Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-26
A DESERTED CITY.
Summer Resorts Absorb Lon
don Pleasure Seekers.
Americans Returning Home---House
of Commons Shiny Attended.
StanIey's Maiden Speech-visiiing Athletes
theatrical Notes.-The vaIkyrie.

London, Aug. 25.-Although London i
crowded with visitors from the country
and from abroad, aAl in spite of the fact
metropolis is virtually dead. Almost
everybody who is anybody at all has lifted
from this maze of streets and squares to
the country or to the seaside, TO the moors
or the sands, or to the continental water
cure resorts or bathing rendezvous. The
house of commons is neglected. Even the
newly elected members, proud of the
honor which has so recently fallen upon
them. shun the more or less sacred portals
of Westminster, preferring to receive the
CONGRATULATIONS of their friends in more
seasonable ATTITUDES and longitudes. In
fact, some of the members have actually
left town without taking the trouble to
pair. a somewhat unusual proceeding, and
one which may be due to confidence of the
Conservatives in their strength and to the
consciousness of weakness on the part of
the Liberals.
The invasion of London by the grand
army of well financed Americans, the
CANCELS" of the local tradcsmen and the
happicst of the happy, is about over for
the year, and the number of prominent
citizens of the United States now in this
city is the smallest since the annual rush
from New York commenced. Most of the
transatlantic visitors are on the continent,
homeward bound or already safe home,
while others, crowds of them, are sailing
from Southampton or Liverpool during
this coming week.
The time of the house of commons this
week has been mainly occupied with dis
cussions of foreign matters, chiefly points
relating to Egypt, Siam and Armenia,
during which Henry NJ. Stanley, the Afri
can explorer and formerly New York re-
porter, now member for the North Lam
beth division of London in the Unionst
interest, made his maiden speech in the
house. Mr.. Stanley rose to this effort of
his life during q discussion of the Egyp-
tan question, and he strongly denounced
the propositions looking to an evacuation
of Egyptian territory by the British
troops.
His first effort in parliament was equal
to his reputation, and contrary to general
speeches there was nearly full house, or
about as full as it could be considering the
deserted condition of London. The men,
bcrs present listened to the new members
with rapt attention. He spoke
rapidly and to the point The explorer, it
was noticed, was much hurt when James
Parker Smith, Unionist, who spoke on
the same subject later in the day, intima-
ted that Mr. Stanley was trading on his
as an explorer of Africa. The
latter subsequently warmly repudiated the
Blunders of New Members.
There We're some amusing incidents in
the house of commons during the week
arising out of the new members ignorance
OF the rules. On Thursday, for instance.
a member walked up the floor of the house
wearing his hat while the chairman was
in the chair. When he was greeted with a
general cry of "Order" he looked inno-
Gently around to see who had offended,
when he discovered his own mistake, and
then he was ready to collapse with embar-
Earl Cadogan, the new lord lieutenant
of Ireland, made his state entry to Dublin
on Thursday He met with the most
cordial reception during his passage
through the troop-lined streets, and his
promise to do everything possible to pro-
mote the interests of Ireland was well re-
ccivcd
Baron Castletown, the Liberal, has been
in regard to the announce
mcnt of his intention to move resolution
in the house of lords early next session to
abolish the office of lord lieutenant of Ire
land, and in place of that official to ap-
point chief under secretary for Ireland
and to pray the queen to establish n royal
in that country. He said he be-
licved such action would forge closer the
links binding the two countries and
would give an immense impetus to the de-
Of the natural resources of the
country and encourage tourists to visit
ireland. Should the change take place it
is proposed to convert Dublin castle into a
museum.
Friends of Oscar Wilde who have WIS.,
tied him in prison say that he continues to
enjoy good health and is making the best
Of the situation, although he frequently
the wish to die. Those who are
in the future of the disgraced
man have been discussing what Wilde
Will do when he leaves prison. Although
nothing definite appears to be decided. it
is generally believed that he will be snug
glcd oct of the country and enabled to be-
gin life anew under an assumed name,
upon his pen for II livelihood.
In naval circles it is said that the pro-
vision of II new royal yacht is under con
sideration. The Victoria and Albert is
now 40 years old. and though fine look
ing vessel of 2oJ0 tons, she is asserted to be
unseaworthy. The Osborne,
which displaces about 1900 tons, was built
some % years ago, and is of obsolete CON
having, for instance, no water
tight compartments. Both vessels cost a
good deal in repairs, owing greatly to
their age.
Theatrical Notes.
1t is said that Emily Soldene, who is on
her way to England from an extensive
tour of the Australian colonies. brings
with her the manuscript of book which
will shortly be published.
The Strand theater is the first to open its
doors after the short summer vacation.
Wilfred Clarke, son of John 5. Clarke, has
this week produced with fair degree of
success ut the above mentioned house a
sketch written by his father, entitled "a
Naungster' Adventure" together with a
new farce in three acts, entitled New
l.