The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-12
THE CABINET MEETING.
Important Questions Considered
Chamberlain Not Called Judas Now.


Copyrighted, 1896. by the Associated Press.)
LONDON, Jan. lin view of the as
sembling of British fleets for active serv-
ice and the many clouds lowering over the
horizon of politics, the Cabinet meeting
held at Downing street to-day is entitled
to rank as one of the most momentous in
the history of Great Britain. The Minis
tiers had to decide several questions of
vital Importance to the British empire. In
Guiding the Transvaal, Armenian and Vene-
zuelan difficulties and Great Britain's posi-
ton towards the old European powers 1t
is a striking fact that although the pres
ent Cabinet is one of the largest on record,
it is unanimous on all the leading ques-
tons under discussion. The central hgure
among the ministers is undoubtedly Joseph
Chamberlain, the formerly much abused
Radical leader, whose able treatment Oh
the recent colonial difficulties has excited
the admiration Of even his most Viruiehl
oDoonents 1t is impossible not to remark
the wonderful change of feeling towards
him in the Radical press, which was won't
to couple every mention of his name with
the epithet Judas" Now the Radcai
editors have nothing but the warmest
eulogies for the Secretary or state lor tns
Colonies, and he might almost be descripeo
as a popular hero AT the present time.
IN the Stock Exchange there were cred
tied rumors that the goyernimeadd i in Dr..
.Jameson's raid into the Iransvaal WI
lead to the startling revelation tha !
the whole plot was ha'fn nador in
group of financiers in Lonuon, III
ending several parvenus with colossal lot
tunes but with unsavory regulations: Ia
addition, the statement is mace py a maj sn-
ciaI paper that Barney Barnato, the So
called .'Kaffir King" who has conSldera .n,i
holdings in Delagoa bay, has offered 10 sen
the same to the British goVernmienl, wh n,
is considering the matter This may Eek, eA-
plain the reported purchase OF Deiagoa pay
from Portugal by the government Oh treat
The war feeling against Germany has
greatly subsidized. ana the issue OF the
trouble is freely described as reDuH LOT
Emperor William, inasmucn as the Gerii nad
newspapers have changed their tone, ana
the papers first printing what were reg aroeo
as inspired articles, and that nrst threat
ened Great Britain are now distinc'iy Ui,thu
ing down. Another feature OF the SITUATION
Is the feeling that France, altnougn sne
would perhaps like TO see Great Britain
seriously injured, would never allow Ger
many to win, but would seek a pretext,
while Germany was crippled, 10 secure d
revanche for 1S7O-71. -
The Economist, discussing the enects
which an Anglo-German war would nave
on the commerce of the two powers, points
out that while Great Britain would only De
deprived of per cent. OF her foreign COM
merce, Germany would lose 171s per cent.
1t is added that none Of the British indus
tries are absolutely dependent on Ger
number of larger markets elsewhere. where
they could expand if German competition
were arrested. On the other hand, IN the
case of Germany, war with Great Brltaln
would spoil at least one Of her industries
sugar-for which she would find no compen-
sation elsewhere, and the exclusion 9f per
products from foreign markets would give
Great Britain opportunities Of pushing Eer
trade there which would more than onset
any loss OF business with Germany nerself,
While hOeo 5S neT 70 the Gazette
Germany's recent attitude on the Armenian
question has alienated Great Britain anu
led to the rapprochement of the latter coun-
try to France. and the Marquis of salisbury,
II aserts, suggested to the powers an inter-
national agreement by which Russia was
menia. France and Italy it is added, were
willing. but the proposition collapsed
through the opposition of Germany. Rus,
the proposal been Endorsed by all the pow
ers. Now, when Great Britain Is found to
have been confronted with the demand of
the neutral territory OF friend and ally
for the purpose of establishing German
troops in the Transvaal. which is under the
cordine to the Westminster Gazette, that
there must be change in the direction of
Great Britains European leanings. and the
France. Continuing, the Westminster Ca
zette saws there Is absolutely no in
tention to enter the Franco-Russo al
lance any more than the Dreibund. but
Great Britain has become, it is hoped. better
friends with both France and Russia. Dis
cussing the Transvaal situation, the West
minister Gazette regards the alleged de-
mands Of the Beers for compensation with
skepticism and adds: ut is trivial ques-
ton, almost as insignificant as the owner
ship of a swamp on either side of the
Schomburg line. The most serious signifi-
canoe of to-day's Cabinet meeting is the
fact that it marks the first step in what
might be called the orientation OF British
policy toward Russia and France has been
entered upon reluctantly and under the
compulsion OF destiny, for the Marquis of
Salisbury has always been German in
his sympathies.
Three tons of Lee Metford rifles have been
received at Chatham for the war ships which
are being commissioned there to form part
of the flying squadron. and the supplies of
cartridges shells, provisions and other war
like supplies are being added to in all quar-
tiers every hour