New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-01
IBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.
1896. by The Tribune Assoetdsfon.

-DUNRAvEN RIDICuLED.
lBY CABLE TO TEIBrSEl
copprfoht 1896. BY The Tribune As'oetdsfon
London Feb 29-Mr Henry Norman describes
his peace mission to America In strong but NOT
sa anguine article In the March "Cosmopolis' but
otherwise the Venezuela question has been re-
manded by common consent CT the Enghsh press
20 the Foreign Office where it really belonsA
That Is the office which guards secrets better
than any other centre Of European diplomacy.
Rumors OF what is going on there are empty
echoes from Washington. Lord Salisbury and
Secretary Olney are probably sounding each
other before making deliberate proposals. They
are both trying to effect settlement OF the
question and expect to succeed, since, with puD-
lie opinion in both countries strongly in favor OK
peace they cannot afford to fail; but neither the
one nor the other seems In hurry to dispose OF
the controversy Lord Salisbury, being veteran
In diplomacy, avoids haste as something unpro-
fessional; Mr.. Olney. for political reasons may
be anxious to prolong the diplomatic discussion
in order to supply the orators OF bankrupt
party with something to talk about during the
National canvass
The leaders OF the Opposition maintain an at
tituie OF self-restraint and reticence They ex.
pect that Lord Salisbury will find some way OK
settling all the questions at Issue with America,
and are unwilling 10 embarrass him by premac
ture discussion. One wei!-known Liberal sums up
the case with the pithy remark: The Venez-
uela question is not a difficult to settle. 1t
Will be done as soon as Salisbury and Cleveland
can each see his way TO retreat with dignity"
Advance copies Of the Blue Book with the Brit
isb case were sent to Washington by to-day's
steamer.
The excitement over Or. Jameson has subsided
as rapidly as 1t rose Public comment On the case
IS excluded By the excellent practice OF the Eng
lIsh press when ar important trial is pending.
Dr. Jameson, who Is naturally re:icent man,
has wisely retired from the public view. ana
takes no notice Of cards or letters sent to him.
Several offers Of marriage are said to have
awaited his coming, but he is devoting his at
tention to courtlng Of another sort Sir John
Bridges warning was needed by his officers, ana
no theatrical exhibition OF tingoism mas foIlo"eo
the first in court.
The form OF legal procedure which VIII Dc
adopted Is not yet known with precision. but It
is probable that Il Dr. Jameson and his officers
are indicted and committed for trial In eonse'
ouence OF the preliminary inquiry before Sir
John Bridge. the case will come before the Oio
Bailey Sessions. with three Judges and specia
jury The legal questions will be only partly d's-
closed in the opening inquiry. but these are like
" to be Of paramount Importance. The defenco
will evidently make a great effort to invaIioats
on technical grounds eny indictment based upon
the Foreign Enlistment Act The case OF the
Crown against Sandoval and others for nttnS
out an expedition against Venezuela Is the only
nrecedent under that act. and IT does not run on
parallel lines with the Invasion OF the Trans
vaal. The court will have to establish its own
trial. This fact does
not favor the accused. since there Will be less
quibbling over technical points
II the Foreign Enlistment Act can be SHOWN
not 70 apply to the invasion OF the Transvaa
the pros acution will collapse on questions OF law'
otherwise the defence will have a serious task.
for the contention that the country was invaded
without the consent Of the Queen will not require
much evidence The eUinence or the counsel en-
gagged 10 conduct the defence is signal proot
that the interests Of DR.. jameson and his fel-
low-raiders will be adequately protected IL -
not likely that the military officers with Jame-
son will be court-martialei: indeed. the Army
act seems 10 exclude subsequent trial. since
Il provides that no officer subject 70 military law
can be prosecuted for Gry offence after convlc-
ticn or acquittal by q civil court
Dr. Jameson himself is not an Ideal lingo.
either in appearance or character. He Is quiet,
reserved and thoughtful man, without theatrical
mannerlsms. He looks like dreamer. rather
than resolute man Of action. He is not the sort
Of man who naturally fits in with melodramas
IKE Cheer. Boys. Cheer
The debates In Parliament are dull and life-
less. Mr.. Balfour has carried the new procedure
order by great majority after limiting its oper-
alton to the present session. While It Is dis
tinct gain to have votes Of supply spread evenly
over the session. instead Of being rushed through
pell-mell the close the public 10 not interested
In abstract questions Of financial procedure.
What will command general attention Is Mr..
,ioschens statement OF the naval programme.
which will be made on Monday 1t will probably
explain the main use to which the surplus OK
nearly 100000 900 will be put.
Other Gov crnment measures are still kept In
reserve. 1t Is kLJwn that there was serious
difference of opinion In the Cabinet over the Ed
ucation bill The Liberal Unlonsts not being
willing to support the large measure OF reliet
for voluntary schools which vas originally pro-
posed there has been a compromise on which
the Cabinet has united. The result VIII be
small measure, which will dsappoint Churcn-
men and Roman Catholics. Even this moderate
bill will excite opposition in the Governments
ranks. but with majority OF the present magHi-
tide ANYTHING that receives the approval OF the
Ministers will be carried The Liberals nave lo'-
lowed I'D their gain OF a seat in southampton
with a great Increase In their vote IN the lNeh-
ea,d Divis,on Naturally. there Is exultation IN
the Liberal press. but the leaders have reason
able method OF explaining the turning OF the
tide in their favor. They assert that the majority
in the House OF Commons does not represent the
real relations OF the parties OF the country. The
ITn:onlsts. according to this view. in the general
elections carried by small majorities many
seats which were naturally Liberal. and these
seats will be regained from time to time In by
elections What has happened In southampton
and Lichned Is the resumption of the normal re-
IT, tions OF the two great parties. and the same
result will be brought about In the course OF q
few years throughout the country The leaders
-.&,.-c ha haox, a4r