New-York tribune., 1880-01-18
LEADING TOPICS OF THE HOUR.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT BRITISH TIECIION AT HAND
-RENEWED ANXIETY ABOUT AFGHANISTAN-AN

There are fresh rumors of an early dissolution of
Parliament, but they can be traced to no good
authority Much depends on the election to fill the
vacancy at Liverpool caused by Mr.. Tours death.
The Liberals have not yet resolved whether to con-
test the seat as there is majority of 200 to over
come. The decision is left to the local leaders, and
an answer is expected on Monday.
There have been numerous Ministerial and Oppo-
stion speeches during the week. but they leave the
political situation substantially unchanged Sir
William Vernon Harcourts brilliant and powerful
attack at Oxford has produced irritation among
the Ministerial supporters, and perhaps, strength
ems the feeling that the Government cannot much
longer decline the repeated challenges of the Lber-
ais to dissolve Parliament. Sir Stafford Northcote,
the Right Hon. William II. Smith, Lord George
Hamilton and many lesser lights continue to make
replies 10 Mr. Gladstone. Judcious observers con-
slider that there is growing conviction among the
non-partsan public that the Imperial policy of the
Government is everywhere failing, and that hence
the Liberal strength is increasing
GENERAL ROBERTS REWARDED.
The Mohmund outbreak renews the anxiety re-
garding Afghanstan. General Roberts reports no
fresh hangings. The official telegram asserting
that fifteen was the entire number of persons
euted though worded to Indicate during the whole
campaign, confessedly covers only the executions
ordered since the recapture of Cabul. The Queen
eonfers the Star of India a mark of her apprccia
ton of General Robertss services in this last cam
paign, the hangings included.
ENGLAND AFFRONTED.
The Sultan's affront TO Ell gland IN confcrrlng the
Grand Cross of Medjidie on HaGz Pacha whose
removal Sir Austen Layard demanded, eXasperates
even the Jingoes, and remonstrances appear in the
Tory journals. The Liberals point to the insult as
proof that the English Ambassador is poweress at
Constantinople. The persistent reports last week
of GOODNESS between Russia and Germany, owing
10 the supposed concentration of Russian troops in
Poland are now recognized as baseless. The re-
newed attempts to influence the European bourses
bv the report of the Kaisch outrage have been
promptly met BY peremptOry official denial of that
story. The week closes TRANQUILITY.
GAMBETTAs POLICY.
NJ. Gambetta's prompt acceptance Of the pres-
lency of the Chamber of Deputies is due to his de-
formation not to allow his enemies to dictate his
policy. NJ Gambetta's friends, however, go too far
In saving that his diminished majority is explcable
by accidental causes, since it undoubtedly the
result of an unacknowledged coalition between the
Right and the Extreme Left Both abstained from
voting and both desire 10 compel NJ. Gambetta 20
accept the premiership before ready believing that
he may thus destroy his popularity, but
NJ Gambetta knows that these factions, though
able to unite for this purpose are unable to act
together against him permanently. His acceptance
disconcerts the nrigues of those who relied Oh his
throwing up the post from pique. N. Clcmenceau's
new paper Justice avOws that the intention was to
signify to NJ. Gambetta that he must accept the
responsibility of power. The Tory papers English,
and French. write in the same N. Freycineps
programme the approval OF the Republicans,
the Extreme Left excepted.
THE IRISH AGITATION.
The Catholic Bishop of Stafford publishes letter
disavowing his alleged approval of the Irish agra
rian agitation saying that to threaten landlords or
tenants and to address violent inhammatory revolu-
are equivalent to propagating Communism. His
previous letter was intended only to approve Of
constitutional agitation.
AN AMERICAN MINISTER MISSED.
Constant inquiries are made in dlplo-
matte circles as to when the Amer
Minister to Eagand. Thoy recognize Nr.
Uoppin's able. courteo us discharge of the duties
of Charge dAffaires; but Tory politicians begin to
query whether the delay in sending full Minister
does not indicate political GOODNESS. Such inference
would be surely drawn if a European power
acted similarly. Remarks are heard frequently in
society Oh the same point. A distinguished lady
SAYS she used TO meet Mr.. Motley wherever candles
were lighted now she sees or hears OF an Amer
lean Minister Some journals also comment on the
vacancy alleging that the inadequate salary COM
pels competent candidates to decline the position
One paper declares that there is no prospect OF
the present Governments inducing suitable Min
lister to accept the position, and understands that
the matter is postponed until the next Administra-
tion. All this is distinctly injurious to the Ameri-
can reputation.
PROTECTION AssAILRD.
The American Consul at Newcastle pub
fishes q third letter attacking American
protection. The letters sufficiently prove Ma
3or Jones's ability; but Engshmen, while well
coming him as an ally. express surprise that the
American Government permits its officers TO argue
against the American policy.
EDIsoN's SUCCESS DOUBTED.