The Continent is interested in a fact which may be
wholly unimportant, or the signal of a great change. The German Emperor has sent to the Czar, by the hands of Captain von Moltke, a much-trusted Aide-de-camp, an autograph letter and a picture. The picture represents Civilisation triumphing in the Far East, and there is great curiosity to know what the letter is about. It may be a letter of mere compliment, but it may also be a letter sympathising with the Czar in his determination to resist Japan. It seems to be understood everywhere that the Czar has the Far East strongly on his mind, that he has resolved on a decided course of action, and that he is collecting powerful forces at Vladivostock. The approval of the German Emperor would therefore be most valuable to him, and might in- duce him to embark on an enterprise which would relieve Germany of all apprehension for at least two years. There may be nothing whatever in this suggestion, but of the move- ment of troops to Vladivostock there is no doubt, or of the friendliness of official Germany to Russian plans in the Far East. They would like Japan to resist them ; or if England only would,—that would be charming. To watch a duel between one's friend and one's enemy from an armchair,— what could be more delightful ?
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