10 one knows positively; but the Russian
designs in various parts Of the world are
fairly understood. while French interests
In competition OF conflict with England's
colonial expansion are no mystery.
When the play, whatever it is. deyel-
ops. it VIII be instructive to examine any
Encouragement of Continental alliances
that may be disclosed. In a general way,
The role OF Italy OF late years has been
that Of friendship for Great Britain; but
there are hints that the cabinet at Rome
has decided to cast its lot with the Anglo
phCbs coalition CT Russia, France, and
austria. These, with the Mediterranean
state added. would combinedly WELD very
strong naval as well as military power,
ard. in the former respect. might tax the
resources OF the British admiralty to meet
the danger. But we do not doubt the
ability OF Eer Majesty's navy To encounter
and defeat the whole allied feet
il there should be serious British re-
verse .n South Africa; especially if it
should be important enough to warrant a
presumption that conditions in that guar
ter would keep England busy for the next
year. then there is probably little room for
doubt that the Continental combination
would move quickly, and attempt momen-
tous things Russia might regard the pres
ent as a safe opportunity 10 take over Per
sia and Afghanistau and effect a permanent
I0dgment on the Persion Gulf. France, on
both commercial and sentimental grounds,
might risk something 10 secure territory in
East Africa. at the expense Of England or
English interests. Italy would like to have
The British veto Of her designs on San
Nun Bay in China overturned. Austria
wants an extension Of territory in the Bal
kan Peninsula, and has not forgotten her
Old and ever lively ambition TO seize a
strip Of country across ii, in order TO make
SslCnica an Austrian port. This aspira-
zion. together with whatever views Russia
may wish TO promote Immediately. in the
direction Of foothold on the Mediterra-
mean, and territorial acquisitions at the
expense Of Turkey. render an early and
sensational reopening Of the Eastern ques-
zion more than a possibility.
Should the powers. referred 10 - likely
10 have reached some understanding on a
the time had come 10 attempt it.
The logic OF the situation would seem
10 point 90 exactly such a movement
as the well-EnoWn ambitions ard interests
of Russia and Austria would make them
desirous Of accomplishing The fleet OF
The alliance might be regarded as power
ful enough 10 protect the mouth Of the
Dardanelies from the British navy. or
possibly, TO keep the latter west OF the
EgeaH Sea. Then the European posses
sions OF the Sultan could be simultaneously
invaded by the Car and Franz Josef Will
ease il not confidence.
But here. as lH all calculations involving
possible changes in the map Of Europe. We
come mp against the imposing political aul
military power Of Jhe German Empire j
should not be forgotten thst a strong rap
prochament between the Kaiser and Abdul
Hami6 developed during the Greek war, il
connection with which the zympathies ot
Wilhelm IT were openly and decidedly witt
Turkey The army Of Germany. plus thai
Of the sultan. il combined. would maf.
war u1comfortahia if not disastrous TO th.
allies: at any rate would tax their re-
sources 10 the verge ot bankruptcy il j.
possible. then. that il the coming develop
ments should uncover an alliance batweg-
Germany and Great Britain Russia aul
Austria might hesitate 10 assau the strcug-
cst military and the strongest naval power
OF the world at one and the same time.
Of course. up 10 the present moment rs,
have only reasonable probability re-en.
forced BY diplomatic gossip. upon which
10 assume any distinct understanding
between the cabinets Of London and
Berlin. Nevertheless, the course o.
the British Government. in chancin,
European complications certain 10 b
invited by such situation as Eng.
land would accept by engaging in a wa
rhe proximate result Of which must be III,
creation OF consolidated British state O.
huge proportions in South Africa-is gufi
cient evidence. in the opinion OF man,
transatlantic statesmen, that deal witt
the Kaiser had been made and ratified con.