STATE AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 65, 20 March 1901, Page 1

STATE AFFAIRS.

THE KING, KAISER, AND,. INTER. NATIONAL affairs.

[Mail News.]

London, Feb. 9,

An important development in the direction of peace in South Africa is believed to be impending. General Sir Evelyn Wood, who brought about an arrangement with the Boers after Majuba, the final battle of the Boer war of 1880-81, ending in British defeat, is going out in a special capacity, probably as a Commissioner, which will enable him to treat with the Boer generals. His appointments will be a virtual superseding of Lord Kitchener, who, it is expected, will soon bo relieved and become commander in chief in India. The scheme, which it is believed in the best informed circles is afoot for the ending of the war, undoubtedly is due to the influence of the King, who was actuated by the advice of the Kaiser. A comprehensive view of the International conditions reveals only improved prospects for continued peace and harmony. From the British standpoint Queen Victoria’s death appears to have strengthened rather than weakened Great Britain’s position among the nations. A sufficient time has elapsed since Victoria ceased to reign for the foreign officers to feel the political pulse of the capitals of Europe, and the brief examination, commenced in no spirit of cocksurenoss, resulted in a feeling of satisfaction and security at Downing Street. The foremost factor in this, naturally, is Emperor William’s attitude. Responsible officials here make no attempt to conceal their elation at the circumstances attendant upon His Majesty’s visit. They do not shut their eyes to the dissatisfaction the Emperor has caused among certain sections of his subjects, but rely implicitly on the imperious force of Germany’s ruler to successfully overcome the internal opposition engendered: Closer relations undoubtedly now exist between Great Britain and Germany. Lord Salisbury and Lord Lansdowne are quite prepared to hear Count von Bulow, the Imperial Chancellor, satirically belittle the effect of Emperor William’s visit, but in Downing street this will be taken as meant purelyfor home consumption.

The alliance between Great Britain and Portugal scarcely needed the visit of King Charles to render it stronger. Yet the continued stay here of that ruler is believed to be likely to bring Portugal and Great Britain in closer touch, thus rendering easier the work of their respective Governments. So far as the diplomatic phase goes, nothing new has resulted from the King of Portugal’s stay in London. The mutual responsibilities in connection with DelagoaSßay were too well known previously to ’ need further discussion. Thus Portugal, Germany and Great Britain are believed to be more closely united than ever in their history—united by a compact, that, in the opinion of leading statesmen of Great Britain, is stronger than ever was the Dreibund. The only feature of the recent international happenings regrotted at Downing street is the Emperor’s decoration of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts with the Order of the Black Eagle. It is thought his Majesty went almost too far, in view of the hostile comments the German press is in the habit of printing on Great Britain’s South African campaigu. Still, say the officials, Emperor William never does things by halves. Neither in China, nor in other parts of the world, do Russia and France, in the Foreign Office’s views, give any indication of counteraction against the activity of British diplomacy. Lord Salisbury is said to roly on Emperor William to keep in touch with the Czar. So long as this is feasible France is not expected to take any serious initiative. Moreover, according to dispatches in the British press, French Anglophobiaism seems to have abated since the Queen’s death.

Austria and Italy arc put down as sure to do nothing contrary to Emperor William’s wish. It is easily seen that Emperor William is the dominating figure in European affairs. To this, Great Britain has no objection. Sho has made it possible, and trusts to benefit by it. Relation between the reigning families of Europe is not held to be much account among the Chancellories ; but, so far as it goes, it is believed that King Edward VH.’s personality will tend to improve its its degree of potency.