Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-10-25

The proclamation of peace in South
Africa is still to be promulgated. The
war is apparently ended as far as regu-
lar campaigning is concerned, but small
bands of Beers continue to harass the
british troops. Railroad communication
is frequently interrupted by the destruc-
ton of the roadbed by Boer raiders, and
telegraph wires are often cut. OF course,
this is not war, but it is so near to it
That Lord Roberts army still has plenty
to do. Lord Roberts departure for Eng
land is also delayed. A week ago it was
expected that Lord Roberts would sue
coed Lord Wolseley as commander-in-
chief of the British army. During tire
week, however, new complications seem
to have arisen. Sir Redvers Butler, who
had been slated for the chief command in
South Africa, is preparing to go to Eng
land. and the London newspapers print,
under reservation, the story that he is to
be the new commander-in-ch Lord
Roberts. it being stated, having declined
because the War Department refused to
give him free hand in instituting army
reforms.
-
The affairs of the Ottoman empire are
rapidly going from bad to worse, and it
is evident that a crisis cannot long be
deferred. During the week the Turkish
legation at Madrid was closed, the am
'bassador discharging bis secretaries, at
itaches and servants and quitting his post
because of unpaid salaries. The Turkish
flag is coming down from many Euro
'pean consulates. The most prominent
and progressive Turks are fugitives in
Europe, fearing the wrath of the Sultan,
Osman Pasha, relative of the dead gem
eral of that name escaping during the
last week. Turkey is making no prog
ress in commerce, industry, agriculture
or mining. The land taxes are so heavy
that the farmers cannot pay them from
the products of the SOIL The mines of
coal, copper, iron, lead, silver, salt and
alum are unworked because of restric-
tive laws. Europe's day of settlement
with the Sultan cannot long be delayed,
and when that day comes the Sultan will
disappear as disturbing factor in old
world politics.
China has taken the initiative in open
ing negotiations with the powers for a
settlement of the complications arising
from the Boxer revolt. Prince Ching and
Li-Hung- Chang have addressed to the
foreign ENJOYS circular note suggesting
a basis for the beginning Of negotiations.
They express regret for the anti-foreigr
outrages and concede in advance China's
liability to pay indemnity. They ask
cessation of hostilities and the withdraw
al Of the allied army. France has already
rejected the proposals, and the powers
will doubtless follow the example. In
his note III. Pinehon, the French ambas-
sador, insists that all negotiations wiz be
held in allegiance as long as the heads of
the leaders of the anti-foreign revolt re-
main unfallen. This is direct return
to the original demands of Germany and
may delay negotiations.
-:-:-
The health Of King Oscar of Sweden
has given great Hneasiness to his people
during the last week, although the latest
advices are encouraging. At the same
time the crown prince, Gustayus, VIII
take the oath before the Storthing and
govern as regent. 1t is feared that King
Oscar will never be fully restored to
health, ard his death is confidently ex-
pected within short time. In the pres
emit strained relations between Sweden
and Norway the death OF King Oscar and
the accession of Prince Gustavus would
be almost an international calamity