The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-01-16
OUR LONDON CABLE LETTER.
AN EXCITING WEEK IN POLITI-
CAL ES-BELLICOSE
PREPARATIONS.
IN IMPORTANT CABINET MEETING.
Transvaal, Armenian and Venezuelan
Questions Discussed-Co Controversy
AS to Who Paid for Improve
ments on Marlborough's
Palace-Other Notes.

by the associated Press. .)-Great Britain
is seriously and steadily preparing for
war on u very large scale on sea and on
land against Germany, or against Ger
many, France and Russia should they
combine against her.
Emperor William threw down the
quantities.; it was promptly picked up and
energetic steps We're Immediately taken
by the British government to back up this
action by a most imposing display of
power. Under these circumstances, it is
almost unnecessary to add that the excit-
ing political events of the past week
eclipse all other topics in the public mind
and crowded the Venezuelan question al
most out of recollection. This fact, how
ever is merely due to the better feeling
prevailing here in favor of gracefully
surrendering the whole matter to the
arbitration of a permanent court of ap-
peals to be established between Great
Britain and the United States for the
settlement of all sucn questions, or, if
there is no other way out of it, allowing
the United States to settle the matter in
her own way. When Great Britain is
arming for a struggle, possibly against
Germany. France, and Russia. the ques-
ton of addition or subtraction of few
miles more or less of South American soil
to the British empire is a matter decided
ly not worth haggling over.
The activity in the admiralty, war Of
flee and other offices called upon to take
part in the war preparations is really
remarkable and London is overrun with
officers on the retired list or otherwise
who are desirous of drawing sword in
defense of the empire. The rapidity in
which the various stations are commits
sioning warships, large and small, for
active service, is pointed to with great
pride. The Portsmouth authorities eX-
plain that the warships from dockyard
which are being promptly got ready to
join the flying squadron, are but three
out of total % in the fleet reserve,
which could be made ready for active
service at short notice. The gravity of
the situation may be estimated from the
fact that it is asserted that never before
in the history of nations has there been
witnessed so powerful naval armament
as will De assembled in these waters soon,
ready for attack or defense against Ger
many or against the combined powers of
Europe. The fleet being made ready for
the very fastest and newest British war
ships atloat and will be ready for sea on
Thursday next and the entire channel
squadron will assemble off Portsmouth
on January II. The flying squadron,
which is to be ready for sea next Tues
day, also reinforced by six of the latest
built torpedo boat destroyers, will as
semble for final orders off Spthead on
January 16.
The feeling against Emperor William
personally is most bitter and questions in
regard to his name remaining in the army
and navy list are to be asked in parlia-
ment.
Regarding the statement, subsequently,
denied by the colonial regiment, that the
officers of the Royal dragOons in garrison
at Dublin, of which corps Emperor Will
liam is honorary colonel had burned his
majesty in eihgy, it appears that what
really occurred was as follows:
In the mess room hung a photograph
of the emperor, in the uniform of a Royal
dragoon. This photograph, after din
ner. was torn down by number of the
young officers and thrown into the fire.
1t is said the German ambassador has
taken the matter up.
In view of the assembling of British
fleets for active service and the many
clouds lowering over the horizon of
politics the cabinet meeting held at
Downing street today is entitled to rank
as one of the most momentous in the his
tory of Great Britain.
The ministers had to decide several
questions of Importance to the British
empire, including the Transvaal, Arme-
man and Venezuelan difficulties and |
Great Britain's position toward the old |
that although the present cabinet is one |
Of the largest on record, it is unanimous
upon all the leading questions under dis
cussion. The central figure among the
ministers is undoubtedly Joseph Cham
Derlain, the formerly much abused rad-
;al leader, Whose able treatment of the
colonial difficulties has excited the admi-
alton of even his most virulent oppo-
lents
1t IS impossible not to remark the won
lerful change of feeling towards him
n the Radical press, which was wont
o couple every mention of his name with
he epithet Judas" Now the Radical
eaders have but the warmest eulogies
OF, the secretary of state for the colonies
nd he might almost be described as
opular hero at the present time.
The latest alvices from the Transvaal
you'd seem On their faces to indicate
hat the situation is in no way as hopeful
$ 1t was couple of days ago, in spite
f official statements to the contrary
nd it is believed that the cabinet is !,
onsidering most unlocked for demands
pon the part of President Kruger: de- :,
lands which it is intimated Great Brit ;
in cannot possibly concede. The re- |
orts, generally believed to be true, of !
le deadlock in the negotiations between
If Hercules Robinson, governor of :
ape Colony, and President Kruger, at
retoria, show much of the warlike
reparation being made in Great Britain.
On the stock exchange there was
edited rumors that the government in
liry into events which eliminated in
r. Jameson's raid into the Transvaal
i'll lead to tie startling revelation that
le whole plot was hatched by a group
financiers in London, including sew
al parvenues with colossal fortunes but
ith unsavory regulations. In addition
lie statement is made by financial
lper that Barney Barnato the so-called
Haffir King" who has considerable
)ldings in Delagoa bay, has offered to
III the same to the British government,