Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-26
STATESMEN SHARE VIEWS
Excited Race Passions Expected to
Ride Over Pacific Rulers.
GERMANY IS DANGER POINT
King Edward Criticised for Peace
Bund Isolating Kaiser's Empire.
Turkey May Start Trouble.

LONDON, July 25.-Not for long time
has England been disturbed by so grave
a warning from an eminent statesman as
happened this week. when Lord Cromer
gave his ultimate reason for opposing the
policy Of the present government.
He frankly affirmed his belief that while
the government was light-heartedly en-
barking on an old-age pension scheme
of enormous expense, the country was
rapidly approaching the deadly crisis OF
European war.
His words have been read throughout
Europe with apprehension and alarm
Consols fell sharply when they became
public. Now his warning is discussed
with the seriousness its Importance de-
mands.
Lord Cromer's Warning.
1t is this excerpt from his speech that
Is attracting universal attention:
What. in the present condition of Eu-
rope, is the main duty which devolves
upon the government of this country?>
For my own part I have no sort of
hesitation in replying to this question.
The main duty Is to make provision be-
times for a European conflict which may
not, improbably. be forced on US before
many years have lapsed.
Il am aware that the mass of the peo-
pie Of this country. who do not follow
foreign affairs with any close attention.
are not alive to the possibility Of any
such conflict taking place. 1 say 1t Is
the duty of a government gifted with
both patriotism and foresight, which has
means of information at its disposal
fS fN ho MI
lie, to provide betimes for that danger,
a danger of which l, in common with
most people who can speak with real
authority ON foreign affairs, am firmly
convinced.
Dangers Not in Rulers.
''My lords. I am now treading on deli
cate ground. 1t Is neither necessary nor
desirable that I should state at length
my reason for holding this opinion.
will only say that, in order to justify It..
1t Is quite unnecessary to impugn the
good faith OF those high authorities
abroad who constantly reiterate their
peaceful intentions. Neither is it neces-
sary to hold that any Intentions derber-
ately hostile to this country exist
I'VE are. however, living in times when
the influence Of individuals, however
highly placed. is limited. When national
interests are involved and race pas
sion Is excited there is always more
than a risk that q collision between
pacific the intentions Of their rulers
Let me add that II. as believe will
be the case. the enactment of this law
imperils the cause Of free trade, the
chances of collision will be materially
increased
1t is, Of course. perfectly understood
that the peril Lord Cromer foresees lies
in the direction Of Germany. His spe-
cial Information can. OF course, only
be conjectured. But 1t is a fact that
all who possess it share his apprehen-
sion.
Some Of these individuals criticise
rather severely King Edwards latest
ropean peace bund. They argue that
the combination is now too large for
stability.
Germany Exasperated.
Moreover. the recent Anglo-Russian
entente has exasperated Germany to a
dangerous extent Her isolation is now
so complete that she seems powerless
to break through the wall surrounding
her. But such situation. 1t Is argued
by some diplomatists. is full Of peril.
Peace by compulsion is delusion.
especially If imposed upon a great and
proud nation presided over by an am
bilious and aggressive sovereign. Ger
many will strain every nerve in prep
aration and then seize the first oppor-
tunity to show her resentment.
Such Is the belief of more than one
man of Cromer's type. Germanys op-
portunity may come any day
For this reason the serious crisis in
the near east Is regarded with some
uneasiness throughout Europe. The re-
volt Of the Young Turks has reached
the proportions Of revDlution. Abdul.
clever as he is. has been compelled to
yield for the present
grant of q constitution will check the
rebellion No previous discomfort in
Turkey has involved the widespread
sedition in the army which undoubtedly