New-York tribune., 1896-06-21


lish free-traders who recognize in him a cham
plon Of principles which they abhor. THE Econ
omist," commenting on the financial plank
which forced the silver fanatics to bolt the con-
venion, remarks that there is no breath of strong
conviction in it. and that II Is notorious that IN
framing 1t the party wirepullers were Influenced
by considerations Of expediency. That Is a good
example of free trade intolerance. Having as
serted that the Republicans, in spite Of their
unequivocal platform, cannot be trusted to adopt
measures necessary 10 insure the maintenance OF
the gold standard. THE Economist" blurts out
the assertion that the strong pronouncement OF
the convention in favor Of protective tariff has
produced a bad effect in England. and also that
the Jingoistic tone of the Republican declaration
with regard to foreign policy tends to make In
vestors uneasy. The truth OF the whole matter 10
that the English free-traders can not be recon-
ciled by any platform utterances to the nomna-
ton of the leading American protectionist- Nc
Kinley stands for the American system OF eco
nomic independence under which the United
States has enjoyed phenomenal prosperity. The
orsts manufacturers and merchants instructive
~ dislike and distrust him.
Investors are more practical in their judgments.
Their pretudices are not strong enough to array
them in hostility to enlightened self-interest. The
Republican platform has given them the assur-
ance that the greenbacks and bonds OF the United
States will be paid in gold, and that all existing
contracts will be resolutely maintained Tne
effect is witnessed in the strengthening Of all
classes Of American securities during the wsek.
This result would be more marked and the rise
Of American bonds and railroad shares sharper II
the boilers had not seeded from the convention,
and If the adoption of q silver platform by the
Democratic party not assumed to be In
evitable.
The reported skirm!sh between the Venezuela
Guards and the Guiana surveyors has increased
the feeling OF English impatence the de-
liberation Of Lord Salisburys diplomatic methods.
His reply to the delegation on the subject OF
arbitration is accepted evidence Of sincere
desire on his part to bring about a comprehensive
treaty with the United States but the prospect Of
a speedy accomplishment Of that result becomes
in the eyes of the general public. which does
not enjoy the advantage OF being able TO see
behind the scenes, more remote. when he magni-
fes difficulties and pleads for delay II is argued
that a settlement Of the Venezuela question
should be made with the Cleveland Administra-
ton. which raised and emphasized II, and not
with the incoming Mckinley Administration
which cannot be expected 70 take any lower
ground on the Monroe Doctrine than was occupied
IN the December message. 1t Is considered
that the new Republican Government cannot re-
pudlate Mr.. Cleveland's Venezuela message. and
that something will have 10 be done with the
Commissions report No policy which Lord Sails
bury colId adopt would be more popular in Eng
land than honorable settlement OF the Venez-
uea question and the creation OF a permanent
arbitration tribunal.
Some great stroke Of this kind IS almost neces-
sary in order to restore the diminished prestige
~ fi1.a mt ~ W
abroad are added blunders at home Mr.. Bal
four is showing himself TO be a young and mex
perlenced parliamentary hand With an i'm
mense majority behind him and with the Irish
vote secured In advance for the Education bill.
he has not known how 10 lead the House and to
prevent the collapse OF the legislative programme.
The members following him. accustomed to
habits Of discipline, heard his proposal for an adj
iournment from August TO January without OBJ
jecting TO it, but they are in full revolt
against 1t, since they perceive the impractica-
bility of enacting the Education bill In that way.
The Cabinet meets to-day to pull itself together
and suggest a new method OF dealing with the
rriss. Probably the Education bill will be re-
duced to simple measure for giving financial
aid to voluntary schools and passed in that form.
with two other measures. Then the Union
lists will open the next session by proposing .
Commons. Lord Rosebery and the Liberals con-
tend that nothing useful can be accomplished un-
til the House OF Lords is reorganized or reformed
out Of existence Mr. Balfour and the Unonists,
realizing that the majority Of $50 Is helpless
for the transaction OF business. hold that nothing
can be done until the procedure Of the Commons
is revolutonized.
Sir William Harcourt has been IN fine fighting
form during the week. leading the Opposition
with aggressiveness and wariness. His greatest
triumph was scored when, as leader OF a minority
weak in numbers, he offered terms Of peace to the
helpless majority. the acceptance of which was
urged by SO old fashioned an organ Of Toryism az
The Standard" Mr. Morley has also been high
ly effective out OF Parliament, subjectng tho
Government to most destructive criticism and
denouncng Mr.. Chamberlain for his deserton Of
free trade. Mr.. Chamberlain himself came to the
rescue Of the Government yesterday in an adroit
speech, in which he sought to minimize the dim
culties Of the situation. Sir John Gorst is really
responsible for the present impasse. since he pro-
duced the measure for unsettling every question
settled by Mr.. Forster twenty-six years ago and
revolutionizing the administration of the entire
school system; but Mr.. Balfour suffers more than
anybody else from the legislative block The
tactics his. and these could hardly have been
worse.
The insolent demands from the Transvaal for
the trial of Cecil Rhodes and other cipher con-
spirators presented too late even to cause
irritation in England. President Krtiger longer
has the prisoners In jail hostages Barney"
Barnato has negotiated for their release and the
Beers not now in position TO harass Mr.
Chamberlain, although they have unsettled claims
for damages against the Chartered Company
Arrangements are in progress for the Jameson
trial In July to provide full bench for deciding
all questions Of law which may be raised
The jubilee celebration Of the fiftieth anniver-
sary OF Lord Kelvin's appointment to the chair Of
Natural Philosophy in Glasgow University was