New-York tribune., 1908-08-15

Bariatimskis, the Narishkins, the Shonvalons anu
the woronzors.
No one anv longer regards him as insignificant
or colorfess in his political convictions and his
name will figure henceforth in the annais Oh
Russia as a maker of history. For he mas eeeh
with the Gar. the founder of popular government
in Russia, and evolving order from chaos has neeh
the chief actor and architect in the transformation
of Russia from an autoeracy into a eenstitutioha
monarchy Almost alone of the Muscovite states-
of the present day, he possesses an unriVahee
gift of oratory When it is known that he Is ABOUT
to address the Douma. the Taurida Palace. Nhefe
IL holds it's sessions is crowded. His eioduenee
like his character is manly. his delivery dramdle'
his accents beteken sincerity, mis- manner warmth
and perfectly is his voice pitched that even ms
softest syllables reach the most remote corner OF
the hall In fact his speaking is of such per
slasve character that he carries with him not
only friends. but also the Indifferent, and even his
political enemies. When In addition TO this, II
is mentioned that with him promise and perform
Identical and that he has deep sense
of the value his pledged word. 1t will be realized
that the suave eourtier and colorless bureaucrat
whom the Czar selected three or four years ago
to assist him in his work of beralizng the govern
ment of Russia has turned out to be a statesman
of the first rank
BRITISH WARsHIPs MAI BLOCKADE THE
CONGO.
One Of the most disturbing factors in the Old
World just at the present time is King Leopold
For ne fuly lies that trouble eSeVhsre dI-
vert attention from the Congo imbroglio and that
crisis in Turkey, or for the matter of that any
where else in Europe. or even unpeasantness De-
tween Germany and Great Britain, is calculated
to render the latter anxious to proceed to ex
trenlities in her dealings with the Free State.
Last Spring Sir Edward Grey, the Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs in London. and Of the
most cautious and level headed of statesmen. gave
pledges in the House of Commons that In the
of the Belgian Legislature failing during its
he ali Quar- nv
kingdom of the Free State as a Belgian colony,
the British government would take immediate steps
to enforce in it's way cts treaty rights on the
Congo. That these treaty rights have been fla
grantly violated by the Free State was plainly
stated and established BY Sir Edward in Pariia-
ment two weeks ago. The sittings of Belgiums
Parliament ending, and not only has
nothing been accomplished in the way of Bel
GUMS annexation of the Free State but the Bel
gian Legislature and people have become so dis
gusted by the obstacles of every conceivable char
acter placed by King Leopold in the way of
such action that the likelihood of their taking over
the Congo Free State is more remote than ever.
England Is therefore. now about to take the
steps promised by Sir Edward Grey. and 1t be
taken for granted unless becomes involved in
European complications. either with Germany or
in connection with Turkey its action on the Congo
will be of a very radical character. In fact. 1T is
rumored in England that the detachment of Ad-
miraI Sir Perry Scott from the channel fleet of
Lord Charles Beresford and his appointment toy
the command Of a cruiser squadron under orders
for South and West African waters, is connect
ed with impending naval move against the
Congo Free State. such possibly, the block
ade of the mouth OF the river.
Sir Edward Grey states that urtil now England,
in its demands upon King Leopold and the Congo
State for the recognition of treaty rights has
been alone save the United States. and he at
the same time announced that Great Britain will
he delighted with the cooperation of any of the
other powers and to be relieved of enforcing single
handed reforms of the gross abuses of which
the Free State rendered itself guilty. The Eng
lsh government has. however, made it abundantly
clear that while is ready accept the coopera-
tien of other powers. as the occasion Of the
bon1bardnent of Alexandra in 1882, IL is deter
mined to proceed alone If other power moves in
the matter.
Sir Edward likewise, In his speech a fortnight
ago in the House of Commons, ntirnated that even
if the Belgian government were to take over the
Congo Free State. Great Britain would consider
it necessary TO submit to very close examination
the terms of the transfer, since it would not toll
crate any longer forced labor by natives. and would
only sanction the concessions granted by Leo
poId and by the Free State government If II was
found that they violated none of Engiands treaty
rights He intimated that this question or the
concessions however might become matter for
arbitration with Belgian government, If it took
over Congo Land as colony, whereas 1t IL not ar
bitration but action. that is imminent in the deal
ings of England with King Leopold and the Free
State. MARQUISE DE FUN h@E'Oi'