The Daily News THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1905. RUSSIA FOILED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7819, 11 May 1905, Page 2

The Daily News THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1905. RUSSIA FOILED.

The news which has come to hand during the last few days relative to the Russian fleet's reprovisioning operations at Kamranh Hay has natur n'lly caused considerable disquietude and anxiety, as well as indignation The gravity of the situation was—for it may be assumed that it no longer exists—such as to cause public feeling to exhibit a marked tone of impatience and irritation with both France and Russia. .The conlinU'd breach of the laws of neutrality by France in allowing the Russian Mjuadron to remain so long in neutral waters came very near to precipitating a crisiis, the result of which would have practically amounted to a declaration of war between France and Japan. That this would haw fitted into Russian plans 1 is almost a certainty, as there is little doubt

that scheme after scheme is being tried by that Power to involve the ally of Japan in the present strife The situation, so far as Great Britain was concerned, was one demanding the exercise of as much tact as firmness. l'ractically the world's

peace was at stake, and a false move would have brought about the realisation of Russia's hupes, but at a price which one hardly likes to contemplate. The feeling current in Japan relative to France can easily be understood, and, until a satisfactory explanation is given by France it is unlikely that the confidence which heretofore existed on the part of Japan in the goodwill and pacific purposes of France, will be restored. At

tho samo time it cannot be denied that France was placed by Russian unscrupulousness in a very difficult and trying position, and when the true state of affairs comes to light, it may be demonstrated that every effort, short of actual force, was made to get rid of the unwelcome squadron. It mutt be remembered that a considerable amount of Fvench capital is invested in Russian securities, and that therefore the best iir terosts of France would be served by confining the present war to the belligerent Poweis. Moreover the entente cordiale which undoubtedly exists between Fsnnce and Or cat Britain is another powerful factor for inducing friendly relations with Kngland's ally. It is equally evident that France has nothing to liope for from Russia—that illusion having been' dispelled long since. To have alienated French good feeling for Great Britain. and to have involved the latter in the present war, with the probability of inducing the militant Kaiser to take a hand in subsdquent events would have plettsed Iltissia beyond everything. Tho latest information received denotes that Franco was quite ativo to her responsibilities and that the Ilritish Cabinet were equally determined to put an end to the suspense. That there has been laxity, or want of inialive activity on the part of France is apparent, but there is at present no reason for sopposing that any charge more sei* ious can be justly laid against her. It will not be surprising to find that the responsibility for the unwarrantable stretching of the laws of neutrality rests on the shoulders of the Admiral who has proved so costly to Russia, and earned for himself such unenviable notoriety. I'rolbaibly there is a method jci his 'madness, and the seeming contempt of the neutral Powers is only part of a preconcert-" od arrangement to stir up strife. So far, ho appears to have carefully .'l-V'oidod trying conclusions with tho Japano.se fleet, and contented him-

self with act|ng as mi irritant to friendly nations, Until {.hp full tacts are known we are not justified in condemning France, but thanks to the exercise of those sterling qualities of statesmanship which ( havc bow nsod to such good purpose by both France and lirituin there Is every prospect o£ the cuiiUnuaiicu of kjndr Jy relations between those Towers and •lajiun, so that for th'e time Jx-'img at all events the wil.v schemes of Russia have once more been foiled. It is doubtful whether the mo tier wiU even serve the Russian press with a theme sutHcmntly exciting to overshadow and put in the background Iho revolutionary troubles which are permeating the whole of that country. The probability is that now the eyes of the French | have been opened to tihe efforts of Russia in the cause of promoting discord amongst the other nations, in:luding' even Sweden and Norway, there will be o stronger desire than 2ver to cement still closer the bonds if friendship and unity of interests ivitli Great Britain and Imi> allies. Die mere fact that a section of Uio Herman press has snccringly alluded 0 the Qordial understanding between France and England shows that the present reflations are a source of itrengtlK to France, and it is exreinely improbable that such a poor 001 as the Russian Naval Comnander will bo able to sever the trong bonds of friendship that now ri«l the two iwtjcas to^oUiw.