The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-05-01
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1903.
THE COMING INTERNATIONAL con-
FLICT.

King Edwards visit to Italy is we'll
timed as an international political
move. The old triple alliance Of Ger
many Austria and Italy was always
a menace to England. 1t was a form
fdable combination. 1t is now. 1t ap-
pears, about to be broken up-to give
way to a new association of the con
tinental powers, growing out of the
strained conditions regarding what are
called the far eastern and the near
eastern questions. In both Of these
Russia takes the lead in the agrees
sive movement. Both are against Eng
lands interests. IN the movement on
Turkey two of the three countries
which formed the triple alliance side
with Russia-Austria openly and &C
lively, Germany passively Sc far.
1t is to E~ngland's interest to draw
Italy and any other continental power
she al from the new alliance which
Russia is forming for ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
in the east. So far Italy has appeared
Indifferent to the designs of the new
combination. and for this reason the
visit of the king of England is we'll
timed. His presence and the feteS in
his honor have stirred up an enthusiasm
among the populace for the British
king. This visit of King Edward will
probably entirely win the Italians from
their alliance with Austria and Ger
many.
1t is true that Italy is not claSsed as
one Of the first class powers Of Europe;
still it will be of advantage to England
TO have her as a friend instead of an
enemy. France has become tired, it
appears, of her close alliance with Rus
STA. She has begun to think that the
Muscovite was using her as a cats
paw. Russia was getting all the chest
nuts and Frances fingers were being
burned-any how she las not yet seen
any benefit she has derived from her
close alliance with Russia. British di-
plomacy has about won her from the
Russian alliance and it is now turned
to Italy with prospects of being as
successful there.
1t begins to look as if there vas to
be a big shuttle and new deal Of the
cards IN European politics. The Latins
and AnglO-Saxons are uniting against
the Teuton and the Muscovite.
On this side of the water the personal
friendship and the political and COM
mercfal interests are with the former
combination. We nave nothing in
common with Russia, Austria or Ger
nonT- ThiIo clnSa ~fria01Shin and kim
dred forms of government draw us to
England and France, and our relations
toward Central and South American
countries naturally allies us with the
Latin countries of Europe.
1t begins to look as If there WOul 500
be a new alignment of the countries
OF Europe. which would extend its IN
1uence across the Atlantic n to the
east. All the nations of the earth are
on the qui vive. Each is on the look
QUE for some sudden turn Of events
which will startle the world. In all
this turmoil and commotion England.
is as ever, preparing for the day of the
outbreak. Her diplomats, among the
best in the world. are looking ahead
to the time when she will need friends
and the are laying the foundations
for such friendships and paving the
way to alliances which will aid her
in presenting a bold front to the COM
bination of powers which Russia is
slowly but surely forming with the in
tention Of crushing the power OF Great
Britain.