Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 1905

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42775, 7 September 1905, Page 2

Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 1905

Ihh al>'ir >• lll— to thine own self be true, And it 'ii' it follow as the night the day. Thou cti.ist not then be false to any man Shakespeare.

By the Anglo Fiench agreement of 1904, and by consent of the Mediterranean Powers, France has the right to preserve order in Morocco. Germany, through M. Delcasse’s neglect, was not officially informed of this agreement, but she recognised and approved it, Now she has come forward with objections. As a result of Germany’s promptings, the Sultan of Morocco, only too glad of any diversion which would be likely to hinder France in her settlement of the abuses of the country, recently asked for a Conference of the Powers for the purpose of putting Moroccan affairs in order. As the only course open to him, M. Delcasse’ resigned his post as French Minister for Foreign Affairs, France holding M. Delcasse's policy in Morocco responsible for the menacing attitude of Germany, and at this time France and Germany were very near being at war. No doubt Germany was glad to see M. Delcasse “ resign ” —“ kicked outi” would be a better term —and shortly afterwards, France agreed to a Conferference over the Morocco question, desired by Germany, provided that Germany recognises the position already held by France in Morocco. A few days ago, an Algerian Chief, living in Morocco was, in consequence of disorder occurring in his district, arrested by the Sultan. Upon this the French Minister, now M. Taillandier, presented to the Sultan an ultimatum, demanding the release of the Algerian Chief, and the punishment of the official responsible for his arrest, and also demanded the payment of an indemnity of 2000 dollars, and an additional 100 dollars for each further day’s delay in releasing him. The Sultan has refused to apologise for having arrested the Algerian Chief, nor will he pay any indemnity. On Tuesday last this ultimatum expired. A furthei sensation has been caused by the murder of a French Jew by two Arabs, and ill-feeling towards the French appears^to be increasing. France,, however, is bound to protect her subjects, and resents Germany’s interference in this matter. Russia’s army is now free to support France, who is also backed by England. With the signing of peace between Russia and Japan, Germany thus finds herseli in the somewhat unexpected position of having now three Powers to reckon with on this question, and in this connection the signing of peace by Russia was not received in Germany as particularly welcome news. A few days ago advices stated that the French Premier, M. Rouvier, and the German Chancellor, Prince von Bulow, had agreed upon the chief questions to be placed before a Conference of the Powers on the Morocco question. Germany is now actively continuing her military preparations along the French frontier, repairing roads and concentrating railway rolling stock, and since June last France has been taking similar precautions in order to prevent being taken by surprise, and at the same time requested the Belgian Government to strengthen its defences on the German frontier, with the;; object of preventing Germany making any attempt to enter France from that direction. During the past two decades, Germany, in population, wealth, and military and naval poorer, has been expanding enormously. 1 She requires outlet. She knows that sooner or later that outlet must be obtained by force of arms. Would it be prudent at the present moment, for Germany to provoke the condemnation of other European Powers by entering on a campaign of the magnitude which would certainly be the result of a rupture of peace with France ?