New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-15
THE TALK OF LONDON.
AFTER THE Wharf.-The FEAR OF
FRANCE-CUBICLEs FOR SOLDIERS
THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY

London, March 81
A strong desire is felt in Headquarters that at
the close Of the in South Africa General
Roberts should for some time remain in the
country to administer affairs under the new
settlement. Such arrangement would
only be popular. but would be in the best inter-
ests alike OF the Beers and Great Britain. Since
his arrival at the Cape Lord Roberts has dis
played other qualities beyond, if not above,
these OF a soldier. His moderation, tact and fore
sight supply a combination of gifts that go to
make the statesman. He would be just the man
for the great work that awaits master hand.
But there is difficulty that promises to be in
superable. Lord Wolseley's term of supreme
command of the army is within few months Of
it's conclusion. Lord Roberts Is predestined TO
be his successor, and 1T would be fair to him,
certainly it would be a profound disappointment
to the army, if he lost his chance, or even post
poned it's fulflment, by engagement on active
service elsewhere when a vacancy occurred.
In these circumstances Lord Kitchener will
take charge Of the military administration OF
the annexed territory. The difference TO all i'm
ruediately concerned. more especially the Beers,
will be painfully marked. While Lord Roberts is
a man instinct with all the impulses and the
sympathies Of humanity Lord Kitchener is a
machine who may be confidently counted upon
10 drive ahead over and through all difficulties
In the soudan and will succeed in South Africa
But it will be in quite another than that
natural "Bobs.
The curious action recently taken by Paris
newspaper in inviting from prominent English
men expression Of opinions 10 the probability
OF war between the two countries Is indicative Of
very grave state of things. Unanimous opinion
among the authorities appealed to ridiculed the
idea that England is inclined. is even preparing
TO provoke war with France. That is an incon-
testable position II is quite another question
whether Frenchmen are not itching for a fight
with their ancient enemy. There some well
informed people here who believe that but for
the French Exhibition falling in this year
France would have seized the opportunity pre-
sented by the war IN the Transvaal to clutch
England by the throat. Lord Charles Beresford,
who has exceptional opportunities at home and
abroad of ascertaning the undercurrent OF ar
fairs confided me just before leaving 10 take
command in the Mediterranean his firm belief
that very shortly after the close of the Paris
Exhibition France will be at war with England.
There is doubt about the bitterly hostile feel
ing Of the French people toward A member
of the House OF Commons passing through Paris
at the end Of January his way home fer the
Parliamentary session tells me that walking
quietly along the Quay. not far from Notre
Dame he was recognized Engshman and
hooted by a quickly gathered crowd. Private
evidence OF a similar OF things comes from
an English family, who cut short their custom
airy winter stay at Pau. where residence is made
exceedingly uncomfortable for the English
This recrudescence of an ancient feud dates
from Fashoda. Fuel was recently added 10 the
fire by the speech OF Mr. Chamberlain. in which.
after the manner of q schoolmaster threatening
a recalcitrant boy, ne warned France OF the
probable consequences OF perseverance in ILL
manners toward the Queen. We understand our
Joe" know his irrepressible tendencies and
accurately estimate his weight and influence
To the French especially in view OF the
in South Africa, which they recognize
entirely his. the proportions OF the Colonial
Secretary magnifed till, much in the same
way in the beginning OF the century Bona
pLrte's name used to Brighten children in
English nurseries Chamberlain has become q
bogy 10 the French They believe he is re-
solved make upon them, and Judging
from affairs in South Africa, they are convinced