New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-17


niscences' OF Sir Horace Rumbold this ex-am-
bassador should have been permitted TO ex-
patiate on the aninosty entertained by Edward
with regard to Russia while still Prince ~
Wales. and expressed by him in the course OF
conversation with Sir Horace. Now, the latter's
new book is known to have been subjected 10
the most rigorous censorship by the Foreign
OfiCe. and the fact that such revelation OF the
Kings sentiments toward foreign nation
should be permitted. especially at the present
3uncture. is, to say the least. noteworthy
Offers Of mediation. even from other quarters
would he useless at this moment. for Japan
would be unwilling TO forego those advantages
which her successes in the initial stages of the
conflict have placed. she believes. within her
grasp, while any surrender on the part Of Rus
Eia under the present circumstances would be
fatal 10 her prestige throughout Asia that
she could not afford TO consider the matter. In
fact. this has rendered more remote than
ever the likelihood of any understanding be-
tween England and Russia, and many years VIII
elapse before the Car and his people forgive or
forget Great Britains alliance with Japan.
which seems to have become still closer since
the beginning Of the war. for Sir Claude Mac
Donald. the British Envoy at Toxic, is in con-
slant consultation with Ito and with the mem
bers Of the Mikado's government. while Itos
son-in-law. Baron Suyematsu. who passed
through the United States last month. and who
has twice been Foreign Minister. is now In Lon
DON and a daily visitor at the Foreign once.
where he makes prolonged stays
King Edwards diplomacy. which he has
turned to such good account in the case Of
Frances differences with England. is far more
likely to be brought to bear upon the Kaiser
than upon the Gar True. some sort OF an
understanding. the nature OF which has
NAMED secret. is known 10 have existed be-
tween the British and German governments
for three or four years past But it is hoped
In London that this agreement, such as it is,
may. through the agency Of Edward VII. be
rendered stin closer. and tend to remove all
remaining elements Of friction between the two
countries Although according to reports from
Downing Street. the conferences between Lord
r.ansdowne and Count Wolff etternich have
been so frequent an6 so prolonged as 10 attract
attention. vet It remains TO be seen whether so
shrewd q statesman as Emperor William will
not prefer a continuance OF the statu quo in so
Tar as England is concerned to any closer asso-
citation which might impair the freedom of his
action. For any new agreement concluded be-
tween Germany and England just at present. on
the lines mentioned above. would undoubtedly be
construed at st. Petersburg as indicating that
the Kaiser's sympathies were inimical TO Rus
sia whereas there is every reason 10 believe
that William is anxious to avoid anything OF
the kind As long as he holds his hand and
PLAYS a waiting game. leaving the world In
soubt as to his sentiments. the centre of poiti-
al gravity will remain at Berlin. since by Civ
ing the support Of Germany-perhaps Of the
whole Triple Alliance-to one party or TO an
n+ber in a moment Of acute international crisis.
he win be in the position 20 sway the course
Of events as their arbiter.
Al the time when Bismarck left Office Il was
generally believed not only abroad but even in
Germany that the Teuton ship Of state would
suffer severely through the transfer OF its helm
from the hands Of so experienced pilot as the
old Chancellor 20 those Of Emperor William.
The latter has. however. dispelled all apprehen-
sions on this score. and has not only maintained
undininished German prestige and Importance
n the concert OF Europe. but has also won for
himself the reputation Of a eingularly shrewd
and farsighted statesman Ever since he as
surned the reins OF power the one aim OF France
has been to isolate Germany. The assistance Of
Russia was invoked 20 ALLEVIATE Austria from the
Triple Alliance. while no effort was spared TO
induce Italy cut herself adrift from the coali-
ton. For tine Il seemed as If these manoHu-
vres might prove successful. ct any rate as far
ns Italy was concerned, where the friendliest
relations with France were restored. In fact,
by many the visit Of King Victor Emmanuel
and Of his consort TO Paris last fall was regarded
as the beginning OF new grouping OF the pow
ers. as the transfer by Italy OF her friendship
from Germany and Austria TO France and RUS
Eia and as the death knell Of the Triple Alliance
which had been popularity described as moribund
for some time previously. But its requiem turns
out 10 have been once more prennaturely sung
For the Kaiser by a brilliant stroke has chosen
the very eve Of President Loubet's return visit
70 Rome 10 cali upon King Victor Emmanuel at
Naples. and there not merely publicly 20 reafflrm
the continued existence Of the TRIBE Alliance but
likewise 10 secure an equally public admission
from Victor Emmanuel that the bonds which
unite his kingdom with Germany and Austria
have become closer and more intimate shan ever
before. Indeed. so cleverly timed was the inter
view with the King Of Naples the other day that
one cannot help believing that Williams cruise
IN the Mediterranean had some other object in
view than relaxation and health.
With England the relations Of Germany have
been far more cordial since William has cor
trolled the foreign policy OF HIS empire than in
the DAYS Of his grandfather and OF Bismarck
Through befriending the Sultan he has secured
Tor Germany the predominant position at Con-
stantinople formerly enjoyed by Russia and
Great Britain ia turn besides obtaining i'm
nensely valuable advantages for German trade
and industry in the Levant His support and
alliance are sought by Spain. while without
alternating the good viii OF his Lutheran sub
sects. he although a Protestant sovereign. has
acquired at the Vatican and. indeed. in the
Catholic Church throughout the world, an In
nuence and a favor 10 which Catholic mon
arch. not even the Emperor Francis Joseph. can
pretend When IN conjunction with all this. IL
IS remembered that by the peaceful means u
statecraft he has since his accession to the
throne added far more territory 10 the German
Empire than any OF his predecessors by means