Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-12-01
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GO He war between Great Britain
and the two Boer republics in
q 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 to 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 it's empire in
all parts of the globe in the event that
1t 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
Eea. y strong naval force is already as
semblinS at Gibraltar, and other battle
ships and cruisers are adding their
strength to it every day. Every prepara-
zion for calling out the naval reserves
tas been made, and at the signal England
would be ready for all eventualities.
The movements in European diplomatic
circles leave 10 room for doubt that at
least France and Russia are endeavor,ng
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 Boers, 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
Ger that if France and Russia act at or
before the close of the present war they
Mill do so from purely selfish motives.
and with the expectation of compelling
Great Britain to remain passive while
they seize some other parts of the globe
Tor their own. Russia's ambition in the
direction of the Indian ocean is well
known, and France has designs in China
and Africa which it never has taken the
pains to conceal.
Interests Are Opposed.
Unfortunately for n pacific outlook, the
ambitions of both France and Russia are
dangerous to the British Empire. Eng
land can neither permit France to secure
preponderance III 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
60 accept the alternative of war. even
In Its present splendid isolation" for 70
no power can it turn, unless, perhaps, II
may be to Germany, for assistance. If
Great Britain is finally brought face TO
face with the alternative of submission
TO the dictates of Europe or war which
ehall girt the globe with n belt of flame,
Il unq1estionably will choose the dread
alternative of war.
The attitude of the several European
powers and of the United States. the
probable direction of such a war, and the
changes 1t would ultimately make in the
map of the old world are subjects which
nre just now cngrossing the attention of
the diplomats of Europe.
The crux OF the situation will come
when, after whipping the Beers of the
rransvaal and the Orange Free State in
TO submission, Great Britain will make
known its plans for the future govern
ment of those two republics.
Russia Hns Most to Gain.
In any future demands on Great Brit
ain Russia will necessarily take the lead,
for the Cars empire has the most to
gain. Although having the most subtle
and secrctive diplomats in Europe, the
ambition and infexible purpose of Russia
are well known. In n general statement
Russias ambition lies in the direction
of an open sea, unfettered by the ice
shackles of winter. Until recently Rus
sian forts faced the ice-clad Baltic, the
Arctic ocean, and the northern Pacific.
For six months of every year Russa's
merchant steamers and Russia's war