New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-24
prevent further investigation or inquiry into MS
irrcru,arities.


Irregularities.
The London County CounciIs WORKS De-
partment has net yet produced an adequate
explanation oc the fictitious pnsfers OF ma
,.rial from, one account to another. The best
that the chairman Of the Works committee ca"
do is TO conjecture that officials have been sharp
~ criticised for mourning losses certain works
without: being credited with profits on other un-
dertakings and that accounts were manipulated
in order 10 diminish both losses and profits ana
effect readjustment This defence Is naturally
not accepted satisfactory. Although no CYL
dence Is yet produced that these fictitious trans
fers were authorized by members OF the council
actual fraud has not been proved in the conduct
OF municipal works The officials apparently were
overzealous in trying 10 demonstrate that dreo'
control over public works was more economical
than the contract system. and have been caught
in a systematic attempt TO misrepresent the
facts by an artificial readjusiment of accounts.
The exposure has weakened the progressive
movement FOR the uniication Of London.
Everything moves slowly here. Pccadlly now
has three electric globes crowned with light
while the remainder of the famous street Is
lighted by gas More electric lamps are prom
ised in a few weeks but vestrydom takes Its
own time.
torney- Generals admission that the sale OF liquor
in the historic houses Of Westminster Is illegal
and that a special act is necessary to exempt 1t
from, the operation OF the licensing and excise
laws The idea that what Is known as the best
club in London is Systematically violating the
law and liable to police raids at the instigation
Of Sir Wilfrid Lawson convulsed the House OF
Commons with laughter. and Is accounted among
the clubs the best Joke of the season This of'1cal
legal opinion mpar;s peculiar zest and wicked
ness TO the processes OF refreshment among men,
bers of Parliament. since they are convicted OF
violating the law and forced 20 license their own
bar by special act.
London is having a genuine touch Of winter,
with snowfall and cold, bracing weather This
tends 20 hasten the exodus to the Riviera and
Italy. Mr.. Gladsone's party will arrive here
this week the way TO Cannes.
The musical programmes are excellent.
offering superior attractions to the theatres.
The Royal Choral Society has given a remark
ably good performance Of Israel IN Egypt" at
Albert Hall. Mr.. Theodore Werner has begun
a series OF violin rectals n: 81. Jamess Hall
under the direction Of Mr. Ernest Cavour Great
ing a favorable impression by the refinement OF
his technique ard his feXibility and strength.
Great surprise is expressed by London managers
over the reports of the withdrawal Of Mrs Bur-
netts "A Lady Of Quality" from Mr.. Daniel
Frohman. she had stipulated that an American
actress. Miss Calhoun. should have the chief
role. Miss Calhouns friends think that she has
been badly treated. but not by Mrs. Burnett,
who has been loyal to her and withdrawn the
play rather than sacrifice it and her friend as
well.
Mr. ST. Clair McKelway with Mrs McKelway
will soil from, N
New-York February I. They have greatly
enjoyed the journey in Italy, spending fort
night in Rome. ten days in Florence. and making
briefer halts at Bologna, Venice and Milan.
In Venice they met Cardinal Sato Mr. w J.
Stillman. Sir Arthur Cooley and many interest
ing people Mr.. McKelway writes that he is
nearly where he was In strength before his
cent illness in America. and anxious for work
as horse for homo on the last mile. / n F.