The Conference resumed its sittings on Wednesday, when the eighteen
Articles for checking contraband trade were finally- passed. The attention of the delegates will next be turned to the task of devising some scheme of taxation applicable to Moorish subjects and to foreigners. A feature of the week has been the reading of a letter of enormous length setting forth the views of the Sultan and his advisers, which contained nothing novel, but insisted upon the organisa- tion of the gendarmerie as the chief matter to be settled. The delegates have not yet approached the crux of their inquiry, and rumour is still rife about the issue. It is in order to provide the chance for some friendly understanding being arrived at between France and Germany that the non- contentious and less important questions have been taken first at the sittings. France has placed her cards upon the table : German policy is still a mystery, though recent utterances seem to show a more reasonable attitude. On the whole, we may say that the omens are in favour of a satisfactory settle- ment, though there are also signs that the detailed business to be diseussed is very great, and that the Conference may take longer than was expected.
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