NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE belief in a speedy war spreads rapidly, and though not justified by new official facts, is supported by the harried arming of the nations, by a host of petty details, and by reports rarely circulated without some foundation. The Berlin inspired Press, for example, has stated that General Boulanger's continu- ance in office is a menace to Germany, and the Parisian Press has replied that, as France is independent, the War Minister cannot be removed. The Austrian Government, again, has summoned the Delegations in order to obtain more money, both from Austria and Hungary. Germany and Russia have prohibited the export of horses, and Austria is about to do the same. The purchase of hospital comforts by three Governments is an ominous proceeding, as is also the sudden strengthen- ing of the rules against espionage upon the German Western frontier. The worst symptom of all, however, is the rumour that Germany, which already possesses a large war fund—it used to be seven millions, but was, we fancy, increased out of the Indemnity—is about to raise a loan of 215,000,000. Great Governments are too anxious about their credit to allow rumours of that kind to remain uncontradicted, although, of course, the amount stated may be in excess of the truth. Note, as a curious feature in the situation, indicating that Russia may move first, how angrily all Russian agents, especially in this country, deny the possibility of war.
