The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-11
EDMUND MoNsoN's FLIGHT
AND THE SITUATION IN EGYPT OC-
CUPYING PUBLIC ATTENTION.
The British Ambassndorss Departure
from Paris Due to the ANTI
English Sentiment.

convention which permits American con-
struction OF the Nicaraguan canal has not
yet attracted the keen attention here which
its Importance warrants, considering the
heavy French financial interests thereby
affected. The Panama canal has been
we'll In which nine French peasants out of
every ten. attracted by specious promises,
invested some part of their savings, wrung
from French soil. At the first glance the
assumed neutrality of the canal seems so
satisfactory to the political interests of
France that the governments acquiescence
appeared to be a foregone conclusion. The
government is not anxious at the present
moment to raise any obstacles which would
estrange the two countries and turn Amer
lean sympathy toward England.
An official of the Foreign Office has au-
thorized the Associated Press to make the
following statement: Far from making
any objections to the Hay-Pauncefote con-
vention, France halls with the greatest sat-
isfaction it's probable ratification. It's terms
coincide precisely with those signed by the
powers at Constantinople in 1885, regarding
the neutrality of the Suez canal. 1t was
France that proposed those terms. Though
only theoretically in effect now, they rep
resent Frances wishes. If France is salts
fed with the regulation controlling a canal
so closely identified with her interests, she
cannot but be pleased that the same terms
apply to canal in section OF the world
where her interests are not involved. Eff
forts to connect Panama interests with the
convention will be futile. because they are
not involved, as the treaty does not select
a route, but only opens the way for an
American canal across the isthmus, and
does not designate its position. In no way
does it conflict with Panama. While indi-
vidualS in France deeply interested
financially in Panama, ii is a private cor
poration and not government concern.
Frances consent to the Hay-Pauncefote
convention will be readily and willingly
Forthcoming"
The suggestion that France shall demand
an indemnity for injury to the Panama
canal interests is secuted in unimpeachable
circles. Such demand, ii is pointed out,
would have no legs to stand on, according
to international law. as the construction
of the Nicaraguan canal could only be re-
garded in the light of legitimate competi-
ton.
The word alliance" as used in the Hay
Pauncefote convention, naturally has not
passed unnoticed in political circles, but
too great Importance is not attached to II.
Joseph Chamberlains indiscreet mentions
of the word alliance" are alluded to and
deductions are drawn therefrom which
weaken considerably the Importance at
tached to the term alliance" as used in
diplomatic documents. Many politicians
point out that the United States Senate has
not yet ratified the Hay-Pauncefote agree
ment, and the precarious position of the
Franco-American reciprocity treaty en-
courages them in the opinion that the in
of
jeopardize il. However, there is no desire
in French political spheres to do aught to
fan the flames of any Anglo-American en-
tente, especially at a moment when
Frances interest might be better served by
adding to Great britain's difficulties.
Great Britain's status in Egypt as af-
fected by the revolt of the native troops is
treated here as extremely serious. This
news which was first announced from
Cairo, Jan. 81 has now become an impor-
tant feature in the French press and re-
ceves full confirmation. Its significance
will be realized when 1t is explained that
Egypt is a finder box whence spark may
set into flames the Anglo-French animos-
ity. The hope is freely expressed in the
French press that Englands difficulty In
overcoming the insurrection may justify
the international reopening of the Egypt
ian question, in which France could not re-
negotiations to replace the English garri-
sons in Egypt at the present 5uncture by
Italian troops is denounced mere as con-
trary to the international agreement.
The stories of conferences between Lord
Currie, the British ambassador at Rome,
and Sir Edmund Monson, British ambassa-
dor at Paris regarding this movement, are
obviously invention, but Sir Edmund Mon
sons departure to the Italian Riviera was
certainly due to the pique OF the English
government at the bitter antf-English feel
ing reflected everywhere here. Omc1ally
Sid Edmund Monson has gone south on &C
count of his health but it is pointed out,
the climate of the French Riviera Is quite
as good as that of the Italian Riviera, and
If health were the only question the Brit
ish ambassador could have gone to Nice or
Cannes and also have saved the $50 day
which he is now compelled to pay the Brit
ish charge d'affafres, according to diplo-
matte regulations. during his absence from
the country to which he Is accredited.
The Archbishop of AK, Mogr. Gouthe-
Soulard, whose stipend was suspended ow-
ing to the letter of announcement which
he wrote to the assumptionist fathers on
their conviction on the charge of conspir-
ing against the republic. seems determined
to get into trouble. He has now written
to the assumptionist organ, La Croix,
long epistle vigorously denouncing the
governments action. The violator or my
Waldeck- Rousseau (the prime minister),
by stealing my allowance which is debt
recognized by the concordant." He pro-
ceeds to characterize M. Waldeck-Rous-
seau's assertions as impudent Hes and
gross insult.
Gouthe-Soulard has several times been In
difficulties with French ministers. As q re-
suit of the incident which occurred at Rome
during the pilgrimage of the French work
men headed by Gouthe-Soulard, the latter
was fined 5000 francs and later had his
allowance suspended for interfering In cleo
toraI matters The government is now
urged to depose him altogether.
The celebrated Russian nihilist, Peter
I.avrosi, died in Paris this week. He came
of a noble family and was at one time a
colonel in the Russian artillery He became
involved in a political movement, was ex-
lied from Russia and fled to France. Since
then he has devoted his life TO revolution
ary propaganda. He was compromised in
an attempt upon the life Of Alexander III
at Karakosof.
A striking illustration Of the religious
feeling which is so deeply rooted among the
French peasantry comes from Trerhblay.