A QUESTION OF THE DAY. 157 



Are the two peoples divided by financial and com- 

 mercial interests ? Why, the capital of Great Britain, 

 invested in all manner of French enterprises, and the 

 immense development assumed by international com- 

 merce, establish between them ties which grow closer 

 every day. Are political interests or questions of 

 principle at stake ? Why, the two nations have but 

 one and the same aim, but one and the same ambition 

 the triumph of right over might, of civilisation 

 over barbarism. Is there any petty jealousy with 

 regard to territorial extension? Why, they both 

 recognise now the fact that the globe is large enough 

 to offer to the spirit of enterprise which animates 

 their respective populations land to be cultivated and 

 human beings to be redeemed from barbarism ; and, 

 moreover, so long as their flags float side by side, the 

 conquests of the one benefit the activity of the other. 



" At first sight, therefore, one can see nothing in 

 the general aspect of affairs which can affect our 

 friendly relations with England. Nevertheless, look- 

 ing at the matter a little more closely, there is one 

 eventuality which, seeing how the most moderate and 

 enlightened cabinets are impelled to share popular 

 passions and prejudices, is capable of reviving ancient 

 antipathies, and of compromising the alliance and 

 the benefits deriving from it. 



" For there is one point of the globe, upon the free 

 right of way through which depends the political and 

 commercial power of England, a point which France, 



