Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-14

vious,' said NJ. Hanotaux, quietly. Eng
land triumphant over Europe means, of
course, the wiping out of the empires of the
world-it means a Cockney earth. When /
say a Cockney earth shudder, your ma
jesty-I shudder, NJ lie Due Paul-and you
shudder too. The thought, you will say, is
not pretty zee est pas bien jolie ce que
jai pense-laD. And the nations Will not
permit that? Let US make peace with our
brothers, that may crush the stranger
"A League of Europe?" said the duke:
"A League of Europe, answered Nj. Han
otauX, and bowed.
Wilhelm flushed with enthusiasm, and he
said:
Il agreei-in principle
The principle is obvious put in the
duke.
And the details, l Think" cried NJ. Han
otaux
who will make the beginning?"
IF we say-Germany."
Not Germany! said the kaiser.
Then Russia" said NJ. Hanotaux.
Hardly Russia, perhaps unused Duke
Paul. The heart of the tsar is set upon
the crushing of Sweden at least
Then France! exclaimed NJ. HanotauX,
since you leave to France this glory.
You mean that you will accept the con-
ditions demanded by Italy, monsieur
Yes, your majesty
AT once?"
rNo-not precisely-but soon
when? p
After the next great BATTLE
Whatever the reSult?'
Yes, NJ. lie Due Paul"
But after the next great battle the
southern resources of France WILL as | I'M
derstand it, be at an end said Wilhelm,
hluntly. You will be compelled to do
what you offer to do"
Not compelled perhaps, your majesty;
for the territorial resources of Italy will
be practically at an end also. There re-
mains, however, her-navy. We have need
of it,.
AS the inwardness of NJ. Hanotaux's
scheme unfolded with these words it won
the whole interest of his interlocutors In
both the ROYAL and ducal brains ripened as
the same instant this thought: "a second
invasion of England.
Il follow YOU with the closest attention,
monsieur said Wilhelm
And ] also find your reflections of the
profoundest interest, monsieur" added the
duke.
France" proceeded NJ Hanotaux, will
adept that line of conduct under the fol-
lowing conditions: First, she will satisfy
the claims of Italy on the understanding
between her and Italy, that Italy becomes
the ally of the allies: and secondly France
demands that the two allies follow her ex-
ample by generally granting the demands
of Sweden. Denmark and Austria on the
understanding that they also become the
allies of the allies against the common foe
of Europe"
Wilhelm leapt up
The thing is done, monsieur he ex-
claimed.
1T is a question of when" said Duke
Paul.
Precisely" said the kaiser, at becomes
question OF when"
When the next great battle between
France and Italy has been fought" an
swered NJ. Hanotaux.
Nor lept from the mouth of Wilhelm
in half-suppressed start, and then there
pause. The fact was that each de-
sired to fight yet one battle with the enemy
with whom it was proposed to make terms
in the hope and belief that the victory would
be his. and the terms of peace therefore
more advantageous for him.
Duke Paul spoke meditatively and he
said:
n agree on the condition that Russia will
make no terms with Sweden and Austria
until after the next considerable battle with
each of these. whether the battle of France
with Italy has then occurred or not
''And the conditions of Germany are iden-
teal" said the kaiser
''TheR there is nothing for it but to shake
hands on the compact. your majesty, and
NJ. lie Due Paul 1t may be observed how
ever. that your condition and mine insures
certain and very considerable reduction
Of the not large territorial forces now at
our disposal. Is there no departure pos
sible from this determinations
There was no departure. The three men
spoke on for an hour; and as the darkness
gathered they rode away toward Liege and
took train in different directions
The agreement, often repeated, was this:
Five battles. one by France, two by Ger
many, two by Russia; then. II possible, a.
European peace and league.
Russia would be prepared to hand over to
Austria the doubtful legacy OF the still war