Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1902. The European Outlook.

Manawatu Herald, 26 July 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1902. The European Outlook.

Though to outsiders the peace of the world appears secure, as all nations are saying nice things of one another, yet by the few statements that are cabled but we are forced to think peace is no* so euxe. It m«| «wi4

presumptions to express such an opinion but experience has taught us that war breaks out where the public least looks for it, and for reasons which have not been the theme of public comment. We have a few facts which put together points to a suspicion on the part of the British government and also of that weatherguage, the Stock Exchange, that something is working which if brought to light too suddenly may burst into flame. First we heard of Prance and Italy defining their respective spheres on the African coast, so it is conjectured, that France may not be embroiled in an attempt to secure Tripoli by Italy, who has of late desired to extend her interests there. We recollect Lord Charles Beresford calling attention to the state of the Mediterranean fleet, and only the other day it was duly cabled out that that fleet had been made up to its full strength. Great Britain has many positions of strength in the Mediterranean sea, such as Gibraltar and Malta, and now we have been informed Corfu will be used as a naval station. This island is one of the largest of the lonians and belongs to Greece. If a naval station is thought needful here Greece would have to consent, but the need of securing a naval base from a foreign government is a danger signal. We have lastly, the opinion of the Stock Exchange following the statement that Corfu was to be used as a naval station, by a fall in the value of Consols by twelve shillings and sixpence. There is evidently something disturbing going on of which the general public know little.