Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 54, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1904 — ENGLAND PREPARES FOR WAR. [ARTICLE]

ENGLAND PREPARES FOR WAR.

(Varships Heine Overhauled and Fit* ted for Quick Action. The London newspapers have begun tn discuss the political aspects of the struggle in the far East as they are likely to affect Great Britain. No great importance is attached to the stories published in Paris and elsewhere on the continent of alleged, intrigues looking to the coalition of Russia, France and Germany, the belief being that it is to the interest of all the powers to take steps that the struggle be localized. At the same time it is recognized that in all three of these countries there is a strong feeling against Great Britain on account of her alliance with Japan, and, as Germany and Franc* joined with Russia in 1895 against Japan, it would be natural for Russia to seek similar assistance in her present difficulties. The argument is therefore made that it behooves Great Britain to be prepared for any and all eventualities. The papers comment upon the activity which is seen at Woolwich and elsewhere in refitting the navy in preparation for any emergency. The Canadian militia department officials are alive to the possibilities that may arise in connection with hostilities

in the far East. If Great Britain becomes involved in the struggle Canada may have to defend its Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The effective defense of the country would be the . greatest service Canada could render to the British empire. In case of war it would leave the British forces free to strike n blow elsewhere. The effects of the war already are noticeable in Russia’s commercial relations with Germany. It is reported from Konigsberg that the importation of corn from Russia to Germany has come to a standstill. The corn merchants are unable to obtain execution for their orders, Russia having diverted all the rolling stock on the state railways to government use. The German export trade also is affected.