New-York tribune., 1882-03-12
LEAnING TOPICS IN LONDON.
IBY CABLE To THE TRIBUSE.i

in the Commons condemning the inquiry; but 1t Is
well understood that the attitude of the Govern
ment and the resoute unanimity of the Liberal
majority have convinced the Lords of the necessity
of prudence i'll their proceedings. Mr.. Labouchere's
motion affirming the needessness of the Upper
House can no more be carried than Lord Redesdales
proposal to require declaration OF theistic belief
from every member of Parliament. One expresses
while the other promotes growing conviction in
the country of the approaching necessity for modi
flying the existing legislative privileges of the
Peers -
The Irish feeling supposed to be slightly i'm
proved by Mr. Forster's courageous but too con-
ciliatory speech at Tullamore. Mr.. Bggar took
pains to dispe this illusion by an un-
usually ferocious attack on Mr.. Forster. Private
accounts say that much larger proportion of rents
is coming in.
TIE ASSASSIN.
The commttal of Mac Lean for trial for high treas
on instead of lesser charge. is due 10 belief ofthe
legal authorities in his insanity. The public gener
ally expects and desires the result of the trial the
consignment of the prisoner to Broadmoor Lunatlc
Asylum curing her Majesty's pleasure
AN ADROIT AMENDMENT.
Mr. Labouchere was the real author of the Ma
joribanks amendment TO Sir Stafford Northcotcs
motion excluding Mr. Bradlaugh from his seat. 1t
was an adrot proposal declaring the oath or afir-
nation optional, and was supported by Moderates,
the Radicals keeping silent, and almost carried
hoy hoo ed
had the Government consented TO adjourn the de-
bate Mr.. Bradlaughs friends say that his spirited
appeal to the people expresses an actual intention
to continue the controversy outside the House, and
that he will not at present attempt to enter the
Commons.
THE TUNNEL.
The Channel tunnel controversy continues notless
actively though less publicly. Sir Edward Wat
kin's rivals accuse him of misleading the large par
ties that were recently invited to inspect the tun-
ne alleging that the bOringS are not carried under
the sea, as was generally supposed, but along the
shore 1t is doubtful, notwithstanding denial of
the same charge whether a troublesome character
has not been reached in qualification. The oppos-
ton of the military authorities any tunnel what
ever is still uncompromisng, except with Sir Car
net Wolseley's personal opponents. The general dis
like for the scheme is increasing rather than dimln
ishing To-days visit of Mr.. Gladstone and large
party of members of Parliament indicates a readi-
ness for inquiry not an approval of the project
Mr.. LowELL's LETTER.
Mr. Lowells letter declining to interfere on be-
half of Irish-American prisoners who have been
rested under the Coercion Acts was published with
out his consent knowledge. The publica- |
tion was presumably contrived by the prisoners to
whom the letter was addressed, and who resented |
the refusal, with q view to inJuring Mr.. |
Lowell, by giving currency to expressions
touching the Coercion Acts which, if published by
him, might be regarded as undiplomatic. The let
Ter attracts little attention in England.
THE GREEK DINNER.
The dinner in celebration of the peaceful cession
of Thessaly, under Lord Rosebery's chairmanship,
was remarkable for the number of distinguished
Englishmen, mostly Liberals, who were present
and for the absence of nearly every leading mem
Der of the Greek community in London, who de-
clned to take part In the festival to which Mr. Gen
nadus as the official representative of Greece was
necessarily invited. He is not reported to have
been present. The Ministry declines to accede to
the request for Mr. Gennadius's recall
IRvING's NEW VENTURE.
"Romeo and Juliet" was produced at the Lyceum
on Wednesday, with an elaborate, magnificent and
vivid realization of Italian life never
before seen on the English stage.
The scenery the costumes, the grouping, the pic
turesqueness Of effect and the sustained Splendor Of
Abe performance elected continuous applause from
the most distinguished audience yet present at the
Lyceum on q "frst night" In other respects it was
less successful. Mr.. Hying's Romeo is intelligent
and passionate, but far too reflective, moody and
selfcOnscious. Ellen Terrys Juliet though criticised
as wanting strength was graceful and free from |
exaggeration, but too mature ia manner. Mrs |
Sterling the Nurse was the only other exception
to the mediocrty Of the performers.
NEW PLAYS
There are no other important theatrical novelties,
though farcical comedy, Fourteen Days." |
adapted by Byron from the French, has been pro-
duced with applause at the Criterion Theatre Ii is
characterized chiefly by coarse fun. Another farce