1 DECEMBER 1900, Page 17

NEWS OF THE - WEEK.

THE reception of Mr. Kruger in France is an excellent omen for the future of Europe. There was every reason to expect an explosion of unaeason. The French people as a body are boiling with envy at British successes and irrita- tion at British pretensions, the Nationalist minority is anxious to stir up disturbances, the Clericals detest all Protestant Powers, and the Government, though unwilling to offend Great Britain, is also unwilling to affront any popular feeling not directed against itself. Nevertheless the reception of the ex-President has been absolutely correct, and this not only among the officials. M. Loubet has called upon Mr. Krugtr, the Ministry have waited on him, the Municipality of Paris has effusively welcomed him, crowds have cheered him wherever he went, and in all speeches, addresses, and interviews warm wishes have been expressed for the success of his "mission." There has not, however, throughout been one word used to , which reasonable Englishmen could take objection. England has not even been "spewed out." The unanimous vote of sympathy passed in the Chamber on Thursday was moderately worded, and the whole temper of the Deputies showed that they wished to guard themselves against any expression of anti-British feeling. This extraordinary degree of self-control may have been the result of a hint from the Government, but if an excited people can accept and act upon such hints it is a reasonable people. And it is the unreasonable- ness of the peoples, not of the Governments, which, as Lord Salisbury recently said, the nations have now to fear.