The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-04-12
A NATIONAL CAT,s-PAw.

The exc ted condition in which the ca
BILE DISPATCHES show the French people
to be in connection with the existing
relations of their government toward
sly and Russia, and especially toward
the latter nation, reveals a side Of French
national character which is far from
fay o. able to that remarkable race 1t
displays the dominating weakness Of the
French people, and goes far to explain
Y by, OH the continent OF Europe, peace
full relations ng the nations have
come to be regarded as impossible.
Everything that cautious and con-
serN alive ruler could have done has been
attempted by the young German emperor
to establish friendly relations with
France. but the ghDst Of Sedan rises
ever before the French imagination, and
The dream Of vengeance is ever revived.
1t is something like national toy to
be i'll position to speak of Russia as the
ally Of France. The popular excitement
prevailing at Toulon and elsewhere in
France within the past few days has no
real basis in any important event or
declaration bearing upon international
politics. The supposed changed position
Of Italy with reference to France and
Germany cannot, as yet at least, be re-
garded as possessing any substantial i'm
portanCe. It is not plain, indeed, that
the withdrawal of Italy from the triple
alliance would be followed by any I'M
pcrtant results or would even materially
affect the international status
There has been enough shown in the
past few years to teach the French peo-
disposition. that to Russia the French
connection is one in which the Northern
empire seeks all the advantages. what
ever they may be, and does not feel called
on to accept any too seriously the re-
sponsibilities or obligations. It is in
deed surprising how the Fashoda Incl
dent could have passed so completely
out of the French recollection, with it's
strong demonstration of Russian indif-
ference toward the claims Or preten-
sions Of her so-called ally.
1t would, on the other hand, be a good
thing for Italy if that unhappy country
could release itself from the awful bur-
dens which the maintenance Of the trip
le alliance has imposed on her people.
It will be a good augury of the rule of
the young Italian king if he is found to
have begun his reign by an effort to cut
off the hugely disproportionate military
and naval establishments which have
been maintained by his father and grand
father.
To a people who understand the bless
ings of peace and of the absence of in
ternational entanglements the show that
has just come Off at Toulon must seem
at best but tawdry affair It's glitter
is expected to blind the people of the
three countries engaged to the realities
of Things. The fleets and the armies of
which such spectacular use is made are
VI OOuISO Tic c5Si4ClSS ClitOuSu WHICH Tie
masses are held in the bondage Of burden
some taxation and insecure personal
rights. AS long as they are maintained
there can be no substantial and endur-
ing peace or prosperity for those who
pay for their maintenance, and for whose
defamation they are in the last event de
signed.
The arts of peace are those which both
Italy and France should be found en-
gagged in the cultivation of if the rulers
of these countries soug-- not vainglor-
ious appearances but the continued well
fare of those whom they rule.