The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1899-12-28

@HE war between Great Britain
and the two Boer republics in
u South Africa may yet be the de-
termining cause for the long-expected, oft
predicted conflict which is to involve all
the greater and lesser powers of Europe.
Already, says the Chicago Tribune, the
attitude of Europe is sufficiently menac-
ing 70 impel Great Britain to take early
steps not only to secure the fruits of the
victory that nation expects to win in
South Africa, but to defend its empire in
all parts of the globe in the event that
Il finally rejects European interference in
Its plan to make the southern half of the
African continent all British.
In every naval port in England squad
rons are being hurriedly fitted out for
sea. A strong naval force is already as
sembling at Gibraltar, and other battle
ships and cruisers are adding their
strength to it every day. Every prepare
ton for calling out the naval reserves
has been made, and at the signal England
would be ready for all eventualities.
The movements in European diplomatic
circles leave no room for doubt that at
least France and Russia are endeayoring
TO secure the assistance of other powers
In joint representations to Great Britain
before the close of the present war. 1t
Is regarded as certain that neither France
nor Russia Is acting from motives Of
sympathy with the Beers, for If so they
would have entered their protests before
the negotiations between Kruger and
Chamberlain reached the ultimatum
stage. Therefore it is reasonable to in
fer that if France and Russia act at or
baf ba Of h,,
will do 50 from purely selfish motives,
and with the expectation of compelling
Great Britain to remain passive while
they seize some other parts of the globe
for their own. Russia's ambition in the
direction of the Indian ocean is well
known, and France has designs in China
aud Africa which it never has taken the
pains to conceal.
Interests Are Opposed.
Unfortunately for pacific outlook, the
ambitions of both France and Russia are
dangerous to the British Empire. Eng
land can neither permit France to secure
preponderance in the control of northern
Africa nor allow Russia to advance to
the borders of India without practically
destroying the British Empire Conse-
quently, Great Britain is almost certain
| to accept the alternative of war, even
In its present splendid isolation" for
! no power can 1t turn, unless, perhaps, il
may be to Germany, for assistance. II
| Great Britain is finally brought face tC
! face with the alternative of submissor
to the dictates of Europe or a war which
shall girt the globe with a belt of flame
| 1t unquestionably will choose the dreat
alternative of war.
The attitude of the several European
powers and OF the United States, III,
probable direction of such war, and tn,
changes it would ultimately make in tn,
map of the old world are subjects which
are just now engrossing the attention O.
the diplomats of Europe.
The crux Of the situation will com,
when, after whipping the Beers of thu
Transvaal and the Orange Free State in
to submission, Great Britain will max,
known its plans for the future govern
ment of those two republics.
Russia Has Most to Gain.
In any future demands on Great Brit
ain Russia will necessarily take the lead
for the Cars empire has the most t.
gain. Although having the most subtb
and secretiye diplomats in Europe, tn
ambition and infexible purpose of Russia
are well known. In general statemen
Russia's ambition lies In the direction
of an open sea, unfettered by the ic
shackles of winter. Until recently Rus
sian forts faced the ice-clad Baltic, tn
Arctic ocean, and the northern Pacific
For six months of every year Russia