The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-04-17
The Changed Feeling in France
Toward England.


The Changed Feeling in France
Toward England.
Every recent American visitor in Paris
has been struck by the difference between
the present attitude of that city's news
papers toward the United States and that
which they maintained during our war
with Spain. Even more remarkable,
and, from a political viewpoint more
significant, seems the friendliness with
which England and the English are now
regarded in France, when we recall the
opposite sentiment which found wide
spread and violent expression during the
South African war. The proofs Of the
change are not confined to the cordially
with which preparations are making to
welcome King EDWARD VII. in the French
capital, but other indications may be
noted in the speech recently made by NJ
DELAFossE, a representative Of the Right
in the Chamber Of Deputies, and in the
address delivered at banquet Of the
British Associated Chambers OF Com
merce by NJ CAMBoN, the French Am
bassador to the Court OF st. James's.
Scarcely a trace Of the former Anglo
phobia is discernible at tho present time
in the Paris newspaper press, and We have
no doubt that an attempt to caricature
the existing British sovereign as his
mother was caricatured would provoke
a storm OF indignation.
Not only is the change a pleasant
one to ordinary EngIshmen, who would
rather travel and sojourn in France than
in any other Continental country, but
it must be viewed with satisfaction by
British statesmen, for the French people,
in spite OF their fondness for logic and
their vigilant attention to their own in
terests. are exceptionally emotional, and,
even in their international relations. are
largely controlled by sentiment. There
is reason to think that some of the causes
OF the present reaction from Anglophobia
are sentimental. The present British
sovereign when Prince OF Wales made
no secret Of his liking for Paris and spent
a great deal Of time, more or less incog-
nito, in the French capital. The Pari-
slams were, not unnaturally, flattered by
the exhibition OF sympathy. Under the
they cannot help feeling
attracted to King EDWARD personally
much more strongly than they are to the
Gar, whom they find useful rather than
Should the French people
ever grow tired Of their republican ex-
pertinent the present head Of the United
Kingdom is precisely the type Of ruler
that they would desire. Another con-
influence has been operative
during the last few months It is pro-
true that we are apt to regard as
friends the enemies Of our enemies. The
almost unanimous condemnation by the
British press Of the Anglo German dem
against Venezuela has filled
he Parisians with delight. It has con-
vinced them that the English people do
not find the Germans sympathetic, and
ire infiexibly opposed to any political
with the German Empire.
The conviction may 60 far to revolu-
ionize their own feeling with regard to
II France were not allied with Russia
here would really be no reason why the
french and English should not be knit by
les Of political friendship. The dispute
lbout the French shore Of Newfoundland
night easily be adjusted II England would |
rankly recognize the obligations which |
he contracted by the peace Of Utrecht,
md which she has reaffirmed by more
han one subsequent treaty. In Central
africa there is room enough for the ex-
,ansive ambitions Of both countries. In |
iorocco their interests are by no means
for, as M. DELCAssE has
'ointed out. both France and England
esire to uphold the independence of the
resent Shereefian dynasty. 1t is true
hat Frenchmen have looked askance at
he British occupation Of Egypt, but they
ave already received compensations
herefor in TInis and Madagascar, and
hey may fairly count upon securing an
ther by and by in Syria. 1t Is now set
ed that French and English, as well as
erman capital will be invested In the
ailway that is TO be continued from
.onia (the ancient Iconium). near the
astern edge Of Asia Minor, to Mosul,
nd thence southwark to Bagdad and
assora. Neither In the East Indies
or the West Indies are the interests Of
rance and England necessarily conflict
e. In fine. the most friendly relations
etween them are only likely to be dis