The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-11-07

ance of Power Due to the Victory
of Japan Over Russia.
London, Oct. 26.-The close secre-
CIV which for a considerable time has
surrounded an event Of first magni-
tude in international politics will be
proven by the announcement which
The News and Courier correspondent
is permitted to make today. A mill
tary convention, which in effect
amounts to full defensive alliance
between Great Britain, France and
Italy. This momentous instrument
has not noninally come into effect as
yet, but in reality it is already an
almost dominating factor in the
European situation. It becomes op-
erative whenever the triple alliance
between Germany, Austria-Hungary
and Italy, or rather the three treaties
usually grouped under that designa-
of time or by any other cause
This grouping of great powers is
natural outcome of the destruction OF
the balance of power in Europes conse-
ouent upon paralysis Of Russia in the
japanese war. It is an important step
in the formation OF a league Of peace
the great object which King Ed
ward has labored to achieve ever
since he came to the throne Of Great
Britain. 1t has behind it the cordial
support of Spain and Portugal. There
is good reason for believing that it
commands also the sympathy Of the
United States Government, which has
been well aware Of its inception and
purposes.
The creation Of this new Internal
ional compact has been accompanied
and followed by serious difficulties
and even dangers. First and obvious
ly was the fact that Germany would
regard it not only with natural resent
raent. but as a. direct menace. 1t
was negotiated on the eve of the
Algeciras conference and it can
hardly be denied that it was designed
to some extent to act in restraint Of
Germany at that time. It's purpose,
however, is in every respect non-ag-
gressive and it was and is impossible
for the German Emperor to criticise
it except by abandoning his oft-pro-
fessed love Of peace.
An element Of danger arose dur
ing the last summer. a strong anti
Italian sentiment has been growing in
Austria-Hungary for some years. So
tong as Italy remained virtually an
ally this feeling could scarcely find Of
fetal or open expression, especially
with Germany exercising a continual
influence in restraint Of it. When
the internal crisis in Austria-Hun-
gary became acute last summer the
Austrian Government was at one mo-
ment strongly tempted to heal do
mestic dissension by an attack upon
Italy-a move which would have been
popular in both countries of the dual
monarchy. Additional excuse for such
an expedient would have been found
in secret military convention which
it was learned had been made by
Italy with Servia, with whom Aus
trian relations were and still are
hostile
Italy learned of this danger and
was most anxious to avert it. She was
entirely unprepared in a military way
for war on her Austrian frontier. She
knew that she could not successfully
defend Venice and the neighborlng
provinces 1t was in this situation
that the interview between King Ed
ward and the German Emperor was
arranged. 1t is understood in inner
diplomatic circles that one of the OBJ
jects of that conference was to enlist
the Kaiser's influence in restraint of
Austria's possible aggression. 1t is
now believed that this danger has dis
appeared.
The political situation in Europe as
a whole is more satisfactory today
than it has been for several years.
Pessimists point to the fact that the
death Of the Sultan must be expected
within a few months and that the de-
mise of Emperor Francis Joseph may
create crisis at any time. But the
safeguards Of peace grow stronger
day by day. King Edwards League
Of Peace should BE- able very soon to
bear any strain that may be put upon
it.