The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-05-17
POLITICAL BITTERNESS IN ENGLAND.
Robert spencer's Meeting with Par
nell Causes a Family Quarrel
a sBiI Being Prepared to Increase
French Coast Defences.
Cermany's Sick Ruler Able to Drive
In a Close Carriage.

LONDON, May 1G.-The Westminster-Spen-
Ger incident is, perhaps, the most striking in
that long series of social surprises which the
present political situation has oecasioned.
No other has so profoundly interested Lon
don society. The story, when first told, Twas
not believed. 1t is, however, true. This is
the occurrence. Robert Spencer, Earl
Spencer's half brother, was engaged to dine
with the Duke of Westminster. Before the
appointed day came he dined with the Eighty
Club one evening when Parnell was their
euest. When the Duke saw Mr.. Spencer's
name in the lists, he wrote him that ne
should be unable to receive at GrOsvenor
House man who had sat at the same taDle
with Parnell Such a letter would, iorty
wears ago. have ended in duel. Now IL oe.
casions nothing but talk, but great deai oI
that There are people IN LONDON, not q
few either, who stand ready 70 appla1u any
slight or insult offered 10 any dome . huieI.
The Dukes act is approved by people oil this
sort. Many of his own party and his own
friends condemn it. What makes the case
more fragrant is the fact that this dinner was
arranged in honor Of Mr.. Spencer's marriage
last autumn. Mrs. Robert Spencer was, OF
course invited. The letter to her husband,
therefore, reaches her also.
EngIand's Military Condition.
The London Telegraph, commenting today
on the agitation regarding England's militia
ry conditions, says that the net result is that
the public now knows what it is necessary
to do in the matter. The government, u
says, will have to provide 10000 extra men,
magazine rifles and field guns, manufactured
either in England or America, or wherever
the work can be quickly done, provide
horses for her cavalry and barracks Ior tns
troops, drill and equip 100000 yolunteers anu
attend to the coast defence. The main point
to be decided, the Telegraph continues, IS
who shall carry out this pr0grammeY LORD
Salisbury and Mr.. Smith are already over
worked and the public has hardly sumcleDt
confidence in Mr.. Stanhope's capacity for
such vast task.
Austria's Chinese Question.
The Chinese ambassador in London has
handed to the English government note,
protesting against the action Of the Austria
lain colonies in preventing the landing of
Chinese immigrants, and asking an inquiry
as to how far such action Is compatible with
the growth Of friendly relations between
Great Britain and China.
The governor of New South Wales has
sent despatch to the home government
protesting against Chinese immigration and
demanding that the home government inter
colonies must bow to public opinion and
take their own measures TO exclude Chinese
immigrants.
Frederick Drives out
BERLIN, May 16.--The Emperor went
driving in closed pony carriage in the gar
dens Of Sehloss today.
France Takes the Fever.
PARIS. May 16.-M. De Freycinet, minister
Of war, and Admiral Krantz, minister OF
marine, are jointly preparing bill granting
a credit of S6,00O,000 for coast defences.
Foreign Notes.
Consul General Walker gave banquet in
London last night to Harold Frederick, who
Is coming to America on a pleasure trip.
Messrs. Smalley, Bret Harte and James Os-
good were present.
The combine committee of the Canadian
Parliament finds sufficient evidence to war
rant legislation for the suppression OF those
combinations of monopolies.