Very few I think I knew the value of the Swedish krona. The journalist, perhaps, too.
I think that the article is critical of the Deutsche Friedensgesellschaft.
I do not know the reason though. It can mean: "Look at the Germans who are promoting European disarmament, how will France take over Alsace-Lorraine?" Or: "Look at the Germans trying to get closer to Russia."
We are almost at the beginning of the reign of Nicholas II. France was very much afraid that the Tsar would yield to German propaganda. Especially since Nicolas II knew the spirit of "revenge" of the French. Nicolas II was rather for a buffer state in Alsace-Lorraine.
But it may also be related to the fact that Germany moved to the Far East in 1897-1898. I know that France was certain that Germany wanted to attract Nicolas II to Asia.
The journalist may have thought that Germany was giving Russia the means for a war in Asia. Le Gaulois is often paranoid with Germany.