THE WAR-CLOUD DARKENING.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 3572, 26 October 1898, Page 2

THE WAR-CLOUD DARKENING.

While it is strenuously denied that there is any foundation for the alarming rumours of war that were circulated in Wellington yesterday evening, the saying that “ Coming events oast their shadows before ” may be found to be realised in this case. The news received about two o’clock this morning shows that the war-cloud is darkening. Nothing but a conviction that war is inevitable would account for the preparations being made by Great Britain. In the English JJlue Book just published, Lord Salisbury practically gives the lie to the statements contained in the French Yellow Book, and accuses Baron de Couroelof a breach of a solemn undertaking that Major Marohand would retire from Fashoda if he were provided with food and munitions of war. Tho English Premier has found it necessary to state very emphatically that hs never entertained the proposal to give Franca a post on the Nile. In this he is in accord with the opinions of tho British people ; and if France insists upon seeking to retain Fashoda, tho last word of diplomacy will very soon be uttered. It is most deplorable to think that war is likely to eventuate j but the British people have tho consolation of knowing that it is entirely unprovoked on their part and that the cause they have espoused is that of progress and eivilisatiou.'We still hope—almost against hope—that hostilities may be averted between two civilised Powers that ought to work harmoniously, within well-defined spheres, for the spread of peace and prosperity in the dark places of the earth.