The Continent is in the sulks. Russia, as we have
explained elsewhere, has reason to be alarmed at the rise of Japan, and has asked Europe to help her in coercing the new Power to give up the Liau-tung Peninsula. France has of coarse assented, and so, to the unbounded surprise of his subjects, has the Kaiser, and the three Powers have delivered a note at Tokio, protesting against the Port Arthur clause in the treaty of Simonoseki. The British Foreign Office, how- ever, does not see why this country should fight to give Russia a new port from which she may threaten British com- merce; and stands aloof from the negotiations. This country is, consequently said to be selfish and perfidious, and the Russians declare that she has some secret treaty with the Japanese. We need scarcely say that is nonsense. Great Britain is not best pleased with the result of the war, which complicates everything in the Far East ; but she sees no reason for attacking Japan, and no sense in remonstrances unless backed by a resolution to employ force. Her Govern- ment, therefore, has resolved to wait ; a course sure to meet with the approval of Parliament.
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