With respect to foreign affairs, Lord Salisbury spoke hopefully of
the pacific condition of Europe, always except- ing the " gangrene " which exists in the East of Europe. But he was reluctant to refer to that subject, because he knew that if he did, he should be told that be had threatened the Ottoman Government, and was bound to carry his threats out. He repudiated that view. "A preacher may be very earnest in denouncing sin, but he is not bound to come down from the pulpit, take a big stick, and in- flict punishment on the impenitent." He did not think that was England's office, but he did earnestly pray "that the wisdom of the other Powers may see some means to abate tl e the danger, which has already existed too long." He could not suppose that we could be considered out of the wood while this danger lasted. And we might, of course, be called upon to go to the front and "share the perils in dealing with which our ancestors acquired so much glory." Of what Lord Salisbury had said earlier in the day on the negotiations with the United States for an Arbitration treaty, we have spoken at some length in another column.
