Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-03-26
BR1TAIN's GREAT TASK.
Russia's Encroachments Causing
f,nncnr., II, Rriiish I,rn1nicr

KuSeta'S EncrOachmentS Causing
Concern to British Premier.
London, March 26.-The present Brit
ish government certainly has its full
share of delicate responsibilities. 1t
must not only look after the war in
South Africa, planning what is to fol-
low in the way of self-government. but
it must KEEP an eye on France and watch
the subtle tendencies of Russian pur-
pose Those who know how Lord Sails
bury and his advisers live and work
speak of them as the sleepless minis
try" They are said TO feel that the
safety of the empire calls for keenest
vigilance on the part of those to whom
its welfare primarily is intrusted.
The resources of British diplomacy are
chiefly taxed just now to avoid conlpli-
cations other than those in which the
country is already enineshed
Every one whol supposes, said a
member of parliament that England is
paying no attention to the trend of
things in China is mistaken. Our gov
ernment, like that of the United States,
understands that the open door is
threatened and intends at the earliest
favorable opportunity to attempt to set
things right with the American govern
ment. The western world. permit me TO
say. has much to learn of the discrep-
ancies between Russian promises and
| Russian performances Britishers know
| that the doninions OF the czar are grad
ually creeping forward under soft-spo-
| ken, plausible diplomacy. Our expert
ence has been such that when Russia,
while ever extending its commercial
sway in China, says ii means to admit
the world TO commercial equality with
itself. we take the statement With re-
4 serve. We remember that the same
country, even after it had troops at Port
/ Arthur and Was fortifying the place. Of
| ficially disclaimed any purpose to plant
4 its foot there permanently. Stll, that is
what it did and everybody has known
Its Intentions in the country's history.
\ Russia never goes back-always for
ward. | should not he surprised to find
l our enterprising neighbors some day a.
far south as the Indian ocean. England
y only awaits the pacificatien of SotJf
Africa. Then it Will stand face To face
with Russia on the yellow sea. There
: Will be no war. bu. neither Russian in
iiuence nor German influence Will bs
permitted to barricade large areas OF
Y China against the rest OF the world
Both the United States and England
: have said the door shall be open. Who
in violation of treaty and inherent jus
tice will close it?''
In well-informed political circles al
impression is gaining ground that the
government contemplates a great couI
in JULY, should the war in South .Africs
! be brought to a successful termination
by that time. 1T is believed that Lor,
Salisbury intends not only to dissolv.
parliament and appeal to the country
but to also bring forward a scheme 70
imperial federation by which the grea
7 self governing colonies will be givel
representation at Westminster Mr
l Chamberlain is said to be responsible
: for the latter portion of the program.
: 1t is pointed out that all the paria
alentary business is being shaped as I
make provision for the possibility of
general election in July. one stroli
$ factor in favor os an early dissolution o
$ parliament IS the belief in ministerial
! circles that there will not be fount
. even among the liberal leaders. an
I strong opposition TO the policy of annex
g fation of the Boer republics. Should th
h war continue beyond midsummer ther
: is little probability of an election thi
: year.