The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-04
CLOUD ON THE HORIZON
RUSSIAN MOVEMENTS THREATEN
THE PEACE OF EUROPE.
French Government Urged to Join
the Bear-WOrl< of Exposition Com
mission-A German Arrested.

tCOpyrlgnt, lyJ0, Dy the Associated treSS.)
PARIS, Feb. 3.-Paris, which is normally
in throes of party strife. is hardly recogniz-
able this week, so devoid has 1t been of
political excitement. This momentary alb
sence of internal conflict has given the
press and the political world chance to
concentrate attention on the European sit
uation evolved from the crisis which the
British empire is now traversing. Diplo-
mats are discussing nothing but the clouds
which are hanging over Great Britain's
horizon. Beneath characterization of Egyp-
tan troops in Khartum, as reported from
Cairo, is dimly discerned the intriguing
hand of an enemy Of England. Unusual
activity among the embassies here is mani
fest, and there are signs of highly strung
condition of the nerves of every European
chancellerie. The suspicious movements of
Russia ON the Persian and Afghan frontiers
and her dispatch over sea OF important re-
Inducements of men and material to the
Chinese country, which continues this
week. is interpreted as an evil omen to the
worlds peace. 1t can be said almost GER
tainly that no surprise would be occasioned
in diplomatic circles If the near future saw
some act of aggression on the part of Rus
STA toward the fulfllment of her dream
of reaching the open sea, probably through
Persia. 1t is universally recognized that
Russia never had a better moment than the
present, when she has the sympathy of
France and, when the hands of her only re-
doubtable Observation-Disclosures tied In
South Africa. The Paris press sees this
reputed Russian design, and does not con-
ceal it's hearty appreciation, not an incon-
siderable portion of the press even urging
the government to join hands with Russia,
despite the fact that it would mean ruin to
the exposition. -
According to information published here.
the Franco-American reciprocity treaty is
arousing keen anxiety in Japanese COM
mercial circles The silk producers of Japan
are especially alarmed, fearing the treaty
may hit them hard 1t is said the japanese
minister here has been instructed TO make
representations to the French government
with a view of preventing the ratification
of the treaty. He paid visits to both the
Foreign Office and the American embassy
Friday.
AS the time approaches for the opening
of the exposition the work which devolves
upon the American commission taxes the
abilities of its officials and employees. The
ceedingly heavy. Prof. Benjamin B.
Woodward, assistant United States COM
missioner to the exposition. went to Rouen
to-day to see If 1t is possible for the united
States auxiliary cruiser Prairie to reach
that port. If this can be done 1T will save
much time and be an economy In freight
charges. For the first time the French COM
mission has made suggestion regarding
the American exhibit, announcing Its wish
that the United States take part In re-
/ Of orrfaN a
historical relics. The idea is on account OF
the presentation of the Lafayette monu-
ment and other events significant or the
good feeling between the two countries,
when the bonds between France and the
United States were so close. IL is hoped
that America will make an exhibit or the
army at that period.
There was sensational announcement
this week of the arrest of German officer
as spy. This proved incorrect, however,
the man being arrested at a Paris hotel
and escorted to the frontier under a pre-
vious grounds Of expulsion. Inquiries have
brought to light the fact that the man ex-
PEELED was a remarkable adventurer whose
career is bound up in the history of France
and Germany. He was formerly an ofncer
in the German army. He comes from an
Irish family an is a wonderful linguist ana
an accomplished scholar. He was at one
time tutor to Emperor William OF Ger
many, but was dismissed owing to his in
Fiction of corporal punishment on the flu
ture Emperor for the slightest faults. He
then became a lieutenant In the army and
gained a captaincy in the Franco German
war. A financial scandal led to his retire
ment from the army and he entered the
German espionage service ana came 10
France. He was shortly afterward ex-
PEELED. He led a checkered life. having
been imprisoned in both France and Ger.
many, and was last heard of when he es-
capped from a madhouse in Lorraine. He
now springs to life again in Paris and has
again been expelled.