Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1901-02-18
OUTLOOK IS BRIGHT
SOUTH AFRICAN CLOUD ALONE
ON BRITAIN's HORIZON.
RELATIONS WITH GERMANY
Now Said to Be Closer Than Ever as
Result of Visit of Emperor William
Alliance With Portugal Also
Strengthened by Kings Presence
at Victoria's Funeral.

London, Feb. 10.-A comprehensive
view of the international situation re-
veals only improved prospects for con-
tinued peace and harmony. From
British standpoint, Queen Vic
toria's death appears to have strength
ened, rather than weakened Great
Britain's position among the nations.
Sufficient time has elapsed since Vic
toria ceased to reign to feel the pollt1-
cal pulse of the capitals of Europe and
a brief examination, commenced in no
spirit of cocksureness, has resulted in
a feeling of satisfaction and security
in downing street. The foremost fac
tor in this, naturally, is Emperor Will
Jams attitude. Responsible officials
here make no attempt to conceal their
elation at the circumstances attend
ant on his majesty's visit. They 90
not shut their eyes to the dissatisfac-
ton the emperor has caused among
certain sections of his subjects, but
rely implicitly on the imperiOus force
of Germany's ruler to successfully
overcome the internal opposition en-
gendered. Closer relations undoubt-
edly now exist between Great Britain
and Germany.
The alliance between Great
Britain and Portugal scarcely
needed the recent visit OF
King Charles to render it stronger.
Yet the continued stay here of that
ruler is believed to be likely to bring
the peoples of Portugal and Great
Britain in closer touch, thus rendering
easier the work of their respective
governments. So far as the diplo-
matte phase goes, nothing new has re-
suited from the king of Portugafs
stay in England. Mutual responsible
tiles in connection with Delagoa Bay
were too we'll understood previously
to need further discussion. Thus Por-
tugal, Germany and Great Britain are
believed to be more closely united
than ever in their history united by
a compact that, in the opinion of the
leading British statesmen is stronger
than even the dreibund which is year
ly becoming more of tradition than
working agreement. The only feat
ure of the recent international happen
ings regretted at Downing street is
the emperor's decoration of Field Mar
shall Lord Roberts with the order
of the Black Eagle. 1t is
thought his majesty went almost
too far, in view of the hostile com
ments of the German press.
King Edwards bestowal of the Victo-
ria order on the enlisted men of the
navy for service in connection with
the, funeral of Queen Victoria has
| caused somewhat of a shock to Off
GERS to both armies and correspond
ing enthusiasm among the rank and
lille. 1t is quite without precedent
and has done more to popularize King
Edward with the sailors than could
any other act. officers. are beginning
to see the. kings motive in according
the sailors exceptional honor.
Some of the army officers are, bit
terly complaining of the, innovation
since Roberts took command of the
forces by which they are Obliged to
wear uniforms whenever they go. to
| the war office. Whatever his purpose,
Roberts is trying .to@downs the preju-
dice of the majority Of the officers
against appearing in public in Uni
form Soon officers uniforms are
likely to be as common in London
streets as privates' uniforms are now.