--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Tanner, J. M. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 4 number: 3 published: 1901-01 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'J. M. Tanner, "Some Leading Events in the Current Story of the World," *Improvement Era* 4, no. 3 (January 1901): 206–212.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0403unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera0403unse start_page: 206 end_page: 212 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1901-01) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0403unse publication_year: 1901 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1901, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Some Leading Events in the Current Story of the World SOME LEADING EVENTS IN THE CURRENT STORY OF THE WORLD. BY DR. J. M. TANNER. President Kfwger in France* The latter part of November, the steamship Gelderland, arrived from Lourenco Marqiies,at Marseilles, in southern France,and landed President Kruger, of the Transvaal, at a French port. The French were informed of Mr. Kruger's intended destination, and were therefore eagerly awaiting his arrival. The extinction of the Transvaal Republic in the present state of war in South Africa, has not been generally recognized by the nations of the earth, because war in that country still continues, and this fact gave France a legal right by international law to receive the president of the republic in a way befitting a man occupying that station in life. Of course, behind the demonstrations which President Kruger received, was the almost universal interpretation that the grand and distinguished respect given to Kruger, was not because France loved Kruger more, but because she loved England less. France has perhaps not been so delirious with excitement since the days of her chauvinism aroused by her military hero, the notorious Boulanger. Marseilles went suddenly wild with excitement, shouting "Vive Kruger." Upon leaving Marseilles, the seaport, the reception tendered the Transvaal president, was one continuous ovation through the important towns of central France, in which the president would necessarily pass on his way to Paris. In some instances, the feeling became so unbounded that frequent expressions of "A bas I'Angleterre" (down with England), could be distinctly heard. CURRENT STORY OF THE WORLD. 207 In order, however, that England might have no distinct pretext for a protest, the chief of police, in the city of Paris, issued orders that anyone crying, "Down with England," would be arrested. The populace was at liberty to be as demonstrative as saw fit over it its interest in France's distinguished guest, but there was a point be- yond which France could not go without offering offense to England, which England would have the perfect right to resent. Upon the arrival of Kruger in Paris, he made an official call upon the president of the republic, Mr. Loubet, and received from the president of the French republic an official call in return. During all these demonstrations, England was perhaps more distinctly in the minds of the French than Mr. Kruger. The English press, as might naturally be expected, resented this outburst of national rejoicing in France over the reception given to a president whose people were at war with England. The resentment, however, was expressed most generally by way of ridicule, and some dissertations upon the delirious character of the French. Nothing could more conclusively prove the hostility existing on the part of France towards England, than the reception given to President Kruger. The universal character of the ovation clearly shows that the feelings toward England were not confined simply to official circles, but that the enmity had become a part of the gen- eral feelings of the French people, and the fact that the French sought to make this reception as pronounced as possible, clearly indicated that France had no interests which she considered in any way common to those of England, and, therefore, France had no reason to be reserved or considerate of the feelings of Great Britain. K.tugct in Germany. After all this ado had been made over President Kruger in France, he immediately set out for Germany, going directly to Cologne. Kruger had undoubtedly expected that the Germans would manifest similar exultations over his visit to their country. Why should Kruger not expect this? The German press had been almost universal in its rejoicings over every reverse which the English army received in its contest with thfe Boers. The English press 208 IMPROVEMENT ERA had been universal in its denunciations of the British diplomacy which led to the war. Besides, the emperor had telegraphed his congratulations to President Kruger when the Jameson fiasco was ignominiously demonstrated. President Kruger, however, was evidently not up on current events. He could not have been aware that England and Germany had entered into an agreement concerning their policy in China, and that these two nations, though strange bed-fellows, had matters of national concern in China, which were of vastly more importance to Germany than the affairs of the Transvaal. Ever since the close of the Franco-Prussian war, there has been more or less cause for irritation between Germany and England. They have found little or nothing in common, and the feelings of criticism and resentment have frequently been of the most acute character. When President Kruger reached Cologne, he was informed that the emperor — of course, greatly to his regret —would be unable to receive the distinguished guest, if he should proceed further eastward to Berlin, the capital of the empire. Germany was not in a position to give offense to England. The two countries found themselves confronted in China by a common foe —Russia. Their united strength and harmonious effort were needed to thwart Russia's ambitions in the Orient. This rebuff to the president of the Transvaal republic was unquestionably as much of a chagrin to France as it was to Kruger himself, and the French began now to publish Emperor William's telegram of congratulations to President Kruger, and sentiments of the German press, concerning the war in South Africa. But European dimplomacy is not devoid of quicksands, and shifts positions according to emergencies, and the selfish interests of the nations involved. Kruger turned at once and made his way to the Hague. In the inoffensive and neutral Holland, sovereigns and statesmen in distress, or in bad odor with their country or other countries, always find a refuge of safety. Holland, of course, would refrain from all manifestations of joy or exultation except those naturally to be accorded to one whose ancestors came from Holland, and her people would conduct themselves, upon the arrival of Mr. Kruger, as though it were an event of little more than ordinary importance. CURRENT STORY OF THE WORLD. 209 The ostensible purpose of Mr. Kruger's visit to Europe, is for the intercession of some European nation in the interest of peace, and for the purpose of enabling the Transvaal to maintain her independence. But, after all, it is doubtful whether President Kruger will ever return to his beloved republic. The conditions which led to President Kruger's visit are not given out. The people of the Transvaal have kept their own counsels, and, except in a merely speculative way, we are not told whether or not Kruger is in bon rapport with the people of his country. France has given him, however, the assurance that she can lend no practical assistance to the Transvaalers. President Kruger must have known this in advance. It is stated that he will visit America, and it is perhaps true that he will remain long enough away from his country to make the consideration of his return unnecessary. In the United States, President Kruger will find enough anti-English demonstration to afford him some diversion. He certainly could not offer as an excuse for his coming to America, that he sought American intervention, for our national government has already expressed itself emphatically on that question. War in the Transvaal. Recent news from South Africa informs us that General Dewet has captured four hundred Englishmen with two cannon and a considerable amount of provisions and munitions of war. This has led the London press to ask whether this is called guerrilla warfare or whether it is not a real war. When the character of the country in South Africa, in which the Boer remnant are now lodged, is understood, the difficulty of England's efforts to dislodge them will be more generally appreciated. Had England realized the enormous expense of the undertaking in South Africa, she would undoubtedly have given the matter more thoughtful deliberation than was evidently given to the question when war actually began. News of general dissatisfaction among the Boers in Cape Colony has been circulated, but it is hardly likely that they will resist in that colony the English government. This would not be an opportune time for the Boers in Cape Colony to rise in rebellion. A large English army is too near at hand. It would be unfortunate. 21Q IMPROVEMENT ERA. however, for England to create any very strong feeling of dissatisfaction among the Boers of Cape Colony, and England cannot very well afford, at this time, to have two Irelands on her hands. Her soldiers are badly needed elsewhere. The Boers of Cape Colony are losing no opportunity to let the English know their feelings on the subject of the war England is now waging against their brethren in the Transvaal and Orange Free State. Centennial Celebration. On the 12th of December, the centennial anniversary of the founding of our national capital was celebrated at Washington by ceremonies befitting the occasion. George Washington was in- augurated in New York, but for the first ten years thereafter, of the existence of our national government, the seat of federal authority was located in the city of Philadelphia. In these early times, it was fully realized that a great metropolis like New York or Philadelphia exercised very harmful influences over the minds of congressmen and federal officials, and it was thought the part of wisdom to establish our capital in a district of country under the exclusive control of Congress, and remove every metropolitan influence. There were two circumstances which were kept in mind in the location of the capital; one was that it should be as near the center of population of the thirteen original states as possible; and the other circumstance was that it should be, if possible, upon a waterway, permitting the largest vessels of war to navigate it, and yet be so far removed from the sea-board as to avoid the dangers of foreign fleets. Ten miles square was chosen on both sides of the Potomac, from tracts of country ceded to the national government by the states of Maryland and Virginia. Afterwards, however, during the administration of President Polk, the Virginia side of our capital was ceded back to the state which gave it. In the beginning, the part of two wings of the national capitol was constructed, one for the Senate, the other for the House of Representatives. These two parts are now used, one for the Supreme Court and the other for the Hall of Statuary. The great dome has been built in the course of time, and the large wings, extending CURRENT STORY OF THE WORLD. 211 beyond the former rooms occupied by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Today, the capitol building is one of the most magnificent in the world, certainly the greatest in this country. The White House was built at an early time, and remains practically as originally constructed. During almost every decade from the establishment of our national capital at Washington, important additions have been made, or new structures reared, for the use and embellishment of the national capital. The one of which the nation may most justly feel proud is our national library. Although not so large as the capitol, its architectural effects are certainly more pleasing, and it is the object of admiration by every foreigner who visits Washington. The ceremonies of the celebration were simple yet impressive. The governors of nearly twenty states, the national military staff of officers at Washington, the president's cabinet, and other digni- morning at the White House. The first taries, convened in the part of the meeting was informal; and later, a model of the White House, with suggested improvements was unveiled. This model represents the home of our chief executive as it is to be in the future. During the administration of President Harrison, his wife, in conjunction with an eminent architect, made out a plan for these additions to the White House, which had for some time been thought necessary. Mrs. Harrison was a woman of a very superior taste, and is most artistic in her designs, and there is no doubt that her recommendations will find approval both in the mind of our chief executive and in the action of Congress. The front - part of the White House is to remain as originally constructed, but two wings are to be added so as to extend the White House both on the right .and the left, and make the addition plainly visible from the street. These additions are to extend largely in the rear of the building, and between their extreme ends the conservatory is be erected; so that whether you look at the White to House at the front or the rear, it presents a most pleasing architectural design. The roughly estimated cost of these additions will be $1,100,000. After the model was unveiled, the procession of dignitaries assembled was led by the president to the national capitol along 212 IMPROVEMENT ERA. he famous Pennsylvania Avenue. At the capitol, appropriate ceremonies were held, in the House of Representatives, by speeches and historical reminiscences given by the most eminent men in the country. Washington has already become one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world. It does not stand in the same posi- tion as Paris, and does not, perhaps, in some respects, equal the capital of the German Empire. The seat of our federal government possesses more of the rural character, and is pre-eminently a city of homes. For that reason, it would be diflScult to make any satisfactory comparison between America's capital and that of either France or Germany. The historic importance, however, of the seat of our federal government is growing every year. The student of history should know something of our national capital, and if all cannot visit it, all may have some satisfactory knowledge of its location, its history, and the character which it gives to our national life. It is certainly the first city in America, and the cen- tennial anniversary of its founding is the beginning of an epoch in the history of our national life. The G)st of Edttcation. The recent report of Dr. Harris, the United States commissioner of education, contains a number of items of great importance to the educational interests of the United States. It is stated that the public schools receive from funds raised by taxation, about two hundred million dollars per year. Outside of this public expenditure is the important fact that, during the year 1899, private contributions for educational purposes in the United States exceeded seventy million dollars. There is perhaps no institution in this country which men more gladly endow than an institution of learning. Much of this endowment has gone to support private or religious schools, and has arisen from a denominational sentiment of the most liberal benefactors in a church way. Most of this enormous amount has been contributed through the medium of wills, since there is a very general disposition among many philanthropic men to regard education as an heir and a beneficiary of their estates. The disposi-