The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-01
Special cssl. p,,oa,es 10 THE SUN.

has developed so rapidly. ia. In the opinion
OF the most careful Observers, approaching
its climax, Its effects will influence the
destinies OF nations throughout the cen
fury and beyond.
No one denies the momentous Importance
OF the situation upon which the new year
dawns. No one doubts that 1905 will wit
ness sufficient progress in the solution Of
the problem OF European and Asiatio desti-
mics TO indicate the trend OF development
during many succeeding decades. In q
word, We are entering upon the most criti-
cal year OF modern human record. There
the agreement ends.
There are those who believe that Japan q
comet-like appearance In the armament
will be followed by a sudden waning. There
are those who believe, on the other hand,
that we shall see before another year the
disruption OF the Russian Empire and the
remaking Of the map of Europe and Asia.
Those who share the latter opinion are
increasing IN numbers daily, among states
men. as we'll as general observers through
out Europe, Their thoughts are an1iously
devoted to the grave problem Of whether
such a national tragedy can be enacted
without destroying the worlds general
peace. 1t can be happily said that the
general view is hopeful one.
Much encouragement Is found In the
successful solution of the two serious war
crises Of the last year bet ween Great Britain
and Russia 1t is recognized that the I'M
scrupulous men who possess almost doml-
nant influence in Russa's affairs may in
the desperate situations which are likely
to arise seek to embroil that unhappy
country with other Powers. Their powers
for evil In this direction are undoubtedly
great. but their fnalevolent motives will be
30 obvious that II Is hoped the other Powers
will show sufficient seft-restraint and even
ignore insults il necessary. No Govern
rent, leas. Of all Great Britain's, against
which such a policy would most likely be
adopted. would yield even to popular
clamor in resenting studied provocation
from such source.
Aside from the Russian crisis no serious
danger threatens the fortunes OF the new
year in Europe. On the contrary, the sit ua-
tino Is distinctly better than year ago.
King Edwards great act of craftsmanship
In achieving an Anglo-French entente
has provided the most potent safeguar d
for peace the world now possesses. One
event alone might seriously disturb the
situation. and that fortunately does not
appear to be imminent. The death of
Francis Joseph would let loose a whirl-
wjrd Of conflicting ambition at Berlin.
Vienna and Budapest which might work
disaster to central Europe. As long as
the Austrian Emperor lives, however, dis-
turbances like the present Hungarian crisis
will not outgrow domestic proportions
No hoe la r,,tth
encouraging prospects for the general well
fare Of the people as that which opens to-
morrow. Lord Rothschd said the other
day that he believed 1905 would be the
greatest business year London has ever
known. The situation, aside from the war,
seems to justify fully this cheerful prophecy,
The financial outlook certainly never was
brighter. The expectation of the inner
circles OF high finance that Russia will find
some means to bring the war to an end
early in the year, in order to devote her
self to domestic problems, is entitled to
serious consideration, although the basis
for this belief is quite invisible TO ordinary
observers.
America has gained wider recognition
as world power in European estimation
In 1904 than ever before, and the year closes
with European attention concentrated
mora upon her fundamental policy OF non
interference in the Western Hemisphere
than any public question except the
Eastern war. THE Suns proposal for a
naval compact on business basis between
the United States and Great Britain is the
topic Of the hour in diplomatic circles.
1t is recognized as a suggested first step
toward that cooperation in development
OF defence Of the two English speaking
peoples which Continental chancelleries are
beginning 10 fear is the inevitable develop
ment Of political history. Europe will
do everything in its power TO prevent or
delay its contamination. 1t has no weapons
at Its command at the present moment
but IL trusts the future to provide soma
occasion TO provoke discord. 1t is safe
10 assume that Germany has not yet aban-
doned her covetous longings toward South
America, but she secs in such a combina-
ton as THE sun proposes the defeat Of
all her hopes.
1t is impossible in justice 10 refrain from
chronicling the fact in connection with
the great growth of American prestige in
the past year that Europe ungrudgingly
recognizes in John Hay the ablest states
man Of his day.
Turning again TO Russias unhappy fate.
1t must be said that Europe is unanimous
In regarding the Cars method Of meeting
the crisis indicated by the two Imperial
rescripts Of the present week as the weak
est and most futile course that could posi-
bly, be adopted The manifesto shows
indecision in every line. and indeci IN in
the face Of the existing emergency is moth
ing less than a crime. The best interpreta-
ton of the Cars decree seems 10 be that
he is not completely under the domination
of the bureaucratic cabal. otherwise the
document would have been at least strong
and outspokenly repressive in its tendency
However. it Is clearly opposed to all real
reform, and therefore deeply offends both
sides, andthe Emperor has no real supporters
In hIs position Of impossible compromise.
The action Of the zemstvos, beginning
with Moscow, in dissolving as a protest
against the refusal Of reform has the gravest
significance. These councils are response
BILE for the maintenance of the families
of all the soldiers now in the war besides
provincial tributes to the Imperial treasury.
These councils can, If united, paralyze the
Government and the Manchurian canpaien