New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-12-30
THE TROUBLE IN MOROCCO.

Piiny's Characterization of Africa a peren-
NAL source of novelty is not yet obsolete. mat
vast and even vet little known continent can
generally be depended upon TO supply some
sensation for the current record When Fa-
shoda and khaTtoum grow stale the Transvaal
breaks loose. When peace is restored in the
south a Mad Mullah becomes rampant in the
great Eastern Horn. When Somaland sub
sides into comparative quiet there is a sound
of war on the slopes OF Atlas. Morocco alone
furnishes - large variety of sensations. There
have been troubles with the Rifiian pirates OF
the Mediterranean coast and with desert tribes
AT Figig. on the Algerian frontier, and with
other wanderers away around south at Tablet.
Indeed. il is difficult TO name a part of the
whole empire that has not in late years been the
scene of disturbances.
At present there is formidable revolt against
the Sultan himself and determined effort 10
put pretender upon the throne. The latest
news is omnous. Ii Is said that the Sultan
and his remaining retainers are besieged in
Fez the people of which not altogether
we'll affected toward him. In such circum-
stances the holding of the city may he difficult,
especially since there is adequate relief force
i'm sight. If Fez falls. and the Sultan Is capt
Ured. the revolution will he complete. and that
will not be a good thing for any one concerned.
For it is understood that the revolution is re-
dictionary 1t has been organized against the
Sultan because he has assumed too favorable
an attitude toward those modern Improvements
which 10 conservative Moorish eyes seem like
devices of the evil one. Beyond doubt the
cession of reactionary Sultan would bring on
friction with foreign powers, and that would
be disastrous for Morocco.
The situation is invested with the more inter
Morocco due TO it's geographical position, and
because Of the conflicts OF covetousness which
might occur among European powers in case Of
a complete collapse of the native dynasty
Morocco commands the western entrance to the
Mediterranean, faces Spain and abuts upon the
best part of the French empire in Africa Great
Britain. owning Gibraltar, just across the strait
and being much interested in the Mediter-
ranean. would like TO lay hold upon at least
the northern part of Morocco. would greatly
dislike to see some possibly unfriendly power
get il. Spain. owning Ceuta. would like to ex-
tend her dominion from FL Riff clear down to
Cape Blanco. France, owning Algeria. the
Senegal and the Sahara, and thinking herself
the rightful mistress of the Mediterranean. re-
CARDS herself as the only legitimate heir TO the
Sbereefan throne. Even Russia has intrigued
for footing there as we'll as in Abyssinia
while Italy and Germany are by no means
offering TO pose as negligible factors.
1t does not vet appear that any one Of these
rivals is secretly encouraging the present rebel
lion. On the contrary, the assumption is that the
movement is purely a native one. But half a
dozen powers are watching the contest close
ly. and some Of them getting their war
ships within acting distance of the Moroccan
coast. Such action is tustfabie on the ground
that the subjects OF those powers who may be
in Morocco are TO be protected. But there is
doubtless. in addition, desire to be so placed
as TO make sure Of being Sin at the DEATH"
whenever the death of the moribund despotism
may occur. Morocco is about the biggest and
most valuable piece of Africa remaining
for division among the powers or for allotment
10 one Of them, and its fate, or hereafter,
viii be looked for with interest, and will be de-
termined only through some strenuous struggle
either Of diplomacy or Of war