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

Roberts in south africa Is SUBS llul ldl
and lasting. and that the Boer resistance
10 Great Britain is rapidly approaching
its end. is to be found in the political and
military activity which appears TO mark
the course Of nations inimical to the Brit
ish Empire on the Continent OF Europe
While the Dutch Republics were innieting
damage on their enemy and sustaining
scarcely any themselves the situation
seemed satisfactory TO powers like Rus
STA and France. and neither evineed any
outward disposition TO interfere or to
make trouble At the same time it should
be remembered that both were preparing
for war whether they expected it or not.
and both we're otherwise busy in ways
which we're not particularly menacing or
bslligerent for immediate purposes, but
which. nevertheless have kept the world
in an expectant and nervous frame Of
mind for several months.
The development OF Russia's designs on
Persia and the Persian Gulf, her mobili-
cation OF troops on the Afghan border,
and her ominous movements in China
and Korea have all been regarded as pre-
liminaries to action which might be taken
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 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
o 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
70 date the beginning Of a new political
epoch in Europe.
II must be understood that Russia and
France have old scores which they would
like to settle. and territorial and CONNER
ciai 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
an Europe that whatever Continental ma
tions may be intending for their own ad-
vantage. and to the disadvantage or in
Jury OF England. will be attempted very
soon lest the hour OF British preoccupa-
tion pass by and The chance be gone.
With this consideration IN view it is nat
ural to attach great importance to several
movements which are causing unessiness
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 10 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 10 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
ia vain TO temporize. He has offered to
50 into the railway business in partner
ship with his Northern brother but the
latter has scorned the offer. Russia in
Fisls upon all railway privileges in Asia
Minor and. further. upon the right 70 oc-
cupy the territory in question with troops
This is a very serious proposition for
Turkey II carried out, il means that
Russia viii flank the closed door Of the
Sea OF Marmora and the Dardenelles, and
build a strategic railway line around Con-
stautinople on the south, from the Bos-
phorus 10 the Egean Sea. incidentally
Asia Minor VIII be filed with Russian
troops and Russian forufcatiOns Then,
IS it is easy to realize. Turkey will be cut
50 two ami what is left OF her for the pres
ent Viii be hagged in Europe between
Russia and the Balkan States, When that
has been effected. IL IL should be, the Sui
tan might as well prepare 10 give up the
occupation Of ruler and hunt an asylum
somewhere. Russia, at last would. in
effect. be on the Mediterranean and in a
position rer Western rival aud
enemy
It SIS Impossible TO conjecture what would
follow such coup de force. The suppose
ton has been more or less prevalent that
Germany was sufficiently Identified with
the British interests and programme to
prevent the seizure Of Asia Minor by Rus
sis. but recent Indications do not seem to
Justify such a theory. Germany has i'm
por,aut railway concessions in the same
region. and IS committed 10 building
commercial line OF railway from Smyrna
20 the Persian Gulf. With this scheme
Russia is not DISPOSED 20 NEEDLE and the
chances are that between the sultan and
the Car, the Kaiser may consider &c best
10 maintain an attitude OF friendly Leu-
trsllty The question then IS: What could
or would England do in the premises?
Possibly We shah not have long to wait
before the present situation reaches a
crisis. II 81 should prove true that Rus
sia and France purpose sending Joint
note 90 England asking for a definite
statement OF her intentions toward the
South African Republics after the war.
the only reply possible in view of the