Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-18

III,
which the avaricious eye of Europe is cast.
but the question of Morocco and the
nope that 1t may be settled successfully
and peacefully has greatly influenced the
French colonial party in its attitude toward
the understanding between Germany and
France. The latterwas materially strength
ened by King Edwards visit to Paris and
President Loubets visit to London about
fear of contradiction that the question
which will be armed at Algeciras Is about
already settled In the minds of the partic-
ipants at the conference, so far as the
Franco-German sides are concerned.
Effect Of Anglo-French Agreement.
''It must be taken as an indisputable fact
by Germany that when negotiations be-
tween London and Paris took place, and
Great Britain agreed to recognize French
interests as paramount in Morocco ana
neutralizing the Moorish side of the straits
1t was a hint to the empire to remain neu-
trail Now there run anew rumors concern
ing division OF Morocco, on which, 1t Is
said, France will insist at Algeciras. This
brings about question involving the fu
ture of Morocco. and again the old COM
ment that the Atlas mountains offer the
best limitation Of French ambition, because
the sultan's writ does not run behind the
Atlas mountains. and, excepting a loss of
prestige, a French advance to that point
would not seriously affect the Moroccan
overlooked when the Mediterranean coast
came to be considered, and the extension
of Spanish territory on either side Of Ceuta
would put debatable lands into safe hands.
This would naturally cause Germany to
ask for a compensation, though the reason
only Germany knows 1t. The German en-
peror's stay of two hours in Morocco last
March is not sufficient cause for an in
demnity-if l may use this word-and so
far as I know. the only German interests
and enterprise in Morocco consist in PALM
ing off upon the natives inferior goods with
deceptive marks that enable the lowest
class Of traders to declare that they are
English.
ut remains, then, that if France refuses
to accede to all Of Germany's demands,
BrftiSh-American and Spanish influence
would not be pressed to any appreciate ex-
tent|nterference may save the situation. 1t
Is questionable whether England has
right to intervene, but If she does. Germany
cannot be too insistent Besides France has
still predominating influence in the land
of the afternoon. The sultan is always
asking for a loan, and France Is willing to
oblige him. although she has set serious
obstacle in the way of revenue collection by
refusing her assent, some two years ago,
to the system of fiscal reform to which all
the other powers had agreed. When the
time comes France can administer the
ports for reimbursement. England has
tried to keep the republic from controlling
the custom houses OF Morocco by loaning
some money herself, and mortgagfng, IN
this WISE some of the ports.
Attitude Of the Powers.
AT one time. when France was deter
mined to treat Morocco she treated Tunis;
when the 'Kroomir' incident was as easy to
invent in the Tuat as in Tunis, the follow
ing was the general position of affairs.
"Russia's acquiescence and assistance
were to be assumed beforehand, in exchange
for port near Gibraltar.
England was to remain apathetic as long
as Tangiers would be her portion
Germany had her eye on some of the At
lantic coast towns. and wished to secure
Casablanca and Saff1. or, failing there, COM
pensation south of the Atlas, in sus.
Spain, looking with hungry eyes on the
inheritance she had counted on for so many
centuries, recognized her own impotence,
following her war with the United States,
and felt that not only she could not enforce
her own claims. but that she the risk of
losing her outlying possessions.
ITALY had hopes and aspirations all over
the northern coast of Africa, but she did not
care to enforce her demands too seriously.
The United States had no material inter-
est save the open door, but it possible
that John Hays great mind would have come
to the rescue at a critical moment, as ne did
in the integrity Of China
Now. then, what do we find? Russia has
lost most or her power, and she could not
give effect to any aspirations she has
England does no longer care to assim-
Hate Morocco, process, she realizes, which
would constitute a heavy drain upon her
military and naval resources
Germany, claiming with much eclat that
she has dominating influence In Morocco,
and therefore must be heard, emphasizing
the must, Is no longer satisfied with any
one part Of It,
ITALY has learned, by her experiences In
Abyssinia, that a conquest of territory Is
expensive and useless, therefore she is only
neutral, except In that which concerns her
commerce with Morocco, at present insig-
nificant.
There remains the United States a coun-
try which is not DESTROYS for the possession
or colonies, having enough trouble with the
philippines and hard-headed Senate.
Suggestion to Unied States.
There was time when 1t was said
that sooner or later Morocco must come
under the protectorate of some European
power. 1t was suggested to the American
administration that If this country were
prepared to take 1t. she should support
Spain In her pretensions. But this Is not
feasible. IL possible.
England has Gibraltar. and though this
Is partly provisioned from Morocco and,
therefore. the country OF vital Importance
to the United Kingdom. It cannot lock az
as 1t is. Now that there are friendly feel
ings with France. Great Britain will sup
port the republic In case OF a disagreement
at Algecfras, because Frances interests
stand next to those Of the kingdom An
other question Of great Importance to
France Is, the fact that the frontier Of her
colony OF Algeria touches that OF Morocco.
On this ground she has deep interest In
Moorish AFFAIRS. The measures taken BY
the republics to strengthen her hold upon