372 MOROCCO. 



volvecl in the discussion of the Moroccan question, wish even now at 

 any cost to keep intact this State that holds European civilization in 

 scorn. Perhaps the question for France is only to. break the influence 

 of the English, which has grown very strong at court. It is curious 

 that, to judge from the expressions of the press, the German Empire 

 would seem to have no political interests in ISIorocco, while the fact is 

 that all trading countries are concerned in the question of the Strait, 

 and, in so far as economic interests are involved, Germany holds the 

 second place. These interests Avould be devoted to destruction, our 

 position as -^ world power and a great commercial country would be 

 endangered in the highest degree, were Morocco in any form what- 

 ever to fall into the hands of any one power, such as France, for 

 instance. If sometime a change in the political map of this part of 

 Africa becomes inevitable, the German Empire must get its share — 

 El Haus and Sus. German interests at the Strait are protected, at 

 need, if two powers hold each other in check there, Spain, it is self- 

 understood, not being reckoned as a power. At all events, geo- 

 grai)hical conditions are favarable to a political division of Morocco, 

 which in all times has been a dormant issue. 



