New-York tribune., 1885-01-04

fBY CABLE TO TRIBUNE.]
IoSpoN. Jan. 3.-Mr. Gladstones illness happens
most inopportunely, when the Liberal party anu
the country are hoping that he will himself take
charge of the gravest foreign affairs which Lord
Granville and Lord Derby have brought TO the
present melancholy condition. Matters are not
better, but everywhere worse, since last
weeks summary Of the difficulties winch
England has to face in every quarter OF the
olobe Prince Bismarck, whose ant-English policy
has been topic of anxious discussion IN every
English paper for many days, shows himself more
openly hostile than ever His declaration IN 1he
North German Gazette Of his reasons Tor opposing
England in Egypt is marked by his usual frank
ness 1t is not cynical, as the English think, but
obviously sincere. He bases his policy on tho In
terests of Germany and her desire for friendship
with France; and since France and England eau
not agree about Egypt Germany naturally supports
France. having DO inducement to pluck Anglo
Egyptian chestnuts out of the fire. He rid1ouies
the notion set afloat by The Daily Aaos tha'
caprice or personal dislike of Mr.. Gladstone sup
plies a motive for his present course.
The DAILY NeuSs article is much discussed on the
Continent and in England. but Englishmen ana
others see clearly that what Prince Bismarck oiskes
is the inability of the Gladstone Ministry to adopt
a resolute purpose In Egypt. There is exactly the
same indecision respecting Colonial and other
questions. Wherever Germany is making hersef
disagreeable England has practically invited. IN
terference. Rumors that Prince Bismarck means
to propose conference of To Europe an Powers
are unconfrmed, but clearly he is feeling his way.
Weeks have elapsed without an answer to the En-
glish proposals about Egypt. slight SO fragrant
has reused the English Ministers at last to con-
slider yesterday in Cabinet Council affairs which
all England is discussing with profound concern.
PUBLIC INDIGNATION.
The press is nearly unanimous IN condemning the
present foreign policy or want of policy. Lord
Derby has not friend left in the press and Lord
Granville hardly one The report that Germany
may possibly dispute the right of England to hoist
her flag at Lucia stirs the British Lion into hearty
growl.
The New-Hebrides question and other Hindred
matters elicit strong letter from Mr.. Forster to-
day. protesting against annexation anywhere for
annexation's sake, but insisting that wherever
foreign flag is hosted or likely to be hoisted, IN
order to annoy or hamper England OF the Colonies,
then the Ministers Of the Crown are bound 10 con-
suit the Ministers Of the Colonies aId II they
agree. to assert English sovereignty without de-
Law. He declines to believe the story that England
4,aN Nox Hell
The protests of Victoria and other Australian
Colonies are so serious though New-South Wales.
from alleged jealousy of Victoria, abstains, that
they are likely to raise, in the most pressing form
the question of the future relations Of England TO
the Colonies. No Colony is likely TO be
Minister. The Times well expresses the general
feeling that England must adopt policy in Egypt.
secure the assent of France If possible, but with OF
without France enforce that policy 1t declares to-
day thai the crisis is so and that complica-
tions in different parts Of the world are so menacng
that the ncapacity displayed by the Cabinet In ex-
ternal relations IS becoming national danger.
LORD woLsELEY's ADVANCE
Lord Wolseley's plan of advance across the
desert, now first disclosed, awakens the liyellest
interest but there is much anxiety among military
critics. Correspondents are beginning to send
home for the first time long accounts Of the pro-
ceedings General GoIdon's message that Khartoum
was all fright December ii reassures the public.
but not soldiers, who say that it IS evident that
Khartoum ID, completely invested.
THE EXPLOSION.
There seems to be no doubt In the minds of
Englishmen that the dynamite explosion in the
Underground Railway is fresh evidence of the
Fenian notion of promoting the welfare of Ireland
Mr.. GLADsToYEs ILLNESS.
There is reason to fear that Mr.. Gladstone's
illness is more serious than the published accounts
admit. His friends hayo known for some days that
he was indisposed and have doubted the prudence
of the journey to London which Mr.. Gladstone
deemed imperative Sir Andrew Clarke, whose
bulletins are always cautious admits that he is
suffering from sleeplessness-alway grave sign
with him,-consders the illness identical with that
of two years ago, insists upon repose and already
talks Of trip to South Europe
PRINCESS BEATRICE's BErRoTHAr.
The betrothal of Princess Beatrice to Prince
Henry of Battenberg ecits,, the usual outburst of
clumsy but sincere congratulations. couched saws
The Spectator. in language of abject sycophancy.
Nobody pretends to guess under what influence
the Queen has relaxed her known resolve to refuse
consent to have Princess Beatrice marry anybody.
NEWSPAPER CENTENARY.
The Timess centenary on January 1 passed with