New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-10
NEWS OF TWO CAPITALS.
AFFAIRS IN LONDON.
AngIo-French Agreement Promotes
Pedce-PoEtics at LOSC Ebb.

20
fCorvr4rht; 1904 BY The Tribune AssooiatonD
London Apr1l 9.-The Anglo-French agree
a,sut In warmly welcomed by the press an q
MASTERPIECE OF diplomatic art Lord Lansoowne
receives many compliments for the hexioihry
prtth which he has conducted the negotiations
nu7snE the last six months, and by virtue OF TWO
remarkable achievements. the alliance VIII
JRpan and the adjustment Of all outstanding
questions with France IN the spirit OF accom-
notation he IS Justly entitled to be RANKED
sraons the greatest three Foreign Secretaries OK
"a. last hundred years. The details were mas
tered with persistent effort when both nations
were eager for a friendly understanding, ana
tbeye was no political party faction either
here or across the Channel bent upon obstruct-
ing or preventing Il The King clearly leo tne
way ct creating good Ceiling between the
nations, and is the real peacemaker' Presloent
dsoubet having strongly supported him. Inc
details OF the settlement discussed sooerv
nv the press without a jubilsnt note. but Win
hearty satisfaction.
4bs abandonment Of the French fishing rights
tn Newfoundland was the only possible solu'40i
NJ a harassing and irTeooncilable conflict ana
Substantial compensations have been granted IN
West Africa. where the French dominions VIII
ne longer be cut of from the natural waterway
she earabta River, ana where the frontier De-
. txveon Lake Tchad and the Niger VIII be rectineo
nac large acquisitions OF territory made in the
Bolcuto region II the French have driven
f.s-d bargain FOR the REIMBURSEMENT OF their
historical fishing rights Of no great value they
have also obtained virtual protectorate n
Morocco where they are allowed Tree manu-
with two safeguards 70 British interests tne
n-ohsbftfon Of Notifications on the African shore
opposite Gibraltar and the stipulation that there
shan be no hostile tariff for generation a
great point was gained by England in the
Wrench consent 20 the employment In public
works OF the large surplus accumulated by tins
International commission managing the finances
OF Egypt Lord Croner car now have al the
money needed for railways and irrigation WORKS
End French obstruction Of British administra-
sfxs measures in Egypt VIII cease. The ADJUST
snent OF minor questions IN SIAM the New
17ebrides and Madagascar has been arranged
sn a neighborly spirit Without doubt 1.-The
Morning Post is right in saying that England
has given away a great deal for nothing. but the
general comment OF the British press is that the
concessions are mutual and grounded upon
natural equity The real word which describes
she complex series OF transactions is accom-
snodation. Everything over which the two For
sign Offices have been disputing and hostile
presses 5ealously wrangling for three genera
sions became simple matter OF detail as soon
as the two nations were IN the right spirit for
agreeing quickly with each other while they
were IN the way for t.
The signing OF this memorable agreement
which. with the Geneva arbitration and the
Hague conference. offers cumulative proof that
the 3ealousies OF nations and the peace Of the
world can be regulated by the ethical principles
OF the Sermon on the Mount occurs when the
drst great battle in the Far East is expected
daily. The evacuation OF the Russian position
IN Northern Corea Is explained by the dis
patches showing that two japanese divisions
ere landing from transports at the mouth OF
the Talu or westward 1t hardly seems cred
sble that the Russians can allow these rein
forcements to land without offering serious re-
Bistance, or that there can be retreat all along
the line toward Noukden. The japanese GER
sainly are beyond the Yalu, and a great engage
anent must speedily occur after the preliminary
,l1irznishes, which have been magnifed into bat
ties and the Japanese are evidently bent upon
bringing Il on without taking the trouble TO de-
story the Russian fleets. which would prevent
the risks OF interference with the movement Of
transports and supply ships. From the pro-
songed campaign in AIanchurIa into which Eng
land and France were in imminent danger Of
being dragged against their win and interests
fhey have been defended by the resources Of
diplomacy under the Kings initiative and by
she good sense Of the people Of both countries
Politics IS at its lowest ebb when the leader
writers devote a column 20 the reelection OF
Major Seely for the Isle OF Wight and discuss
seriously the question whether he ought TO sit
with the Government or the Opposition His
triumph may involve similar appeals by free
trade Conservatives 20 home constituencies
where the Liberal candidates are expected to
make sacrifices FOR the next coalition govern
snent for which the under secretaryships will
be claimed by seceders like Mr. Seely and Win
ston Churchill. While the tide viii not turn
from the present ebb until The Budget proposals
are made. there is a revival Of public interest
sn the minor policies OF the government, espe-
caally the defence Of the British merchant ma
zine against the Morgan combine. The letters
and dispatches from America on this subject
are prominently displayed in the press, and the
CONSERVATIVES are contending that the Ministry
deserves much credit for making highly favor
able contract with the Cunard company and
helping powerfully in the successful defence OF
known that the contract with the Cunard direc-
TOTS was arranged by Mr.. Chamberlain. The
contradictions respecting Mr.. Ismay's capture
OF the Morgan shipping trust are received here
sn q Pickwicfian sense. and there IS not little
5ubilation among Englishnen over Mr.. Ismays
success IN regaining control OF British ships
and obtaining the virtual management Of a good
many American ships. This is regarded by
many journals as decisive British victory. and
there is a general feeling OF relief over what is
------