NEWS OF THE WEEK.

DURING the week there has been no news of importance from the Indian frontier, and on Friday the telegrams showed that the expected move had not yet begun. That serious action is imminent is, however, clear, and in more places than one. People in England are impatient of delay, and want to see the tribes "thrashed" out of hand, but there are several good reasons for not hurrying matters. En the first place, it is necessary to have something to thrash beyond bare rocks and torrents, and therefore the Indian Government are waiting for the tortoise to put out its head. The moment the tribes gather into large bodies and show themselves in masses, the various brigades, which are ready to move at "a second's notice," will strike. It would be foolish in a high degree to send our troops out prematurely to scour the hills for an enemy which, when on the defensive, can vanish at the wave of a chief's hand, as did the clansmen of Roderick Dhu.

We despair of making the military situation on the frontier clear to our readers. Let them remember, to begin with, that the theatre of the war is divided in two by the Cabal River, which flows into the Indus, roughly, at a right angle, and runs from west to east as the Indus runs from north to south. On the north side of the Cabal River is the Swat country, in which General Sir Bindon Blood has been operating with such success. He has three brigades under him, and has given so good an account of the Yusafzai tribes that he will now work westward and join in the movement against the Mohmands. In the other or southern half of the theatre of war the interest is centred at Kohat, a place south of Peshawur. From Kohat, and also from Peshawnr, will march the forces who will deal with the Afridis—the men who raided the Khyber—and the Orakzais, a powerful tribe connected with the Afrielis who occupy the Kurram Valley to the west of Kohat. Further south-west of what we have called the southern half of the theatre of war is the Tochi Valley, where operations are going on against the Waziris. South-west again are Quetta and Baluchistan, where there is a considerable amount of unrest and some desultory fighting. This rough sketch of the position will enable our readers to realise that unless our Generale are to risk getting their forces involved in the waste of hill and rock and torrent, they must go slowly and surely. Remember, however, that when once we strike things may go very quickly. Religious fanaticism of the fatalistic kind is as quickly depressed as it is aroused.

Colonel Wheatley sends to the Times a delightful " home " letter written by his son, who was one of the defenders of Chakdara, the fort in the Malakand Pass which was so nearly surprised by the tribesmen. It begins exactly like a story in

Kipling. "Rattrap had gone on to the Malakand to play polo when a man of our regiment who had been sketching up the river came and reported to me that there was a. tremendous gathering on both sides of the river who were going to attack us and the Malakand that night.' Then came a spy, who said that he would strike a light on the hill in front of the fort when the attack was to begin. "We had our dinner, and almost immediately afterwards, when we were in the verandah, we saw the light, and at the same time a shot was fired and the attack began. After that we were at it day and night until Sunday." The native troops behaved splendidly. "The men were awfully plucky and never showed the slightest fear, and when we used to go round the walls they caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me down, as they said the ballets were flying thick over there; and I am sure my life was saved more than once by them." The end of the letter is perhaps the beat thing in it, it is so characteristically British. "I never wish to be in a tighter place again. I could write sheets and sheets, only it is so hot, 108 deg., and beastly uncomfortable." Extracts, however, give little idea of the charm and interest of the letter, which should be read in its entirety. Colonel Wheatley has a son to be proud of. The sincerity of tone and want of the slightest touch of swagger in the letter are quite delightful.

Lord Salisbury still holds doggedly to his position, and accordingly the peace negotiations are uncompleted ; under the circumstances a matter for congratulation, not regret. On Friday, however, the prospects of a settlement were a little brighter. The Greeks, according to the Athens correspondent of the Times, who apparently is officially inspired, propose to hypothecate the Stamp-duty in order to meet the indemnity loan, and it is suggested that a Board of Control should be formed from the representatives of the financiers providing the loan, and confirmed by the three Powers. In regard to the claims of the old bondholders it is proposed to add certain taxes to those already assigned, and to make other provision for securing to them absolutely the whole of the assigned revenues. It is asserted that the original bondholders would now agree to these terms but for the interference of the German Government. Germany, according to the Times' correspondent, refuses to make any concessions, and in fact takes up a purely non possumus attitude. She will not allow evacuation without payment, and will not make concessions that will allow payment. England, on the other hand, will not allow the continued occupation of Thessaly. At present neither Power will recede from its position. The solution suggested is that England should give way on the question of control, and Germany abandon her opposition to the immediate evacuation of Thessaly. Possibly this would adjust matters, but the problem is so difficult, and there are so many unknown factors, that we hesitate to express an opinion. If, however, Russia, France, and England are really in accord, they ought to be able to carry the day and inflict a well-deserved snub on the Kaiser.

The news from Crete is a little more promising as regards the pacification of the island. The Assembly, after the withdrawal of the Unionist party—i.e., the party which advocates union with Greece—and the deposition of M. Benizelo from the Presidency has agreed to accept autonomy. The Greek journals connected with the Ethnike Retairia are, of course, angry, and declare that those who have prematurely accepted autonomy are the enemies of their country. We should ourselves have been glad to see Crete joined to Greece, but as that for the present is quite out of the question, we think it was very wise of the Cretans to accept autonomy. We trust that the Powers will have the good sense to meet the acceptance of autonomy by dispensing as soon as possible

with the Turkish troops. That would make the islanders feel secure in their self-government, and incline them to settle down,—the chief thing needful for this most distressful island.

M. Faure returned to Paris on Tuesday. His reception, both at Dunkirk and at Paris, was most enthusiastic. In Paris, indeed, it is said that the streets were almost as richly decorated as daring the Russian week last year. M. Faure's little speeches at Dunkirk and at Paris were in excellent taste, as they always are, but contained nothing quotable, — the true mark of a successful Royal speech. Is M. Faure's ability to say nothing pleasantly, instinctive, or has he been reading Bacon's advice to Kings ? Bacon tells them to beware of short, sharp sayings, which fly abroad like darts, but to confine themselves to general and unepigrainmatic utterances,—" flat things," which are little marked, and so do no harm. M. Faure's suite have of course brought back a host of stories about the Russian Court. One of them is very pretty. When the little Grand-duchess Olga saw the President she said, "Je suis tree heureuse de vans revoir, M. le President," and then added, " N'est-ce pas que j'ai hien dit ma petite lecon P" Probably M. le President and the Emperor felt exactly like that when they had successfully "let off" their most carefully prepared speeches about "the allied and friendly nations."

Not to be outdone by M. Faure and the Czar, the King of Siam and the German Emperor have been "raising their glasses" to each other. At a dinner given at Potsdam on Friday week the Emperor proposed the health of his guest, and drank to the strengthening of the "bonds of friendship and of active com- mercial intercourse,"—i.e., brotherhood and business. The King of Siam replied, and went as far as he dared, or as his host would permit him—international toasts are always "previously iubmitted" on both sides—in the direction of expressing a hope ;bat Germany would stand by him were he in danger from France. He mentioned the German aid in setting up posts, Telegraphs, and railways, and added, "I would express the dope that I may always reckon upon this help in all affairs which can further the improvement, the welfare, and the prosperity of my country." The King would doubtless have given a great deal to have been able to add, "and the in- dependence of my country."

The German Emperor has also been speech-making at the military manceuvres held in the district round Coblentz The sham fighting is said to be fraught this autumn with a certain political significance, as "on no occasion since the war have so many German troops been concentrated in one spot." There will be one hundred and forty-three battalions, one hundred and fifteen squadrons, one hundred and eleven field batteries, twenty-one technical companies, and three companies of mronauts engaged. These troops belong to the two Prussian army corps and the two Bavarian corps which will be pitted against each other. On Monday evening the Emperor was present at a banquet, and addressed his audience in a speech which began :—" A review in the Rhineland ! What an entrancing, what a splendid spectacle ! But a review on the banks of the Rhine, in front of the old and historical town of Coblentz, how it appeals to our hearts ! " The Emperor later proceeded to give a testimonial for military skill to the Duke of Cambridge, who was present "in order to lead past me the brave historical regiment" of which he is the titular Colonel. Was not he a contemporary of "our departed grandfather, who, I can say from personal knowledge, always spoke with the highest esteem and greatest friendship of your Royal Highness, and extolled your Royal Highness's military attainments "P It was really too bad of the Emperor to catch the poor Duke of Cambridge on his autumn visit to the German waters and inflict these compli- ments upon him.

The third speech of the German Emperor was made at Coblentz on Wednesday at the unveiling of a statue of the great Emperor William. The speech contained one passage which must be given verbatim. No summary could do it justice. "For all of us, and more especially for us Princes, he raised once more on high, crowning it with bright rays, a treasure which may we ever preserve in its sublimity and holiness—I mean the kingdom by the grace of God, the kingdom with its heavy duties, with its never-ending, ever.

enduring toils and labours, with its awful responsibility to the Creator alone, from which no man, no Minister, no House of Parliament, no people can release the Prince. Conscious of this responsibility, and regarding himself as the instrument of the Lord, this great Emperor went his way in the deepest humility." This, we suppose, means that the Emperor intends to rule not in accordance with the popular will, but as the Vicegerent of the Almighty. It is his to command, theirs to obey. There is thus little to choose between him and his friend the Sultan in the claim to absolute and unconditional sovereignty. The humiliation experienced by liberal-minded Germans in reading the speech must be very great. When we say that we sympathise with them most deeply we use the phrase in no merely con- ventional sense. Though England got rid of the Stuarts two hundred years ago we can still feel for those who are- forced to live under the shadow of Absolutism.

News was received from Zanzibar on Monday last through Renter's Agency that an outbreak took place in Uganda two months ago which resulted in the deposition of the King, Mwanga, the weak and cruel savage who gave Captain Lugard so much trouble, and who was wont to declare himself Pro- testant or Catholic according to the indications of the political barometer. On July 6th Mwanga left Uganda secretly with the intention of organising a rising in the Buddu district against the Government. His forces were, however, defeated on the 20th ult. by Major Ternan, Deputy. Commissioner. "The King escaped to German territory and surrendered himself to the Germans, by whom he is detained."' Order has now been restored throughout Uganda, the whole of which except the Budda district remained loyal. According to the last news, Major Tertian received a slight wound in the engagement with the insurgents. "It is intended," ends the telegram, "to proclaim the infant son of Mwanga as King with a Regency." That Mwanga no longer reigns in Uganda is a source of hearty congratulation. He was vicious and faithless, and though under our rule he could do no great harm in his nominal dominions, whatever influence he did wield was all for the bad. One is glad to think he will have now no share in the prosperity that the railway will bring in its train.

The Daily Chronicle of Tuesday makes a curious and interesting announcement. It is that the Emperor of Russia has decided to abolish the punishment of exile to Siberia. At any rate, the mire are no longer to have the power of banishing members who offend against the laws and regulations that govern the administration of communal property. Large prisons are to be erected in Russia in which the offenders will be placed. The change is a wise one, and no doubt dictated by the Emperor's belief in the vast resources of Siberia. The Emperor, in common with all the more hopeful among his subjects, believes that Russia possesses in Siberia the last great undeveloped estate, and that the development will make Russia as rich and prosperous as the development of the West made America. But before there can be a Siberian " boom " it is necessary to make the world understand that Russia in Asia is not a Botany Bay. The Emperor has probably noted the fact that Australia did not progress till transportation was abolished.

On Saturday it was officially announced that Sir Evelyn Wood is to succeed Sir Redvers Buller as Adjutant-General, and that Sir Evelyn Wood, who is now Quartermaster- General, is to be succeeded by Sir George White, when in the spring the latter gives up the post of Commander- in-Chief in India. These appointments will be regarded with favour throughout the Army. The efficiency of the Army depends in a great measure upon the Adjutant- General, and by Sir Evelyn Wood the office will be worthily filled. Sir George White's wide and varied experience should make him of great use at the War Office. It is interesting to note that all the three men just mentioned have the Victoria Cross. It has not yet been stated what is to become of Sir Redvers Buller, but we presume he will be given the Aldershot command when it is vacated by the Duke of Connaught.

The Duke of Devonshire, speaking at the annual show of the Craven Agricultural Society on Friday, August 27th, dwelt upon the importance to farmers of cattle-breeding, and noticed the guarded admission of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that something ought to be done by Government to encourage their efforts in the matter of stock-raising. He loped, however, that something more than this might be done by Government, especially in the direction of lightening the burdens, both Imperial and local, placed on land. That land is unfairly burdened, as compared with other property, cannot, we think, be doubted. We say land is burdened because it is the phrase most easily seized, though of course inanimate things never really pay taxes, but only persons in respect of them. As far as possible, men who live in a particular locality should contribute to the local needs in respect of their total wealth. In our country districts all contribute in respect of the annual value of the houses they live in. Those who possess or farm land contribute in addition in respect of the land they occupy. Those who are lucky enough to own stocks and .shares do not contribute in respect of their annual value. Clearly this is unfair. The Duke ended his speech by express- ing his belief that the worst part of the crisis was now over. A generation was growing up who had never seen the old prosperous times, and they knew the conditions under which alone farming could now be made to pay.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who reached Canada on Saturday last, has been received with the greatest possible enthusiasm. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, when interviewed, was, of course, most cautious in his statements. Referring to the denunciation of the Treaties, he declared that Canada was about to begin an entirely new career. "Unless I am greatly mistaken, we shall see a great flow of both capital and population to .Canada within the next two years." That will, no doubt, be the case if Canada is really loyal to the policy of Free-trade. If Canada has Free-trade while the United States is blocking the channels of commerce, Canada is bound to prosper. Canada's natural resources are enormous. If she becomes also a place where a dollar will go twice as far as in the United States, she is bound to draw wealth and population to her. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, speaking of his personal experiences, declared that the three personalities who struck him most were the Queen, Mr. Gladstone, and the Pope. That sounds rather a conventional, though it is doubtless a genuine, expression of feeling. It will, no doubt, greatly please Sir Wilfrid's supporters, all of whom are loyal, and are also either Roman Catholics or Liberals, and sometimes both. At Montreal on the following day Sir Wilfrid Laurie; in answer to an address, struck what we believe will in the future be the keynote of Canada's policy :—" We must uphold Britannic aspirations and work for the future of Canada. We have also Imperial interests to safeguard. If some are not pleased at my loyalty to England, I can only say that my heart is over- flowing with gratitude to her, and I never can be aught else than loyal to such a country."

At Satara on Monday the editor and publisher of the Afahrani, a vernacular paper noted for the violence of its attacks on the British Government, were sentenced under Section 124 of the Penal Code for publishing a seditious article headed "Preparations for becoming Independent." The Judge who tried the case, disagreeing with the assessors, who found the prisoner not guilty, sentenced the editor to transportation for life and the publisher to seven years' imprisonment. It is stated that there will be an appeal to the High Court. We have not, of course, seen the full text of the article in regard to which the prosecution was instituted, and, therefore, cannot speak with certainty. Unless, however, it contained an actual and definite incitement to murder a par- ticular man, or class of men, which from the accounts does not seem probable, the sentence appears to us culpably severe. We should punish men for deeds, not for mere words, however wild or foolish. Again, the sentence on the publisher seems specially hard, for he very likely had only a nominal responsibility. altogether, the sentences look as if they were inspired by a sense of panic, and that is just the appearance we want to avoid. Shoot when men descend into the streets, and give sentences of six months' hard labour for newspaper incite- ments to rebellion. That would, we feel convinced, be the safest rule for the Indian Government to follow. We cannot conceive mere written treason, under any circumstances, justifying a life sentence.

Not long ago the Northern papers were full of the mama- terious disappearance of Miss Johnstone, of Carlisle. She was known to have taken a boat on Ullswater from Howtown several weeks ago. Nothing more was seen or heard of her till lad Saturday, when she was found in lodgings in Manchester. It appears that while returning to Howtown the boat was upset, and she had to swim ashore. She then walked across the fells to Windermere, where she took train to Manchester. Her mind was a blank from the time she left the lake. The landlady of the house in which she took lodgings in Manchester, recognising her by the published descriptions, and seeing her mental condition, communicated with her friends in Carlisle, and she was thus discovered and taken home. The story is an example of that strange obliteration of memory some. times caused by a shock. The appalling thing about such occurrences is the effect they have on the sufferer's identity. If there is an absolute break in the continuity of the memory, and a complete forgetfulness of the past, the victim becomes a new person, and a person utterly isolated and cut off from human relationship. No doubt in many cases, as we trust in the present, memory returns. If it doer not, it is difficult not to feel that something very like annihi- lation of the old self has taken place.

The Roman correspondent of the Times, telegraphing on Tuesday, gives some very curious information as to Abyssinia. It is clear that, unless Italy wishes to make military sacrifices quite out of proportion to the results, she will have to be content with a colony of very modest proportions, chiefly on the Red Sea coast, but with a port on the Indian Ocean. Menelek could, if pressed, put one hundred thousand fairly armed and very hardy soldiers into the field. Menelek is said to be getting very tired of European missions, and to be highly suspicious of some European States, doubtless France and Russia. He does not object to his Equatorial possessions being explored and opened up, but he has no intention of handing them over to any one. The Times' correspondent, who, we presume, is in touch with Italian officers lately returned, says that England, though not loved in Abyssinia, is greatly dreaded, and our advance on the Nile causes Menelek much uneasiness. He will not, however, hinder us by giving aid to the Khalifa, with whom he considers himself to have a blood. feud. As long as we do not go "farther south than Kassala and Khartoum" there will be little danger of attack. Surely this is a mistake. What Menelek would dread after we had reached Khartoum would be an advance towards the east; or at most south-east. On the whole Mr. Rodd's mission was a success, though the negotiations in regard to the valley of the White Nile broke down, Menelek, whose ideas of geography are naturally hazy, and who does not understand maps, not wishing to commit himself. If Menelek takes action, it will simply be in his own interests. He has no intention of being made cat's-paw by any one. Meantime we cannot deny that at this moment the valley of the White Nile is far more of a "danger spot" than the British public at all realises.

The Guardian of Wednesday, August 25th, gives an account, written by Mr. Walter Lock, of a very interesting monograph just published by Professor Harnack, dealing with the newly found Logia. He thus translates the most important of the Sayings :—"Wherever they (= My disciples) are, they are not deserted by God, and as one is alone, even so I am with him. Raise the stone and thou shall find Me, cleave the wood and I am there." These words, he holds, refer to ordinary handiwork, and he points out their appropriateness in the mouth of a carpenter. He suggests also a direct refer. ence to, and deliberate correction of, the pessimistic words of Ecclesiastes x. 9:—" Whoso removeth stones (iEa.ipme Athec) shall be hurt therewith, and he that cleaveth wood (oxiCwe Ei/Ax) shall be endangered thereby (2)." According, then, to Dr. Harnack the meaning of the saying will not be pantheistic, but it will be :—" Wherever My disciples are there God is present; even if one is alone, lam with him: the simplest worker will find his task no burden and no danger, for I shall be with him." The quotation from Ecclesiastes is a very interesting and valuable contribution to the problem, and will interest our readers in connection with Mr. Watson's incorporation of the text into his pantheistic poem in the Fortnightly Review, fr m which we quote elsewhere.

Bank Rate, 2 per cent.

New Consols (2.1) were on Friday, 1111.