1 DECEMBER 1900, Page 17

It may be taken as certain that the Germans, who

always look up to the throne for their cue, will be equally reasonable, and the Russians, though more impulsive, are not accustomed to great popular demonstrations. Mr. Kruger has already, it is said, given up his project of visiting America, believing that it is only in the anti-British feeling of the Continent that he can find a sufficient leverage. It is only, therefore, in Holland that there is any danger of an explosion of hatred towards this country, and we must, we think, make up our minds to pardon that. The Dutch have been disappointed in a great hope which appealed both to their imaginations and their strong commercial instincts. They thought they were about to obtain room to expand in a country full of gold and diamonds, and ruled by men of their own race, and they find themselves thrown back once more upon a country too small for their energies, and some tropical possessions in which they cannot live and which show no disposition to grow. It is natural, therefore, that they should be in an irritated mood, and an irritated Dutchman swears with considerable energy. We must expect, then, some furious speeches, and make up our minds to bear them as Frederick the Great bore caricatures. If we can keep our tempers they will not injure us much.