The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-15
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

C CARE heads in regard to a Russo NN Japanese war have been again V hunted up, and 1t begins to look as If clash of some kind were really inn minent. The resources of the two coun- tries hay been compared so often that everyone is familiar with the situation. Although the struggle would appear at first sight to be one-sided, as long as Japan used the ring tactics of keeping out of reach she would be able to make things decidedly warm for her burly opponent, especially in eastern waters. Even though it were a battle of a pigmy and a giant such a war would be decidedly interest," ing from many points of view. In the past ten or fifteen years the little coun- try of Japan has made surprising ad- vancement, until now she occupies a very important position in the worlds affairs. Although 1t is hinted that Germany is sying hoping there will be trouble, as it would increase her hold in China, the position of other powers in the event of clash Is rather hard to determine. Of course Uncle Sam would maintain his pol ley of hands off, but Russia is a much larger proposition for European countries than she Is for the United States. It Is quite likely that Russia and Japan could have their little spat without creating any great disturbance in European af- fairs, but on the other hand 1t might cause serious complications. Doughty Japan no doubt realizes that she is go- ing up against a decidedly different propo- sition from China when she tackles the Russian bear, but she has plenty of spunk and might do very well in such an unequal contest. In, the meantime rumors of war have been so rife here of late that no one will allow himself to become ex- cited until the first gun is fired.
 Such extensive preparations are being made to receive King Victor Emanuel in the French capital that 1t is to be hoped no unfortunate circumstance will mar the pleasure of his visit. A monarch is never safe nowadays, and although elaborate efforts will be carried out to insure his safety it would be very easy Tor the King to fall victim to assassination. Such tragedy is rendered doubly deplorable when it happens in an alien country. How ever, it is unneccary to croak before calamity arrives, and it is altogether probable that Victor Emanuels visit to France will result in all those benefits that have been predicted. It Is hard to find two men of international importance who command more general esteem than the King and his host-to-be, President Loubet. From present indications gay Paris will do her best to make her distin- guished visitor have a good time. As the capital is noted in this respect the Italian King will no doubt depart with dazzling recollections of high life in the worlds prettiest city.
 The near approach of the date appoint ed for Dowie's march on New York has created much speculation among Gotham ties. Some of the high and mighty in that city praise him for his executive ability and his earnestness, others call him a charlatan and a fraud, and still others regard the prophet as fit subject for an insane asylum. All the time the captain of Zion Is getting an enormous amount Ol duNeTllSlHSs anu WHtu lle Itdl- ly does arrive the public will be thor oughly interested in his schemes. It Is predicted that he will have a stormy time in some quarters, but he is accus- toned to storms and will be able to hold his own against all comers for his ability as a platform orator is generally recog- nized. It is interesting to note the at- titude of New York ministers toward Dowie. As was to be expected there is a decided difference of opinion among them. Of course Dr. Parkhurst was first con suited. In a remarkably passive state ment he recommends that New York ministers attend to their own business with the same earnestness with which MT. Dowie attends to what he thinks his business. The doctor reserves his final opinion until the crusade Is ended He then. perhaps, will enform his flock whether the prophet Is a quack or a genius
 That humorous individual who writes freak editorials for the Kansas City Star has seen fit to call our attention to the luxury of babies. Although the subject