The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 5, 1902 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 563, 5 November 1902, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 5, 1902 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.

The state of international affairs is, the mail news shows, attracting increasing attention. One writer thus describes the condition of feelings “ International affairs are in a most curious condition of general simmer just now. Perhaps it would he a more accurate metaphor to say that tiiey resemble that sort of chaotic whirl of gases and vapours by which —pace Professor Bickertou—the formation of a planetary system is by some scientists said to be preceded.” The same corres'pondent, writing from London, continues “ Italy lias reentered the Triple Alliance, with Germany and Austria as her partners, but there was a time when she perceptibly wavered between two pairs of competitors for her favor. France and Russia were not without hopes that Italy might he won to turn their Dual Alliance into a new triple one—their duet into a trio. A very material rapprochement did in fact take place between France and Italy, hut it neve, went so far as France sought and hoped. Its chief outcome and effect has been t(> establish France as Italy’s “ best friend,” leaving England the less favorable position, llow far it may be due to maladroitness on the part of British statesmen lhal France has superseded Britain as

Italy’s “ Codlin,” and Britain has been relegated to the interior role of “ Short,” nobody outside the most diplomatic circles can affirm with entire certainty ; but assuredly England and France have changed places in this respect, and the naval situation in the Mediterranean can no longer be counted upon as the British plus the Italian navy contra nnmdtini in the event of a European war. That .'s a rather serious and unfortunate outcome, after an ostentatious assumption that Italy’s allegiance in case o! need had been securely purchased by tlie diversions we effected in the Soudan when Italy w r as being so badly worsted by Abyssinia. But such is the case.” The writer then presents a still more doleful picture of the condition of things. He states : —” It must he carefully borne in mind that all these potential naval combinations are planked as against Britain. The possibi.ity that another European nation might be found oil our side is never entertained by a living Sj'ju'. Be the alliance Latin-Slavic or' Latin Teutonic, it aiways presents itselft.ss anti-English. And now a fresh Latin possibility has forged itself a go.nl deal to the front. Spain, once the most formidable of Latin Powers, now the weakest, has come into special prominence. Disappointed in her efforts to bring about a new Triple Alliance with Italy as the third partin' France has of late beikg paying marked attention tu her other neighbour, Spain." Now, Spain has of course a standing grievance against us in our possession of Gibraltar, which more than once during the Gladstone shirk-surrender-scuttlc regime she hoped might be restored to her—a hope which was in some degree reviewjd when Lord Salisbury made such a gratuitous present to Germany oi Hello goland, for an ostensible ‘‘consideration” not worth the paper on which it was written. But Spain lias come at last to realise that England will never yield Gibraltar until London shall have been captured by invaders—a leinote contingency. Another Spanish grievance consists in the fact that England did undoubtedly prevent Europe coming to her rescue against the Linted States in ISOS, and thus ma le American success a foregone conclusion So there has been much talk during the last year or two of preparations being made by Spain to retake Gibraltar in case of Britain becoming mvo.-

ved in a European war, or at least to render “The Hock” no longer tenable by a British,-force through the construction of new forts with which modern artillery could, it was maintained, absolutely command the Britisli position, and could destroy it without the | possibility existing of really effective reply." All have no doubt read 111" reference to the famous speech by the French Minister of Masine, M. Pelletau. The main points of that are contained in the words “We shall not declare that we want to convert the Mediterranean into a French lake This was vie expression oi the great man who wanted us to rule the wotld. We are cured of those dreams. But a portion of the Mediterranean is and will remain French. The undertaking, which was accomplished by valiant toilers in our army aud navy, suffices to show what has been done, and to reassure us with regard to the dangers of foreign aggres sion. With this shelter, _ which Is so powerful aud also so well situated for at’

tack, v. e, with Corsica and Toulon, can hold ib.- d or which is opened between lit two ha.vet of tiie Mediteiranean, in spite of Malta and Gibraltar, C.-rtainly i: is not I who would desire a conflict between p nples, with England any more tnan wth Italy. But as we cannot teil what the others will do on their side it is our duty to prepare the holy war for the Fn nch patrie against its enemies, whoever ti.e.y may be. Security no longer exists 0 any extent in the civilised world. At bo end oi the nineteenth century, aftei In- d, feat of France by the barbarism oi o'd Germany, an offensive return of the brutal might was witnessed. The whole wo d seems to be uominated by the maxim, ‘La force prime le droit.’ We must therefore devote all our efforts to maintaining intact French genius, which is the centre of justice and of light.” This speech was received with much derision outside of France, but it had the effect of bringing out the opinion of Spain in a forcible way. Tire leading journal states: “ If there is anything certain in international affairs it is that most of the Poweis engaged in the political game just now that is, not the Dual Alliance alone, but the Dual and Triple Alliance together—could not do us so much harm as England. We say just now, fur within a few yc-ars circumstances may change, though wo dot think this is likely. England is at least twice as powerful by sea as all Eu rope put together. England can defy with impunity in her island and with her tieet the entire Continent, and can inflict immense ruin on all nations, except, perhaps, Russia and Austria, without fear of reprisals. Nothing but a naval victory of allied Europe could change this situation ; but it is entirely improbable that such a victory could be gained, and less still that it would bo decisive. From this axiom some very important corollaries may be drawn. And the one that it most behoves Spaniards to learn is that the olows England would inflict oil the Continent, in a desperate struggle, would be ■he more sure and formidable in proportion to the defencelessness of the party attacked by sea. That is to say that Spain, placed in the ranks with England’s

enemies, is destined to receive the first and most severe buffeting. With 100,000 wellorganised troops in the field, and -100,000 to 500,000 reservists, good artillery batteries on our coasts and frontier fort-, and a dozen good warships, Spain could uphold her neutrality, and assure England tout French soldiers could not easily reach Gibraltar through Spanish territory. Our policy is neutrality, supported by England, and the strengthening of our forces daily.” Tho position brought about by M. Pellctail’s fiery speech necessitated a strong disclaimer from the French Premier, and although Ihe “ croakers ” are still loud in 1 heir wails there is really not such a great deal to be concerned about in Great Britain, unless it may bo the steadily aggressive, but non.lighting policy ol Russia. That nation has become famous f ir acquisition of territory without great loss of life or money.

The ’Frisco mail arrives hero this after noon, per the s.s. Waihora, from Auckland. The weather recently has been trying to farmers, but has been of great service for the roads.

Captain Edwin telegraphed yesterday : 11 Moderate southerly winds ; glass rise ; good tides.” The Waihora left Auckland at half-past four yesterday afternoon, and is duo here at that hour to day.

Great preparations aro being made for the City Band Concert to bo held on Monday evening next. The box-plan is now open at Messrs Chrisp and Son’s. Mr Jones, general manager for Messr®

I-luddart, Parker and Co. for New Zoa' land, arrived from the South this mo he ing.

Mr Vickerman, District Engineer, arrives from Auckland to day to hand over to the Railway Department the completed line to liaiteratahi.

Messrs Dalgety and Co. have beer appointed local agents for Messrs Booth Macdonald and Co., the well-known implo uient manufacturers.

Yesterday afternoon a small mob of choice wethers, the property of Mr Sisterton, llaey station, Te Arni, arrived at the Gisborne Freezing Works. Mr Thomas Adams has a change of ad-

vovtisment in this issue. Ho has just received a largo assortment of 1903 diaries, and is also opening up a grand lot ol Christmas goods.

A Press Association message states that the writs for the general election will be issued on Monday next. As Monday is a holiday we venture to prophesy that tho writ will be issued on Tuesday next.

Tho following letters are unclaimed at Gisborne Post Oflico : —H. Harper Bell, A. C. Thiel, Lucius W. Gosselin, John Lynn, A. Monish, Nicoll, Reynolds, and Cj., and W. Wrighton. Fears are entertained for the safety of an elderly man named Fred Attwood, an old resident of Whataupoko, .who left his home about two months ago, and has not since been heard of.

Electors aro reminded that they bavo only this week to enrol themselves if wish to take part in the General Election. The first supplementary roll is now being circulated. It is expected that tbero will bo over six thousand namc3 when the final supplementary roll is completely.

On Monday, a presentation was made to Mr Albert E. Colebourne by the cm ployes of the Gisborne branch of Messrs Williams and Kettle. The presentation took the form of a purse of sovereigns, and was made by the manager, Mr A. F. Kennedy, who wished the recipient every success and happiness. Mr Colebourne feelingly replied, expressing his thanks for the gift. There was a largo attendance at the open air concert given in Peel street lust evening by the City Band, iu aid of tho Cook Memorial fund. Bandmaster Morrison was in charge, whilst Mr M. Foster conducted. A capital programme, com rising numbers from the latest operas, was given, and the music was much ap preciated by those present, who frequently testified their approval by hearty applause. A collection taken up during the evening resulted in the sum of JGL ISs being ob tained towards the Cook Memorial fund. Christchurch Truth states:—During the last three or four general elections, observant men, whose business led them to frequent the various polling places, were struck with the apparent youth of many of the. electors. They communicated their suspicions to some of the local newspapers, but the election was then practically over, and public interest in the matter had gone to sleep. Subsequent nquiries showed that the poll clerks had jbserved the same phenomenon, and that some of the most youthful electors, after noing cautioned considered it advisable not to record their votes.

At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., the case of Herbert Nicol Watson v. John Wall, was heard. This was a claim for j6’2sdamages 'through water from defendant’s land over fl iwing onto plaintiff's. Mr DeLautour appeared for the plaintiff, and .Mr It. N. -Jones for defendant. The plaintiff claimed that defendant, by his drainage, had gathered the waters from the higher lands, and poured them on to plaintiff's land in a concentrated form, causing him damage. The case lasted ail day, the plaintiff, and Messrs George Grant, lan Simson, and Finlay Ferguson being examined on plaintiff’s behalf, and for the defence the defendant, Major Winter, and Messrs Hydeand McLaughlin were called. The case was adjourned until to-morrow morning, in order to get the evidence of Mr John Clark. Court William Gladstone, No. 6030, A.O.F-, held their usual meeting last eveninn, at- the Court room, Masonic Hall, Chief Ranger, Bro. C. F. Lewis, presiding. Routine business was transacted. The Court passed a vote of condolence to the relatives of Bro. A. Brown, who died on the 4th instant at Waereuga-a-hika, and as many as can possibly do so ate requested to attend his funeral, which takes place on Thursday, 6;b inst., leaving the residence at 2 o’clock for the eemetc-r.v. The Court elected Bros. C. F. Lewis, W. L. File, and H. J. Bushnell as its representatives to the Friendly Societies Conference now in-course of formation. After the meeting closed a pleasant hour was spent; c ird partners, married v single, bring played by members, Draughts, dominoes, and ping-pong are to be added.

In Gisborne yesterday there was less interest m the Melbourne Cup race than on any previous occasion.

Yesterday, a light N. wind was experienced at Auckland ; S.W. at New Plymouth and Napier; Wellington S. Grcytnouth N., Christchurch id., .Dunedin and Inverea-gi i S.\Y., overcast weather. The st a was heavy at Castlepoint and Nuggets, rough at Bluff, smooth to moderate elsewhere. Wairoa wind: "Cloudy sky; strong south wind ; bud bar."

Turanga Church Services.—Sunday n.xi : Uaimata (with Holy Coilin’. nioni 11, Waerenga-a-hika 3.1 d, MaKauri (with Holy Communion) 7 Canon Fox.