THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1404, 26 January 1899, Page 32

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

MILITARISM IN RUSSIA. THE CZAR’S ~ DISARMAMENT SCHEME. VIEWS OF THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR. Sr. Petersburg, January 18. Tho estimates of the Russian War Department show ail increase of 35,000,000 roubles (£3,500,000) for tlio year. Paris, January 18. It has been particularly noticeable of late that “ Le Temps” (the organ of the Foreign Office) lias, in its comments on tho forthcoming disarmament conference to consider the Czar’s scheme, adopted a markedly cool tone. London, January 18. A deputation representing the International Arbitration League and the Peaco Society waited to-day on M. Cambon, the French Ambassador in London, for the purposo of discussing the question of European disarmament. His Excellency, whoso reply was of a pacific character, said he feared that any practical answer to the Czar’s appeal would be long deferred, though there was little doubt all the nations earnestly wished for permanent peace. Proceeding to discuss the relations between France and England, M. Cambon denied that thore existed any antipathy on the part of Franco towards Great Britain. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily News” says a marked change has come over public feeling in the Republic with reference to tho Franco-Russian alliance, which is considered to be only beneficial while France is well armed. In an address to his constituents at Brechin, in Scotland, the Right Hon John Morley, formerly Chief Secretary for Ireland, in referring to the Imperialistic tendencies of many prominent politicians, warned his hearers against permitting any excessive growth of the Imperialistic spirit, which, he urged, meant increased power on the part of tho military party in the State. Stockholm, January 19. The Swedish military authorities proposo to make an experimental mobilisation of the forces. King Oscar in the course of a speech in Parliament said that the proposed disarmament conference did not imply the neglect of necessary defences. ENGLAND AND AMERICA. “GREAT BRITAIN HOPING FOR ALLIANCE. ’ Washington, January 19. Senator Bacon, in a speech in the Senate, said Great Britain was eager for the success of Ameiican arms in the Philippines, hoping for an American alliance in the event of war over the partition of China. He urged, however, that America’s interest centied in America only. Senator Hawley said probably Great Britain wished to prevent a conflict over the Pnilippines. The Hon John D. Lang, Secretary of the Navy, regretted that America was unable to tend a single ship to Europe for tho reason that a sound international policy required tlio North Atlantio Squadron being kept at full strength. GREAT BRITAIN’S POSITION IN EGYPT. London, January 19. The Right J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the C speaking at YVolve h .iiiptoii Chamber of C •tuiniwue, said England must be ready to defend her own possessions. The influence of Customs tariffs in new countries would, be said, take a fair snare in bringing about a further expansion of trade, and induce others to maintain an “open-door,” national policy, irrespective of p«rly. Pursuance of this policy had in one instance brought England <o the brink of war. w hence she was only saved by the Hrmiie-s of the Government and almost ur •nmeuus resolve of tbe mti m Ile hoped Britain's p<'*M'ion in the Nile V..iu-> tie net forth would 1 e rucoguist-d as. ab-olu'e and incon 4 o-table. Great Britain had earn* d tho light to be let alone in h gypt and the Soudan. If France doshed .an amicable settlement ot the questions *-tiL i< mail ing in dispute, G eat Britain .vas li p ,iod, he said, to .. e ' her more its- ii U way, but the Mau giscar and ’? • iar.d situations might disturo jii uly relations if bur un*. tried. Mr Gnaniberlaiu dtii u d ‘ Utile EagJarmors ” an those who honeslly believed the expansion of the Empire involved an obligation out of proportion to its advantages. CobdonV •’ bad not been realised, asGi p* j exports to Protectionist St ha ncreased during 40 years by 12a As a matter of fact there note m> l-icetrade countries, but to the colonies whose tariffs she controlled the exports increased by 270 per cent.