Los Angeles herald., 1905-06-25
SERIOUSLY DEBATES CHANCE
OF H0sTlLlTlES
BUT DIPLOMATS SCOUT IDEA
Say That IL Invitation to Conference
Is Declined II Cannot Be Con-
sidered as Constituting
Casus Bell
BY Associated Press.

BY Associated Press.
PARIS, June 24.--For the first time
since the Fashoda incident the French
public is in the throes of the war fever.
Whether 1t will result in anything seri-
Gus depends on Germany's response to
the French note on Morocco, but with
out considering the exact status of the
diplomatic negotiations a considerable
element of the public and press seri-
ously discuss the possibilities of re-
sort to arms. Army circles are particu-
larly active, and at the military clubs
the officers are mainly engaged in max
ing comparisons of the forces of France
and Germany.
While the financial leaders scout the
idea of war, yet the speculative element
has been quick to seize the opportunity
to raid French rentes. which when they
closed tonight showed a fall of one
franc eight centimes within the week.
The official view is that the situation,
while delicate, does not present any
aspect or crisis involving a rupture
of relations. This is the governmental
view and naturally presents the most
favorable aspect of the controversy.
However, the ambassadors of the lead
ing powers express impartial opinions,
fully sustaining the views of the gov
eminent.
It is pointed out in diplomatic quar-
ters that the worst aspect of the Nor
ocean question does not present a
casus belli. An analysis of the con-
troversy shows that the Sultan of
Morocco invited the powers to a con-
ference. Germany urges the powers,
including France, to accept Premier
Rouvier's latest note shows the will
ingness of France to consider a con-
ference if Germany explains her pur-
poses but even should France decline
to accept refusal of the invitation does
not constitute a cause for war. A dip
lomat summed up the situation by
saying that complete default of the
present negotiations would not mean
war, as the controversy would then
proceed along new lines. 1t would
doubtless lead to direct appeals to the
sultan with view of securing the up
per IdIlu III IhOlOCCOs w tIC pes
simistic element foresees that Germany
will seek pretext for trouble. yet the
actual state of affairs does not war
rant such gloomy forebodings.
Could Call Out Million Men
The controversy serves to call at
ton to the complete state of readiness
os the French military system to meet
any emergency The present peace
footing of the army is 100000 men.
This force is organized on an elastic |
basis whereby the doubling and trip
ling of the strength of each company
doubles and trebles the aggregate of
the army.
Military experts say that the calling |
of the first reserves to the colors would |
probably furnish an immediate force
Approximately of million trained men |
and thereafter the second reserves and
the territorial military would permit of !
much further expansion.
La Liberte began the publication |
tonight of series of articles from the
frontier, showing the excited state of
public feeling and the activity of the |
military forces which are alleged to
be constantly drilling and undergoing |
inspection. The tenor of the articles
is similar to those that have appeared |
heretofore which showed the high mil
itary spirit along the border and the
precautionary measures adopted on
both sides to keep the forces in state
of preparedness.
The diplomatic situation remains
as Germany has not yet
presented her answer to the French
note. Officials say the negotiations are
taking the usual normal course without
at present any likelihood of any
change.
1t is definitely known that the French |
to Germany was cordially
received by Chancellor Won Buelow on
Friday. This is considered to be a
most reassuring symptom of Ger
manys conciliatory intentions.
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