The relations between Germany and France are still far from
satisfactory in view of the near approach of the Algeciras Conference. Two views are held as to the attitude of the Emperor William. Count von Tattenba,ch's declaration that his master's attitude was wholly conciliatory, that he is heartily sick of Moroccan affairs, and desires only to see the end of the imbroglio, is accepted in some quarters as a true statement of the position. It is said that he was misled by Prince Billow, that be sees that the acceptance by Germany of the Anglo-French entente is inevitable, and that he is dis- illusioned for the moment with his Chancellor's crude Bismarckian methods. It is further stated that he does not wish to spoil his silver wedding, which is close at hand, by any bellicose attitude towards his neighbours, and that the ghastly sequel of Russia's " forward " policy has not been without its effect on his mind. We sincerely trust that this view is correct, for we have never disguised from ourselves that the coming Conference offered a fatally easy chance for any of the parties to it who wished to make war. A Confer- ence is like the diplomatic preliminaries to a quarrel, and gives a dozen pretexts for a rupture which may disguise the real issue to the world.
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