New-York tribune., 1880-03-07
LEADING TOPICS IN LONDON.

fHF BRITISH PUBLIC SUPPLIED WITH NEW OiaEN-
,vcr-THE WORLD OF TAsHION-A NEW WORK
DY HENRY JAMES, Ja., ANNOUNCED.
lBY CABLE TO THE 1RBUNEI
LONDON. Saturday March G, 1880.
The Government bill to buy out all the London
wafer companies. supplies sensation this week.
The reckless pyohigacy of Mr. Cross financial pro-
posals has been both preceded and followed by
gigantic speculation in shares which assumes the
promotions of an unprecedented scandal The Gov
erpment. pledged to adhere to the market price of
the shares last Summer, has been shamoessly bro
ken. For 80, 600. 900 in stocks worth last Summer
917,OOO,OOO the Government agrees to pay
100000, 600 Since August and before the terms
of the bargain were known, the shares rose on an
average 30 per cent since Tuesday there has been
further rise of 40 per cent, showing that the Gov
ernment agrees TO give 20 per cent above the actual
value The Economist says everything considered the
shareholders get nearly twice the valuation Of the
property The press, which generally hesitated at
first, now denounce the scheme. The Ministerial
organs even condemn it. The Standard says: The
evidence is unanswerable that the Government Is
souandering the public money" Even The Daily
Tsloqrdph takes the side Of virtue. and says the
measure, unless modified, must be abandoned. The
strong opposition which has been organized alarms
the spectators. Prices were receding yesterday
aud to-day A single house is reported to have
gained 100000 rs. $50 cool. There are numer-
ous shareholders among the members of Parliament
especially in the Liberal ranks, but full inquiry
A. A. Il
to meet with determined resistance.
r1REMEN ASKED FOR BY RUSSIA.
In consequence Of representations made by the
Russian Embassy, portion of the Metropolitan
Fire Brigade, completely equipped. was held ready
last week TO proceed to ST. Petersburg. Transports
ton was arranged for the engines, horses and men.
Captain Shaw the commander of the brigade. stin
holds this force ready to depart, but the latest ad
vices say there is no further serious apprehension Of
danger.
TIE CUNARD COMPANY SLOWING ALARM.
The Cunard Company announces a new issue of
40 600 shares offering also for sale about 27,O00
fully paidup shares saying that they obliged to
appeal to the public for means to construct new
ships capable of competing for the American trade,
and involving a cost beyond the means of private
company
THE CUNARDER LATE, AS USUAL.
The Ncw-York mails duo to-day by the Cunarder
are bahindhand, as usual. The latest dates-Febru-
ary 21-were received Tuesday by the White
Star steamer.
SOCIETY STILL DULL.
The social dulness continues have never known
so many important houses to be let or closed Of both
Liberal and Tory families. Lord Salisbury has re-
turned 10 town. and is able TO transact some bust
ness. He sees Lord Beaconsfeld and the Foreign
Office subordnatcs, but there will be no parties at
Arlington Street before Easter, and it is doubtful
whether there will be any before Whitsuntidc.
Lady Salisbury, heretofore the leading hostess on
tbe Tory SIDE has no substitute. There are some
ministerial dinners but they are mostly
solemn affairs No political salon is
omen. but receptions continue weekly. Those of
Lady Cork and Lady StaEhope were well attended,
but the company was miscellaneous. Lady Gran
willie declines to resume her informal bi-weedy
parties. which were interrupted last year by
the fire at Carlton House Terrace. alleging
that the non-nvitatOn system was misunderstood
md many persons took offence. Lady Cork, trying
different plan, succeeds in giving brilliant parties
but has failed hitherto TO assume social leadership.
D,yonshire House gives only dinners before Easter
Nobody replaces Lady WaldegFave. Lord Derby's
dinners at st. Jamess-square are attended by many
prominent Liberals.
The Queens attempt to anticipate the usual
so,,, or foil nd
she returns to London next week She will hold a
drawing room, but large portion of society per-
sists in staying away. The reception at Marl-
horouch House of the Princess OF Wales promises
better results.
Society meantime attends the exhibition of cart
horses. throngs Rotten Row at noon and drives in
HYDE Park from to z. A new fashion has been
adopted of promenadnq Sunday afternoon along
the Row to hear the band, now playing for the first
time.
CHARITY AND PLEASURE COMBINED.
Airs. Freake, of Cromwell House. is organizing an
entertainment for the relief Of the Irish distress
It's TO consist of tableaux viyants from Scotts
novels, by amateur performers, including all the
professional beauties. The tickets are guinea.
THE GRosvENoR GALLERY RECEPTIONS
Lady Lyndsay continues her Sunday receptions
st the Grosvenor Gallery they always well at
tended from royalty downward.
THE Ex-EMpREss AT WINDSOR.
The ex Empress Eugene Is visiting the Queen at
Windsor. On arriving there yesterday the Princess
Beatrice and Prince Leopold met her at the railway