The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-22
THURSDAY. MARCH %, 1900.


Roberts in South Africa is substantia
and lasting. and that the Boer resistant
10 Great Britain is rapidly approachin
its end, is to be found in the political an
military activity which appears to mar
the course of nations inimical to the Brit
ish Empire on the Continent of Europe
While the Dutch Republics were inflictin
damage on their enemy and sustainin
scarcely any themselves the situatio
seemed satisfactory to powers like Rus
STA and France, and neither evinced an
outward disposition TO interfere or t
make trouble. At the same time it shout,
be remembered that both were preparing
for war, whether they expected it or not
and both were otherwise busy in way
which were not particularly menacing o.
belligerent for immediate purposes, bu
which, nevertheless, have kept the work.
in an expectant and nervous frame o
mind for several months.
The development Of Russia's designs oil
Persia and the Persian Gulf, her mobili
cation of troops on the Afghan border
and her oninous movements in Chin,
and Korea have all been regarded as pre-
liminaries to action which might be take1
in one or another of the quarters named
when, or should. an available opportunity
offer. But imminent aggression against
Great Britain was not expected in ad-
vance of a change in the South African
situation which should further tie British
arms, or. on the contrary, give promise
that they would soon be free for use in
other parts Of the world. The first real
evidence that any early hostile movement
was contemplated came with the report
that Russia and France had been exerting
pressure upon the Sultan to induce him
TO reopen the Egyptian question. Then
followed the British victories in the
Orange Free State and the occupation of
Bloemfontein, from which event it is safe
TO date the beginning of a new political
epoch in Europe.
IT must be understood that Russia and
France have old scores winch they would
like to settle, and territorial and CONNER
cial ambitions upon which they are bent,
and that in neither direction would they
be likely to find satisfaction with even
probable success or safety, were Great
Britain foot-loose to-day with her enor-
nous naval power, her veteran army'and
her ability to buy the friendship and aid
of an ally or two. Hence, it is recognized
in Europe that whatever Continental ma
tons may be intending for their own ad-
vantage, and to the disadvantage or in
jury Of England, will be attempted very
socn. lest the hour of British preoccupa-
h.-
With this consideration IN view it is nat
ural TO attach great Importance to several
movements which are causing uneasiness
In the European Cabinets not directly in
terested in the outcome.
Among these We may pass quietly over
the Afghan and Persian developments,
since they have not taken on any new
phase during the past few days and are
comparatively familiar to the public. As
We have remarked on previous occasion,
no one need be surprised at any time to
hear that Russia has seized a port on the
Persian Gulf or has advanced from Kushk
toward Herat. 1t IS in Asia Minor and
China, however, that the immediate dan
ger seems TO Turk. The Sublime Porte is
even now expecting an ultimatum from
the Car requiring unqualified acceptance
Of the Russian demand for exclusive rail-
way concessions in Asia Minor-conces-
sions exclusive of the Turkish Government
itself The unfortunate Sultan has tried
in vain &c temporize. He has offered to
so into the railway business in partner
ship with his Northern brother but the
latter has scorned the offer Russia in
sists upon all railway privileges in Asia
Minor and, further upon the right to &C.
cupy the territory in question with troops.
This is very serious proposition for
Turkey. II carried out, it means that
Russia will flank the closed door Of the
Sea OF Marmora and the Dardenelles, and
build strategic railway line around Con-
stautinople on the south, from the Bos-
phorus to the Egean Sea. incidentally
Asia Minor VIII be filled with Russian
troops and Russian Notifications. Then.
as 1t is easy to realize. Turkey will be cut
In two and what is left OF her for the pres
ent will be bagged in Europe between
Russia and the Balkan States When that
has been effected. If it should be, the Sui
tan might as well prepare to give up the |
occupation Of ruler and hunt an asylum |
somewhere. Russia, at last, would. in |
effect. be on the Mediterranean and in |
position Ter Western rival and |
enemy
II is impossible 10 conjecture what wonId |
follow such a coup de force. The SUPPOSE
ton has been more or less prevalent that
Germany was sufficiently identified with
the British interests and programme 10
prevent the seizure of Asia Minor by Rus
STA. but recent Indications do not seem TO
justify such theory. Germany has i'm
portant railway concessions In the same
region. and is committed TO building a
commercial line of railway from Smyrna
TO the Persian Gulf. With this scheme
Russia is not DISPOSED TO NEEDLE. and the
chances are that between the Sultan and |
the Gar. the Kaiser may consider it best
10 maintain an attitude of friendly neu-
fraiity. The question then is: What could
pr would England do in the premises?
Possibly We shall not have long to wait
before the present situation reaches a
rrisis. II il should prove true that Rus
.ia and France purpose sending a Joint
note TO England asking for definite
statement Of her intentions toward the
South African Republics after the war.
he only reply possible in view of the ]