The record-union., 1897-08-08


LONDON, Aug. THE close of the
session of Parliament leaves neither OF
the political parties in an altogether
enviable frame of mind. The latent
antagonism of the different schools of
ministeriahsts has threatened more
than once during the past six months
to bring about war in the Tory camp,
and the recess leaves considerable
numbers of Conservatives in a state of
high indignation and resentment. The
malcOntents claim that the legislation
has been reactionary and socialistic.
Many of them are angry at what they
declare to be humiliating surrender
of the national honor on the demand
of America.
The Marquis of Londonderry, repre-
senting the big class of Tory landlords,
has added to the discontinue by pub
fishing a letter, in which he practically
cuts adrift from the Unonists, saying
in so many words that he cannot stand
the Irish land bills nor Mr. Chamber
lands pet measure, the Workingmen' S
compensation bill, which latter he dubs
socialistic. The Marquis adds that the
Conservatives would never have per-
mitted it to become a law if it had
been introduced by Mr. Chamberlain
before he changed his politics.
The members of the opposition are in
no better mood. The rank and file are
Indifferent and quarrelsome, while the
leaders seem to be lost in the shuttle.
Lord Rosebery occasionally leaves his
temporary retirement, in order to make
a humorous speech; John Morley is
seldom heard, except at academical lee
lures; Sir Henry Fowler and Sir Henry
pbell-Bannerman are quiescent,
while II. H. Asquith has been earning
Tory cheers for his speeches in behalf
of the workingmen's compensation bill.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt is alone
visible, though Henry Labouchere has
tried to push 70 the front by issuing
a manifesto early during the week, sug-
gesting a new liberal programme. His
so-called presumption, however, has
been snubbed by the heads of the Lib
eral Federation, and his manifesto has
fallen fiat. AS a matter of fact, the
Liberal party seems opinionless as well
as leaderlcss.
The leading question in continental
political circles is, will the visit of En-
peror William of Germany to ST.
Petersburg result in German-Rus-
sian French understanding direct or
against Great Britain? Such a con-
summation is undoubtedly devOutly
wished for in Germany, where the de-
nunciation of the treaty of commerce
between Great Britain and Germany
has rel1indled Anglophobism.
The "Deutsche Zeitung'' voices the
general hope, saying: THE Emperor
will achieve imperishable renown if
he succeeds in creating an alliance aim
ing at the annihilation of England's
power" Continuing, the "Deutsche
Zeitung'' suggests that the Emperor
should endeavor to obtain the closing
of continental ports against English
goods.
The fact that the German Emperor is
accompanied to st. Petersburg by the
Imperial Chancellor, Prince Hohenlohe,
and by the presumptive Foreign Min
lister, Baron Won Bulow, indicates the
Importance which is attached to the
visit Advices from Paris, however,
show there is little enthusiasm there
on the subject of the suggested anti
E4lSISn dlIldllCe, the impression D6llIS
that France, in entering into such an
arrangement, is only playing Ger
manys game, and it is very doubtful
if France will derive material advant-
ages therefrom. On the other hand,
Great Britain, judging from the
tone of the press, is absolutely
Indifferent, and is content to continue in
her position of splendid isolation" sat-
isfied that either the Dreibund or the
Russo French combination will receive
her with open arms if she ever desires
to join them. even though maps are
already published showing the ap-
preaching partition of the British En-
pire
The trouble in the engineering trades
is apparently not a whit nearer settle
ment The employees declare they will
not permit the union men to return to
shops, unless they undertake to work
amica bly, with the non -unionists.
The attitude of the Postoffice tele-
graphers is becoming threatening. The
answer of the Postmaster General the
Duke of Norfolk, to their demands is
not forthcoming, and if the telegraph
operators carry out their threats an
almost complete stoppage of the service
is probable during the coming week.
The delays in the transmission of mes
sages are already scandalous. The
newspapers are most scathing in their
comments on the mismanagemen of
the PostofIice.
Antarctic expeditions are becoming
thick In addition to the Belgian ex-
petition and the suggested British ex-
pedition to the south pole, Professor
Neumeyer, President of the German
Antarctic Committee, is organizing an
expedition of two ships.
The Vatican, including the Pope
himself, is actively engaged in a cam
paign to stimulate the revenue from
Peters pence, which shows a serious
decrease.