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Show War Clouds in Europe -rouble over the Morocco question is the cause. Great Britain is determined determin-ed that the present equilibrium of power shall not be changed. Germany demanded a strip of the Congo and sent the Panther, a gunboat, to protect her rights, which France and Germany will resent. Growing trouble was begun between France and Germany over the Morocco question in 1906, when France passed the Algesiras act which, after providing certain reforms, gave France and Spain police force in Morocco, while avoiding French domination. Subsequently Subse-quently France and Germany entered into a Moroco agreement thus securing Germany's commercial interests in that country without violating the French political position. Early in the present year Mulai Hafid was besieged by rebellious tribesmen and France gave out word that she vvould intervene to protectherinterests. Atl.treaty parties acquiesced except Germany, whu-ii country failed to "reply. Frei.cn expeditions ex-peditions were then sent to Morocco, after which intimations came fr j..i Berlin that France was guilty of an aggression. In June, the German gunboat landed troops at Agailir, ostensibly to protect German interests. France at once protested pro-tested and negotiations were begun im-mediatly im-mediatly and have continued since between be-tween Berlin and Paris without effect. Germany, assumes that France is after a new concession in Morocco and she demanded a strip of the Congo along the Atlantic ocean. This France decidedly decid-edly refused and appealed lo her allies, Great Briton and Russia, both of which ! sav they will adhere to the treaty I obligations. The English government navy yards are thronged with workmen who are putting the ships in readiness for action at any moment and the crews have been notified that they must be ready for theirdrilling at any moment. Work is proceeding rapidly on the gigantic cruiser, the Lion, which is expected to be able to begin her power trials by the end of December. The reserve men are also being formally held in readiness for any possible emergency. i It is known also that on the return to the port all the ships will be immediately immediate-ly coaled to their full capacity and supplies sup-plies and ammunition wil! be raised to the standard amount again. Should necessity demand, the whole i fleet can be manned and put in com- : mission at a moments notice. |