20 DECEMBER 1902, Page 2

The news from Morocco requires some notice. It is neither

detailed nor consistent, but it would certainly appear that there is at least a chance of a revolution there. A pretender belonging to the reigning Shereefian house has advanced claims to the throne, has defeated the Sultan in several skirmishes, and is admitted to be master of the whole country east of Fez. The Sultan, it is said, is too " Western" for his people, and there are many hints that his troops fight for him only in a half-hearted way. So far as this is an internal movement it does not much signify to Europe, though there will be disappointment if a reforming Sultan is defeated ; but an indecisive contest between claimants for the throne, or a period of anarchy, might wake up some dangerous ambitions. The solution to be Loped for is rapid victory for one side or the other; but the circum- stances of the country, with its great extent, its fierce parties, and its many tribal divisions, are not favourable to the speedy conclusion of any insurrection.