The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-02-12
}. 21. WILMINGTON, n. c. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY
ENGLAND'S LATEST TRIUMPH
NO LONGER AFRAID OF A CONTINENTAL
COALITION AGAINST HER
Emperor William the Dominating
Figure in European. Politics His
Friendship for England Greatly In
creased by His Recent visit-Austria
and Italy Completely Under His In
fluence.

London, February "a comprehen-
sive view of the international situation
reveals only improved prospects for
continued peace and harmony From
the British standpoint. Queen Victoria's
death appears to have strengthened
rather than weakened Great Britain's
position among the nations A suffi-
cient time has elapsed since Victoria
ceased to reign for the foreign office to
feel the political pulse of the capitals
Of Europe, and the brief examination.
commenced in no spirit of cock-sure-
ness, resulted in a feeling of satisfac-
tion and security at Downing street.
The foremost factor in this, natural
ly, is Emperor Williams attitude Re-
sponsible officials here make no at
tempt to conceal their elation at the
circumstances attendant on his majes-
tvs visit. They do not shut their eyes
to the disastisfa ction the emperor has
caused among sections of his subjects,
but rely implicitly on the imperious
force of Germany's ruler to successful
ly overcome the internal opposition
engendered. Closer relations undoubt-
edly now exist between Great Britain
and Germany.
Lord Salisbury and Lord Lansdowne
are quite prepared to hear Count Won
Buelow the imperial chancellor) sa-
tirically belittle the effect of Emperor
Williams visit, but in Downing street
this will be taken as meant purely for
home consumption. and as a more posi-
tive evidence of the skillful hand of
the, emperor.
The alliance between Great Britain
and Portugal scarcely needed the visit
of King Charles to render it stronger.
Yet, the continued stay here OF that
ruler is believed to be likely to bring
the people Of Portugal and Great Brit
ain in closer touch. thus rendering
easier the work of their respective gov
ernments. So far as the diplomatfC
phase goes, the Associated Press is
officially informed that nothing new
has resulted from the king Of Portugals S
stay in England. The mutual respon-
sibilitieS in connection with Delagoa
| Bay were too we'll understood previous
| ly to need further discussion. Thus,
| Portugal 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
| leading British statesmen. is stronger
| even than the dreibund which is yearly
( becoming more Of a tradition than a
working agreement.
| The only feature of the recent inter-
national happenings regretted at
| Downing street is the emperors deco
ration of Field Marshal Lord Roberts
| with the Order of the Black Eagle. 1t
| is thought his majesty went almost too
| far, in view of the hostile comments,
| the German press is in the habit of
| showering on Great Birtain's south
| African campaign. Still" say the
officials. Emperor William never does
| things by halves"
| Neither in China, nor in other parts
| of the world do Russia and France, in
! the foreign Offices views. give any in
F, dication Of counter action aginst this
| activity Of British diplomacy. Lord
Salisbury is said to rely on Emperor
| William to keep in touch and harmony
! with the czar. So long as this is feas-
ible, France is not expected to take
| any serious initiative. Moreover, ac-
cording to dispatches in the British
press, French Anglo phobeism has
abated since the queens death. Aus
tria and Italy are put down as sure to
do nothing contrary TO Emperor Will
liam's wish.
1t is easily seen Emperor William is
now the dominating figure in Euro
pean affairs. To this Great Britain has
no objection. She has made it possible
and trusts to benefit by it. Relationship
between the reigning families Of Eu'
rope is not held to be of any account
in the chancelleries. but so far as Il
goes it is believed King Edward Wis
personality will tend to improve its
degree of potency.
>-SS
| HrDS rArrnN IN IOWA