Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 59, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 April 1901 — FROM FOREIGN LANDS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FROM FOREIGN LANDS

China finally refused to sign the Manchurian treaty. Russian troops hold Manchuria. Moreover, Russia is bending every energy to complete the Transsiberian Railway through Manchuria to Port Arthur, and the workmen will not only be protected by troops, but it may be set down as certain the completed railroad will always be guarded by soldiers. Practically,- then, Russia to-day holds Manchuria and is not likely to voluntarily give-up control of the province. Only three powers—the United States, Great Britain and Germany—are strong enough to essay the task' of driving Russia out of Manchuria. American interference is out of the question, while Great Britain and Germany cannot agree. Evidently there is no prospect that any of the powers will come to the aid of China. Japan claims Corea as her (own ultimate inheritance, while Russia' in Manchuria will always be a menace to Corea as well as to Japan. Motives of self-protection nat : urally lead Japan to make war on Russia. Under exactly»similar circumstances it might well be believed that the United States would go to war to prevent Germany 6r Great Britain or France from taking possession of Mexico, where the presence of a great rival power would be a constant menace to this eouptry. Japan is a conservative* nation, tenacious of her rights. She feels strong enough to cope with Russia on the sea, but prudently doubts her ability to successfully meet the Czar’s army on laud. Her position is a difficult one and the situation perplexing.

The presence of the Italian fleet at Toulon and the fetes arranged in honor of the Duke of Genoa by the French government may have political significance fraught with interest to all Europe. Italy's place in the dreibund may be vacant within two years. If Victor Emmanuel withdraws from the alliance with Germany and Austria—on alliance dating from March 13, 1887—he will be compelled by force of Italy’s isolation in Europe to seek new friendships. IR" can go nowhere but to France and Russia. In many respects an alliance between Italy, France and Russia would be of immense advantage to aU three, for it would almost beyond question give them the control of the Mediterranean Sea. It will not be surprising if Italy casts loose from the alliance with Germany and Austria, and throws her HPdlticnl fortunes with those of France and Russia. 0 The French Chamber of Deputies has passed the law of associations, and it now goes to the Senate. In the meantime, the Chamber has taken a recess until May 12. The law is aimed at the suppression of the Assinnptionists and the teaching by the Jesuits. These religious associations make no secret qf their hostility to the republic. Their newspaper, I.e Croix, published in Paris, is the open friend of the monarchy. It is not surprising, therefore, that the present French ministry, formed nearly two years ago with the avowed purpose of killing off tile enemies of the republic, should make vigorous war on the religious associations. « » a The Danish elections resulted in an overwhelming defeat for the government. Of the 110 constituencies the Leftists and Reformists carried 73, the Moderate Leftists 15, the Soeiul Democrats 14, and thje Ministerialists 8. The result of the election is more significant than might be supposed. It practically works a peaceful revolution in the system of government nnd one that plnces the power more diroctfy in the hands of the people. Rhode Island still remains the moat densely populated State in the Union.