Evening star., 1909-02-14
THE FRANC0-GERMAN AGREEMENT

been guided by such methods as to rid
itself of ancient Quarrels with France
first and Russia next The British
press. without any reason, however, has
assumed an ironical and aggressive
tone. which has given to Germany. II
not an excuse. at least a preteXt- On
both sides. therefore. 1t is necessary TO
amend their ways IL they are 20 live in
peace.
question it will prove interesting TO
note the recent discussion in the
French chamber of the occupation OF
Morocco. NJ. Delafosse, deputy. said
II have the profound and calm convlc-
ton. | am besct by the idea even, that
Frances future in Africa depends upon
her role in Morocco. l believe. and l am
here because I desire 10 say that IL by
some inconCevable improvidence or mex
cuSabio weakness we should permit for
eign influence to filter i'll the Cher!fian
government. penetrate II and dominate
II. as was done two or three years ago.
we will have opened up the way to our
own overthrow. We would lose first AL
geria, and after Algeria all our possess
sions in occidental Africa Now the fu-
ture OF French Africa is the future OF
France, and 1 would tell you why.
II have always thought, and | have
said it-not without provoking protesta-
tions which may be re-
Political peated-that France viii
r.,; lose sooner or later. very
late I hope but infali-
bly-her colonial possessions in Asia,
America and Oceanica. She will lose them
because 1t is in the natural order OF
things in the fatality OF events and our
descendants can do nothing TO oppose it.
But France may lose them without Sus-
tanning a mortal damage, because these
colonies, dear as they may he to Us.
do not constitute an essential revenue TO
her vitality
But Africa. gentlemen. is something
more Africa Is the great reservoir of the
France of tomorrow, u reservoir for her
commerce. her industry, but above all for
her military defense.
I'VE are inconsclab1e. and with reason.
when We are told that natality Is station
ary or decreasing In France. We are ne
more fnconSolable when We are reminded
of this numerical inferiority by the over
flow of neishboring populations. Now IL
France Is the richest in money she is the
poorest in inha bitants. and inevitably she
will one day be devoured and subjugated
II she may not oppose to the covetousness
which waits III her way the resource of a
loan. That is TO say. q loan other tran
that which she may procure from her
own funds. Well! the resource, Africa
possesses it. She can and she will fur
nish It, Africa In days Of peril can place
at our disposal enormous contingents of
incompatible soldiers. vino will re-estab-
lish the equilibrium of our military forces
and will assure our safety.
The Temps mentions the speech OF NJ.
Pichon in which he paid solemn and
eloquent tribute to Sir Edward Grey's pa
citic efforts and at the same time to Sir
Edwards address to his constituents at
Coldstream. Scotland January %
The British secretary for foreign affairs
commenced by rendering homage to the
spirit of conciliation which
Oriental inspired the Austro-Turkish
rr;s;. accord. He did not think
that accord would suffice to
solve the oriental crisis. 1t augmented the
chances Of the reunion Of the conference.
He congratulated himself on the unity
Of views between London st. Petersburg
and Paris. He rendered homage to the
concilia tory action of Germany and Italy,
the allies of Austria. And finally he ac
corded a just tribute of praise to the
wisdom of Turkey SO we'll defined in the
recent expose of kiamil Pasha.
He referred to the accusations from VI
emma directed against English policy, and
declared them pure inventions. He con-
for liberal Turkey placed Great Britain in
an attitude of apparent hostility to Aus
tria. The policy of Austria had pro-
duced a disagreeable impression at Lon
Turkish card If Austria had annexed
Bosnia it was not simple caprice. but
by the force Of interests
Sir Edward defended the British press.
He was in his role. but the Temps does
not believe that he Rould defend that
press in detail The position of England
would become untenable for the secre-
tary Of foreign affairs the day that the
British navy could no longer protect the
country against a coalition. The army
should be maintained within reasonable
limits, but conscription was not neces-
sary. The Temps, referring to this lat
ter declaration. rejoins: I'VE wish that
some day England may not have occa-
sion to repent the Indifference she mani
tests toward her land forces
The London Times comments favorably
upon Sir Edwards speech and charges
that the Austrian press Is inspired by the
replies to the critics of Berlin and Vienna
by citing the declarations of NJ. Pichon in
the French chamber in defense of the
British. The Post concludes that the
pacific solution Of the oriental crisis will
cause nowhere greater satisfaction than
in England.
Englishmen are accredited with being
by nature phlegmatic. But the ardent ap-
peals of Lord Roberts
England have produced a febrile
r.,. condition throughout Eng
land, which surpasses
that supposed to be the particular attri-
butte of the Latin races. England Is stirred
up. England fears invasion and already
hears the echo of the tramp Of the Ger
man invader. The press, the clergy and
the people all talk of the invasion and
have turned their attention to the estab-
lishment of an "army Of defense" Com
mercial houses offer their employees certain
privileges, leaves Of absence. in order to
induce their enrolment in the territorial
army. On the suggestion of Lord Esh-
er the Daily Mail has converted It's build
ing into recruiting bureaus. Excepting
the periods when England was actually
engaged in war, the population has never