“THE DEVIL’S DANCE.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 58, 10 March 1913, Page 5

“THE DEVIL’S DANCE.”

TO THE TUNE OF “NOW-OR-

NEVER.”

Electric

(United Press Association.) London, March 8

The Newspaper Spectator declares that the reawakening of France has aroused universal satisfaction in Britain, tempered with the anxiety that the military ardour and magnificent condition of the army may tempt France to engage in an early European struggle. France must recognise that Gemany was at a disadvantage, Austria was caught in the Balkan entanglements, and it was doubtful if Italy would run the appalling risk involved by adhesion to the Triple Alliance. Nevertheless the Spectator is of opinion that the more prudent and influential French must realise that a “now-ov-never” policy will forfeit the support of Russia and Britain,. Without Britain, an Austro-German fleet might sever French communication with Africa. The Spectator believes that peace will he preserved during 1913. Mr G. H. Illingworth, M.P. for Yorks, speaking at Manchester, denounced the attacks on the Territorials, whom he declared were excellently fitted for their allotted task. “If voluntarism” is destroyed,” he said, “we will be accused of aggression, and the Continental Powers will pile up their armaments. We then would be summoned to reply, and so the devil* sv

dance would continue. The attempt to stampede the country into conscription js an infamous crime against mankind, which the Liberals will energetically resist.”

THE FRENCH RESERVES

' Paris, March 9.

Besides remaining three years with the colours, reserves have had their 'term increased by two years.

FRANCO-SPANISH CONVENTION.

Paris, March 9.

The Chamber of Deputies ratified the Franco-Spanish Moroccan convention. The newspapers give prominence‘to Mr Winston Churchill’s visit.

Speeches made in the Chamber attributed the Franco-Spanish convention largely to Britain’s influence.

GERMANY’S LOANS

London, March 9

The Berlin correspondent of the Times says that the subscription of the two and a half million sterling Imperial loan and of the five million Prussian Consols has been fairly satisfactory, as also has been the renewal of the ten million Prussian Treasury bonds. Disfavour has been shown towards the additional ten million bonds. This reflects the condition of the money market, a bad impression being caused. ,by,the enormous levy upon property.

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

“MARCHING HAND IN HAND.”

(Received 9.5 a.m.) Paris, March 9. M. Bardoux, in an article in L’Opinion, says: “Beaten by John Bull on the Sea, Germany seeks revenge on land, expecting France in a moment of weariness to hold out the hand of reconciliation.” L’Opinion recalls the Kaiser’s alleged remarks to M. Etienne (Minister of War) on an occasion not specified when he was supposed to have hoped to see the two countries marching hand in hand, and he would brrng tins about even if he had to resort to rough measures.^