The French have an odd way of seeking alliances. M.
Trarieux, for example, ex-Minister of Justice and sober politician, advises his countrymen to receive all British advances with favour, because an alliance with Great Britain and Russia would bring considerable advantages to the Re. public. There are, too, he contends, few obstacles in the way, for France and England respect each other, are aware of each other's "civilising mission," and have only to find a "loyal solution" for a few difficulties, such as Egypt and "the Soudan," to be fast fi lends. Is not that a little like asking a man for his friendship and possession of the hall of his house. It never seems to occur to a Frenchman that anybody but himself can have susceptibilities, or a policy to which he is devoted, or obligations which he cannot shake off. We welcome every sign of cordiality in France, which, as our nearest neighbour, is the Power in whose friendship we are most interested ; but a bright diplomatist, if arranging such an alliance for France, would, we think, commence by suggesting that the Egyptian question could remain untouched and undiscussed, say, for fifteen years, or "for so long as neither nation denounced the alliance." Meanwhile the question of com- pensation to France could be quietly considered and settled.
