New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-28
CLOUDS on THE HORIZON.

At this moment the horizon if not actually
Enenacing Is yet heavily cIouded. France is, in
deed, believed 70 be in a tranquil mood and TO
have given hostage 10 peace IN her coming
Exhibition, which every one desires TO make a
success. not only for the credit Of the nation
but n respect Of the material benefits expected
from It Yet We saw six months ago how IN
stable is the political equilibrium in France and
how uncertain the footing Of the present pacific
Ministry. Russia has also strong economic
motive for peace. She needs money to complete
the gigantic Trans-Siberian Railway on which
she is engaged, and she may well feel that no gain
10 be drawn from the eulbarTassments Of rival
would compensate for the loss involved in the
interruption OF that enterprise. which must i'm
IoenseIy strengthen her hold on her possessions
IN the furthesr Orient and her influence. already
great, over China There is, moreover, great
reason 70 believe that the young Car adheres to
the humanitarian ideas which prompted him 10
the convoking OF The Hague Conference Dis
ouieting rumors. however. sometimes reach u
from the borders Of Afghanistan, where Russia
might were she so unfortunately advised, stir
up trouble There is always a restless military
party at work in the huge army she keeps on
foot and It needs all the force Of a tenacious
monarch 10 keep IT in check,
WAR FEELING IN ENGLAND.
As regards England. apart altogether from the
need she feels IN the prosecution Of the present
war, one serious change has come over her
spirit She finds, thinks she finds. her army
not adequate 10 the great and growing needs Of
her empire. Hitherto she has been content to
maintain q regular force very small in proper
ton 10 the vast citizen armies Of the four Cont
mental Powers. and has rejoiced 10 think
scrtption needless. She has. in fact. relied upon
<7aa~I
but savage or seui-civilized enemies TO meet in
he held whether in India or somewhere on the
verge Of her scattered colonies. Even where the
coionies are conterminous with the territories
q d european civilized Power as she is
1ernlnous with France in Indo-China and West
AIflca and with Germany in East and South
west AFRICA she has been able to trust 10 the
strength Ct her feet, since il would have to be
Dy sea only that French or German troops could
.e@eh AFRICA o. the Orient and the British feet
- u course supreme on the ocean Now, how
''ieeS oesln TO be raised demanding a
-3Iee increase IN the British arny-an increase
WHICH as many fear must involve some kind Of
e'i-7oi mon though probably in a rnilder form
lhsn that which France or Germany ennIovs
Il Is sun TOO soon 10 say whether this current
u lee-lhg VIII prevail for something will depend
u tne course which the present war takes But
= i-Feds mention as d new and onlinous phe-
--'--'elOn n English policy. and one pretty sure
= Oe largely debated during the year on which
We are entering
germany ike England. desires to remain at
WIN her neighbors. But Germany, like
anu, Is enbarking a new policy and
ny winch may diminish one of the motives
s-e mas hitherto had for remaining at peace
--e' government is bent on largely strengthen
ing her navy and the project whether or no It
- Ultimately be carried out on the great scale
"4en Inc Emperor Is believed 10 desire, will
Amy go on The growing prosperity Of her
t@0s enables her without TOO severe an effort,
= sIaufy what is, IN the present state of the
"oElo ana with her colonial predictions, a
natural ambition Thus matters relating 10 war
DulA more largely than ever in the thoughts of
LNo OF the European countries which have the
strongest reasons for peace. and which have