NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE Czar has written a letter to the President of the French Republic which is an important political document. To the amazement of the world, and possibly of his own Ministers, his Majesty expresses in it his "profound sympathy" with the agreement between France and Great Britain, and with the reconciliation recently effected with Italy. He sees in these events a new pledge for the maintenance of peace, which is "the constant object of his policy," and a new reason why the nations, "sure of one another," should on every opportunity display their solidarity. We see no reason to suspect that the Czar is affecting sentiments he does not feeL He is the founder of the Hague Tribunal, and is, we believe, sincerely anTious for peace. He expresses himself the more strongly because he is aware that powerful influences within his own dominions are annoyed at what they consider his tame quiescence. We fancy that the change of tone in the Far East which has been notable during the last ten days is due to an exertion of his personal authority, which has compelled even Admiral Alexeieff to be more moderate, and has post- poned, if not prevented, demands which would have led to immediate war. He is for Europe a most valuable Sovereign.
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