The times., 1901-04-22
Political Movements in Europe.

He would be bold indeed who should
say that the Courts and Cabinets Of Eu-
rope today form happy family. Sus-
picion irritation. and discord are stead
fly at work. apparently preparing the
way for conflict in the future, which
NAV be postponed for a time, but prob
ably not for long.
one Of the most important features Of
the situation is the rapidly growing
rapprochement between Italy and
France. which is regarded with any
thing but favor at Berlin. According
to the best German opinion, this does
not presage Italys withdrawal from the
Dreibund at the expiration of the pres
ent alliance treaties. on the contrary,
II Is expected that they viii be renewed,
but that many concessions viii have TO
be made 10 ensure her adhesion. What
Germany does not like is the fact that
III. entente cordiale once established be-
tween two peoples of the same race and
religion. it is likely to increase in
strength. and 10 form much more re
liable tie than treaties Of convenience
could between States with nothing III
common but identical political interests
or dangers. To accentuate German dis
satisfaction with the new friendliness
of italy and France. it IS said that King
victor Emmanuel is personally indiHer-
eut TO the Teutonic connection, and
vinces under the burdens which his
country's membership Of the Triple Al
lance imposes upon its people The
Queen of italy. who is a Slav princess
Is strong Russian sympathizer, and
her influence. it is believed, viii be used
10 draw Italy away from Germany and
Austria and toward Russia and France.
Thus it viii be seen that the foreign
relations Of the Kaisers Empire do not
appear to be upon an altogether prom
ising basis. The Dreibund may survive
in name. and under formal agreement
for 4 time. but the bonds that have held
il together in the past viii be seriously
weakened. They would probably be
ruptured entirely, and the partnership
overset. were Emperor Franz Josef Of
Austria to die before the expiration of
the present treaties in 1903. Then, ii Is
believed. the Austro- Hungarian Empire
would fan in pieces. That viii happen,
according to present indications, when
power in Europe will have rude shak-
ing up With one Of his allies cold, II
not unfriendly, and the other almost in
articulo mortis, Emperor Wilhelm has
not an easy task before him to steer
clear of the dangers that threaten the
peace Of the Continent
With these considerations in mind, it
is perhaps permissible to think that the
Kaiser has been wiser than his coun-
try. in seeking closer relations with
England The unpopularty Of his
course in this respect is probably bad
thing for the Empire. Industrial and
commercial jealousies are sufficient to
account for the anti-English sentiment
in Germany. but to the disinterested oh
server they appear unfortunate for the
FatEerland. As far as one can see, the
English alliance is the only one open tC
the Kaiser. and a wise policy would
seem TO demand that it be secured
That a firm understanding between the
countries would be Of inestimable value
to England goes without saying II
may also be said that England is not in
every respect desirable international
partner Nothing more grasping, over
reaching. or insincere and selfish thar
British foreign policy and diplomacy
has ever been recorded in human his
tory. Americans need only to think OF
Englands perfidious course in connec
ton with the Clayton -Bulwer Treaty
and of her invasion Of our Territory o
Alaska. and seizure Of the American
Porcupine district, which we gave up u
her without fight or protest. 10 be con
WINGED Of the justice Of the indictment
Nevertheless, misfortune make
strange bedfellows. and il is not so Ger
tain that, in the course OF time, whei
the SlaYs and Latins have consolidate
their races into two vast forces, neithe
of them friendly to the Teutonic ma
tions and stock. that the latter viii no
be compelled 10 support one anOthe
against the rest Of the world The idea
condition for the purpose Of meeting tn
Slav and Latin movements would b
one Of the United states. Germany, an
ENGLAND. The wealth and resources G
the first, the magnificent army Of tn
second. and the peerless feet Of tn
third would constitute a protective an
defensive combination which would a
least assure all three against disaster
from without for the next generation a
least.
British statesmen and thinkers ar
fully alive to their countrys urgen
u led of friends but it does not occu
70 them that the best way Of cultiyatin
friendship is 20 treat others with homes
ty. good faith. and reasonable gener0s
~. Eugland's irritating attitude
Central America. at a time when th
good viii II the United States would b
useful, Is an example Of the shOrl
sightcdness OF Lord Salisbury's pole.
No doubt his Government has manage
10 give Germany as well as Americ
unpleasant things to remember. b
ssn it may be necessary some day f.
us 10 forgive English aggressions, an
for Germany to do the same. and a
get i'm the same boat together. Such a
eventualiiy would probably be more
ehe aa.-anfage of Germany and Engiun