The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-24

London, Jan. 23.-All London is of
the opinion that the weather is the most
important matter of human interest to-
day. Since noon there have been several
brisk snow ilurrics, and there is IN inch
thickness of snow covernesthe earth as
with II blanket. So extraordinary is this
IN London that the papers describe it us
IL blizzard, and everybody is talking about
the terrific snow storm. Sensational
stories come from all parts of Great Bri.
tain describing the storm.
The most startling dispatch of all
comes from Il point in the far north of
Scotland, wherein rash CORRESPONDENT
aihrms that the snow lies six inches deep
on the level. Incredulous Lonloncrs nc.
cent such statements only with Il grain
of salt
1t * more than five years since snow
has been seen in London in the present
quantity. and its appearance is regarded
in the nature of II phenomenon 1t has
Indeed worked II wonderful transforma.
ton of the blackest, gloomiest city in all
the world. London architecture even in
tile brightest weather wears the univer.
sal hue of ashes and charcoal, and its
most famous buildings are dressed in
perpetual mourning. Now, in spite of
lowering skies, the city has put on a
gala attire, and the solemn old town is
almost gay. Even rs | write the clouds
have suddenly broken, and flood of ROSY
light is bathing the great dome of St
Paul's in wonderful spcndor. IL is no
longer an Imposing black object against
the sky, but II great pink glowing dome
which shines with an incandescence ali
its own
Turning to II more sordid and impor-
AT .
can find nothing To say of even moderate
interest to American readers. is snid
that the session will prove of considera-
Die domestic Importance, but the only
topic in sight which is likely to attract
the attention of outsiders is the solemn
but inevitably farcal investigation of the
Jameson raid and South African affairs
generally.
The secretary for the colonies made n
virtuous show Of anxiety to obtain the
reappointnent without delay of n parla-
mentnry committee of inquiry. Several
members objected, and the minister. with
II great show of surprise and irritation,
then prepared his motion. There is likely
to be tremendous row, the liberals be-
ing firmly convinced that the govern.
ment is nnNlously waiting for IL descent
excuse to break their solemn pledges 10
make IL thorough inquiry.
Mr.. Chamberlain may protest rs much
rs he likes, hut it is understood bv a mn.
iority of her ma jesty' S ministers that they
do not want this inquiry proceeded with,
and they have managed TO let their sup.
portcrs i'll the house of commons know
something of their feelings. Otherwise
there was not II strong movement against
mi inquiry, which is now observable or
the government party.
The rpStI H. Of NIL this il ho nvarvu.lar,
one hears people asking what is the good
Of this inquiry. Rhodes nude mistakes
but surely he can condone them by bravery
in the field during the rebellion in
Rhodesia, and sngacious diplomacy with
the MatabelC s, which rs much rs anything
brought about peace. Furthermore the
Rhodes purity, never tire of urging that IL
committee of the Cape Colony legislature
has already investigated the matter and
probed it rs far lis desirable to British in
terests to 20.
1t is sufficient to see now it is possible
in decency To avoid some form or pre-
tense of Investigation. but if anybody en-
poets that the real facts regarding this
great crime against friendly state is to
he brought to light they assuredly will
ne disappointed
Mr.. Rhodes, in an interview printed
today, virtually acknowledges what he
denied year ago on his word of honor.
namely, completely in the organization
of the invaders. 1t is hardly necessary
to repeat what have said in this connec-
tion, that Cecil Rhodes will never he pun
ished By any British tribunal Tor his now
confessed guilt
The Blue Book issued this week, de
failing the proceeding of negotiations be-
tween the powers in reference To the
Turkish question, mt last brings official
confirmation of the news first made pub
lie in cable dispatches to the Sun early in
December, that Europe had finally agreed
To Use force If necessary to secure the in.
PRODUCTION of reforms in the Ottoman
empire. 1t is shown to the credit of
Lord salisbury that he persistentiy urged
upon the continental governments the
necessity Of resorting to coercion.
have reason to believe that the situa
ton has advanced beyond the point indi-
Gated in the dispatches which Lord Sails
bury has made public There have also
been side issues involved in the under.
standing, which have been arrived ut be
tween the powers, to which, of course, no
reference has been made.
For instance. it IS believed that the
ear, who holds the key to the whole sit.
uatlon, did not grant his assent 20 coercon
until the part which Russia would be al
loved to play in such operations had been
clearly stated. The belief expressed in
some quarters that Russia will still man.
age to prevent actual interference with
the sultan, is not shared in the best in.
formed circles.
1t is believed, on the other hand that
genuine reforms will he actually forced
upon Turkey, and that, too, as speedily
is the slow moving diplomatic machinery
will allow