Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-06-17
ANOTHER WAR CLOUD.

1t can no longer be denied tnat we are
are in the presence of an International
crisis of the first magnitude. Paris wired
last night that the French government
is almost convinced that it is Germany's
deliberate intention to provoke war.
Orders were given by the ministry of
war Wednesday to make every prepara-
tion TO resist attack. All officers and
men on leave were ordered to rejoin the
colors instantly. Special trains in all
paris OF the country have been facil-
ita,ing the execution of the instructions.
Prime Minister Rouvier has adopted
the most cOnciiatory attitude toward
Germany, but every concession he makes
inspires fresh demands until now En-
peror William asks in effect the cancel
lation of the Anglo o-French entente. This
is not. of course, demanded in so many
words, but it is insisted that France shall
make no combinations antagonistic to
German interests.
Complete submission toall the pressure
the Kaiser is now putting upon the French
republic would reduce the country to vas
salage. France sincerely desires to avoid
war, but at the moment 1t is apparent
that Germany is deliberately attempting
to humiliate her, French pride will burst
into uncomfortable resentment.
1t should not be inferred from the
Paris dispatch of Wednesday that the
British attitude is IN any degree weak or
yielding. The British government Is
fully aware that Germany's aggression is
aimed quite as much at Great Britain as
aoainst France. Lord Landsdowne is
ali for peace, but the remainder of the
cabinet are determined to resist with all
the resources of the empire any serious
encroachment Oh British interests.
Lord Lansdowne has counseled France,
while avoiding all provocatiOn, to pre-
serve a firm attitude in face OF German
aggression. Great Britain has also taken
important independent action which is
not vet disclosed. twill become known
when the China squadron and other ships
of the British navy, which are fastening
homeward at top speed, approach their
destination. 1t will be found to be quite
as significant as the mobilization OF the
9yine squadron which was Great Brit
aim ; response to the Kaiser's famous
Krueeer letters. There is reason to be-
lieye also that even if France yields to
German pressure in the matter OF an IN
ternational conference in regard to
Morocco, England will yet' it, even II
she stands alone. The British govern
ment and people were never more anxi-
Gus for peace than now, utiflhe Kaiser
should attempt TO deal with England
as he is treating France, war would be
a question of only hours.
Referring to the seriousness OF the
Franco German tension, the Paris cor
respondent of the London Express states
that the positiod Wednesday night was
considered so grave that it was believed
that France was so near war with Ger
MANY that the minister of war and his
whole staff remained up all night, ready
TO give mobilization orders 10 the army
if necessary.
The correspondent adds that NJ. Rou-
yier's conciliatory tone has been mis-
taken by Germany for weakness and the
Kaiser's demands are increasing. But
for the encouragement received from
Lord Lansdowne, the British foreign
secretary, France would by now have
acceded TO all these demands. Great
! Britain assured the republic OF her sup
port throughout.
| Meantime the develop Lments in the
Russo-Japanese peace movement COM
mand only the secondary attention oil
official circles and the general public.