New-York tribune., 1891-04-25
TOPICS IN THE ENGLISH CAPITAL.
FREE EDUoATIoN-THE WORLDS FAIR-EFFoRTs
TO FLOAT GILLIAN LoAN-MR. GLAD
STONE Ann Drv0PCE REFORM

| TO FLOAT GILLIAN LoAN-MR. GLAD
STONE AND DIVORCE REFORM.
Copyright: 1891 BY the Mem. FORK ASsoefdted Pres'
London April o4.-A free exchange OF views among
Liberals In the lobbes OF the House of Commons to
| day showed an absolute unanimlty OF congratuation
upon the fact that the Conservatives have committed
themselves TO free education, but there was much d.
versity OF opinion to the way in which the new dc
parture would affect the party's future. No one
, doubts that the Government has made a stroke will
a view TO a general election. As far as the views OF
the Liberal leaders have beep ascertaned the bill will
be opposed unless 1t concedes to raepayers power
elect representatives in the managing boards of all
schools, including voluntary and dcnominaona. Ac
cOrding TO highly placed informant the Cabinet plans
far rs stated simply involve free education in the
lower standards, assisted education in the higher
standards and increased grants to denominatonal
schools. NO change is to be made in the system
OF control, excepting that the parents OF chill
dren attending the schools shall have power 10
elect part of the board This will suit the
clerical sections, but will the strongest op-
positions Of the Liberals.
II England is not properly represented at the
Chicago Fair, the responsibility will rest upon the
Fair managers and not upon the English Government
which Is evlncing the greatest interest III the
Fair. The Government has already decided to make
handsome appropriation to insure a full exposition
of English products. The amount of the appropria-
ton with the OF the COsmssiOn to look after
English interests, will shortly be announced in Paria-
ment. Interviews with members Of oil parties
show such general sympathy with the undertaking
that there IS certain to be cordial support Of the
proposed grant The decision of the Government to
ask grant is an unusual sign OF frendliness. In
the case of the French exhibition no appropriation
was made.
While everything is favorable as far the Gov
ernment and the feeling of influential persons Is
concerned, il must be admitted that probable eX-
hibitors show marked Indifference which Is en-
trely owing to the lack of information and the absence
of any one to supply information. Everything al
ready done is due almost solely To the
spontaneous efforts of Sir John Wood, Attorney Gen
eral Webster James Dredge, and other members OF
the Fine Arts Society, who had charge Of England
exhibits in France. Mr. Dredge accompanied the Iron
and steel men TO America in $780, and 1t probable
that he and Sir John Wood will be members of the
Chicago Commission. There many prejudces to
be overcome All sorts Of false reports are published
concerning the Fair. Official Information is necessary
to counteract these canards.
The Foreign Office has received alarming advices
from Lisbon. Sir George Glynn Petre, the English
Minister represents the political situation as critical
The substance of his communications indicates that a
revolution is impending, and will be precipltated If
Lord Salisbury insists upon forcing matters.
The Newfoundland delegates express themselves as
exceedingly gratned at their reception In the House
of Lords. Since their statement in that House, they
have received many encouraging promises Of support
from peers and members of the House of Commons
Besides having the support of most OF the Liberals
the feeling of many Conservatives is strong against
pressing the KnutsfOrd bill.
The Chilian Envoy, Senor Godoy, has been mere
trying to negotiate loan of E1 100000 for President
Balmaceda. London hnanciers having declined 10
advance the money, the envoy went TO Paris, where
he continues his search for an Anglo-ContnentaI
syndicate to take the loan. lie has little chance Oh
success senor Godoy is now about to go tc Berlin
to seek financial help. ,,...,
Brtish Consular reports from Spain and Portugal
Announce the remarkable success of the system OF
grafting American on native vines which results III
preyeuting phy lloxera and producing good wfne
MIR Gladstone has decided TO support the divorce
Reform bill introduced in Parliament by lr: hunter
Ihis fact has amazed the Liberals. who believed ne
would oppose any extension Of divorce as matter OF
religious principle The bill entities wife TO dissOu-
tOn of the marriage tic in the event OF adultery or
four years desertlOn the part OF the husband .
Arrangements for the International Congregatoal
Council have been completed Incre VIII NC III III
delegates from the United states. The Americans VIII
90 on pilgrimage TO ScrOOby from which place the
Pilgrim Fathers were expelled to Holland and will then
visit Leyden, where they will unveil the Robinson
memorial erected at the expense OF American
churches. -, , A.. e,.. -,
Lord Tennyson. president Of the society OF
Authors has signed petition in favor OF LORD MONKS
wells Copyright bill.