New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-06-21
MR.. LOWELL'S RETURN.
HIS OPINIONS ON ENGLISH POLITICS.
CoMMENDISG JUDGE PHELPs-THE AMERICAN NAVY
MEETING FRIENDS IN BOSTON.
my

MEETING FRIENDS ~ BOSTON.
lBY TELEGRAPH THE TRTDUNE1
BOSTON, June 20-As the Cunsrd mer Scythia
steamed lazly into her dock at East Boston. early this
morning. gentleman was seen to approach the side
and peer anxioasy into the faces of those who had
come to welcome friends from Europ shores. His
erect bearing, and strong, genial face made
spicuous figure in the group of cabin passengers. His
beard was white and his lair plentfuly sprnkled
with silvery locks yet there something in his brisk
step in the mirth that sparkled In his eyes, and in the
hearty tone Of his voice that repeed the idea that he
was not young man. 1t was James Russell Lowell.
Eight years ago this month"; he bade farewell Boston
and to America, and turned his face toward Spain
WHITTIER he going as the Minister of the United
States. For nearly three years he remained in Span
and then was sent Minister to England. After five
years OF service in that capacity he has returned to hs
native shores private citizen bearing the warmest
esteem of all with whom he has been associated in his
diplomatic service and the consciousness of having
served his country with ability and honor No better
morning could have been chosen for his return home
The air was clear and mild without that oppressive
heat that seemed inevitable later in the day. The
gded dome OF the capitol reflected the rays of the
and seemed to add to the beauty OF the city, spread out
below. the lofty pnnacle Mr. Lowell looked long and
earnestly at the picture
"Well." said lie. turning to reporter. who had
seems good to get home"
Mr. Lowell expressed himself as delighted with bis
trip across the Atlantic
1--WE had pleasant trip" said he. There
accident and no really rough weather. OF course
of the passengers were sick. There are always some
who cannot stand the swells We passed three large
icebergs and floating ice, and once bad to lie
to- night account Of The fog and the danger of
a collision with ice That was the reason we did not
get in yesterday" Mr. Lowell sorry that he could
not have the friends who went out in the Galan
on Friday When told who the ladies and gentlemen
were he said
81 would have given good deal. if could have
Joined them am glad DIR. Holmes Il better. The last
letter / had from him, three or four days before
sailed. announced that he was ILL.,"
Mr. Lowell inquired to the present state of affairs
in English politiss.
"When left" said hc things were in an unsettled
condition. suppose Lord Salisbury Is forming new
Cabinet Has II been completed yeti He is a very
able leader, and will undoubtedly make successful
Ministry But there Is yet much trouble ahead tor
him. The Redistribution bill is to be passed, and then
thore will be a new election 1t will be critical
period for him. and it is possible that the Liberals may
yet secure control of the Government. foresaw the
defeat Of the Gladstone Ministry time ago. But
the Conservatives will hI that they must largely
pattern after his policy concerning the government of
Ireland. His policy was to give the Irish more than
Justice demanded. He conceded all that possible.
Why, Irish farmers have vastly adv antage than
Scottish English farmers. They are beginning to
see this The Irish question will be settled peaceaby
They human well as the English. About one
fourth Of them thoroughly loyal TO the Government
and much larger proportion would like to be. but
they by OF ther lTlsn
leaders peculiar people. They talk for the sake
of talking and do not pay much attention 10 what they
saying, do they stop TO consider the effect OF
their language. / believe that Mr.. ParDeli Is
thoroughly in earnest and sincere In his efforts in be-
half Of his countrymen but many Of them are not 80
earnest Wealthy Irshmen do not seem to have
warm attachment for their country. They seem to
prefer TO live IN London or Paris. do not sec how any
other policy be adopted toward Ireland She
can never be separated from England The natural
location Of the two countries orbids IT, The country
AZ ireland England,
then ireland would be just "a poorly of as her people
say she now H. The countries are too close to admit OF
two different Governments. There was much talk
abcat anne dng Ireland 10 tho United States, but the
absudty OF that idea IA plain Its taee Why, all the
socaed navy OF the Unted states could not protect
her property. 1 say. socaed,' for In reality our
country has no navy. But | don't know but that we
are just well OIL, though had an extensive fleet
Of gun boats An English naval officer told me, only
a short time ago. thaour policy with regard TO a navy
on the whole the best DO not create navy
said he, until you need IT, and then build your vessels
with all the latest improvements don't know but
that ne IA right OF course would take little time
and would cause enormous outlay OF money. 1
Cont think, however that shall be called upon to
q navy against England right away. The relations
between tho two countries could not DO pleasant
and friendly. Yet war Il not an impossibiity. We
have English blood IN our veins and We have Just as
much English pride IA those across the water Neither
country would consent TO be buldOzed but that is not
likely to occur. The policy that has been maintained
bteween tho two countries s think: the wisest that
could bo pursued and am confident that my successor
will do Just right Mr. Phelps IL of great ability
Personally he is one of the pleasantest gentlemen
ever met am that the interests OF our country
will not suffer in his hands,
Mr. Lowell thought that Lord Salisbury would also
carry out Mr. Gladstones policy concerning the Anglo
Russian dispute. lie is of the patty but now that
the responsibility rests upon his shoulders he will be
careful how he involves the " hole continent OF Europe
In war; for tha, Is what declaration OF war between
England and Russia would mean.
have thought from the first that there
wOud war 1 that much was said about lts
probable effect upon trade in our country but II would
not have been advantageous rs has been supposed
The change In Ministry would have wrought no change
in the relations of Mr. Lowell to the English Govern
ment
{" | could not have been pleasantly situated"
said he a" had il not been tor the change IN my family
relations would probably have stayed IN England:
There nothing but English blood in my veins, and
have often remarked that was just as much an Eng
lishman they were."
Mr. Lowell inquired how class day was observed at
Harvard and expressed regret that he could not nave
ioined in the festivities. He anticipated pleasant
reunion with friends and classmates at the commence
ment Soon after the boat made last 10 tho pier,
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Burnett Mr.. Lowells son-in-law
and daughter greeted him. and the party took car
riago for Mr. Lowells sisters house In this city. lie
will not go to his home in Cambridge but Will spend
few weeks with his daughter in Southboro;
The delay In reaching port prevented reception
which Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Lieutenant-GoTer-
Ames, the Rev. DIR. +. f. Hale. Mr. Thorpe and
others had prepared for Mr. Lowell on Friday. The
party went down the harbor on the revenue cutter
Gaatin, but were obliged to return without their ex-
ptcted guest.