Montgomery County Sentinel

THE SITUATION IN EUROPE.

Since the confident announcement of Lord Salisbury, some days ago, in his speech at the Lord's Mayor's dinner, that no interference on the part of any outside power was to be feared, either during the progress of the war in South Africa or at its termination, there has been much less talk of possible hostile combinations of European powers against Great Britain.

It is now evident if there is to be interference at all, or even obstacles placed in the way of British South-African policy, France and Russia will be the only powers concerned. Germany has made it clear that she will remain strictly neutral, while the attitude of Italy and Austria has never been called into question.

While this good understanding between Germany and England greatly weakens the prospect of a coalition among the continental powers hostile to Great Britain, there is no disguising the fact that Russia and France are decidedly unfriendly to British interests, and would be glad of an opportunity to embarrass the British government.

There are more or less conflicting statements as to the mobilization of the French and Russian fleets, of Russia's advance into Afghanistan, and of France reinforcing her troops and squadron in the far East, but these rumors rather voice the dissatisfaction of the two powers mentioned with the success of the British government in patching up an agreement with Germany than any actual intention of making trouble.

One of the strongest guarantees that Russia will keep the peace is to be found in the constant preparations of Japan for war. It is no secret that sooner or later, Japan will call Russia to account for her course in robbing the Japanese of the fruits of their victory over China, several years ago.

A careful study of the European situation, therefore, warrants the belief that England will be allowed to pursue her policy in South Africa undisturbed by any influence beyond such as the Boers are able to exert through their own unaided efforts. So far they have successfully coped with the British power, but the most sanguine of their friends fail to see any other final outcome but defeat and amalgamation with the British Empire.