New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-22
THE NEWS OF TWO CAPITALS
LONDON.
cLADSTONE'S DEATH THE ALI~ABSORB-
ING TOPIC
PRACTICALLY ASSURED-CERVERA
CRITICISED-SOCIAI.N NOTES
BY cAELE TO Tua TRIBUyE.l

LONDON. May -l.--Ine press censorship would
have operated effectively to reduce public in
.erest in the war In the West Indies even il an
historical career without parallel had not been
closed with ths unique spectacle Of all Christen-
dom mourning for the worlds greatest citizen.
That censorship has not been enforced too soon.
sensational journalism compromising the
American reputation for prudence ond good
tense. The English press was filled with de-
,sis OF trivial Importance with scatterbrain
ramors OF sighting Spanish warships from New
foundland 10 Brazil. and with vagaries OF am
fteur campaigning worthy Of a Gilbert opera
The effect oc the daily publication OF this far
raeo Of nonsense was to discredt the country
from which IL came. Men did not pause to re-
feet that the owners Of the afternoon papers
here might be as anxious to sell extra specials
as their American rivals They merely inferred
that because there was much ado about moth
ing. the Americans were playing az war and
displaying fighuness of mind. and not acting
with sobriety Of judgment.
The censorship Of cable dispatches has ex-
ercised restraint rumor moneors and is
now operating 10 redeem the American repu-
taon from the reproach of military incapacity
and frivoty in crisis Of National affairs.
Naval orders and military preparations are no
longer proclaimed 10 all the world news
Of the first Importance. Reticcnce and dscre-
ton are now accepted as proofs that the Ameri-
cans are settling down 10 the real business Of
war with a sober OF the difficulties and
responsibilities OF the work which they have
undertaken. Ridicule has indeed been turned
against Spain by the farcical announcement
from Madrid that there Is public rejoicing over
Cervera's triumphant entry into Santiago har-
Dor after his dverting game Of hide and seek.
The prevailing opinion here among the naval
experts and military critics Of the press is that
he neglected TO take advantage OF an oppor-
tunity for striking the blockading squadron off
Western Cuba. and that his fleet will now be
biockaded by the combined squadrons and
eitrer starved out or forced TO fight.
English opinion remains strongly on the
American side. but there is an instructive re-
coil against premature alliance making Mr.
Chamberlain's speech has chilled the ardor OF
the Liberal press and created something like q
feeling OF reaction among Conservatives, who
question the wisdom of many of his utterances.
There is a general recognition here OF the truth
that. while an atmosphere for community Of &C
ton has been created. the question OF any
formal alliance ought not to be prematurely
discussed but allowed to stand until the
necessity for II arises.
What is Of essential importance is the exist
ing state of good feeling between England and
America IIotspurs on either side who attempt
to force on a coalition with precpitate rush
only serve 10 hamper and defer It, The fact
that America now holds the Philippines is
warning that with all the Jealous rivalries Of
Europe, an alliance with England must not be
brought on, but to both Mckinley and Sails
bury a free hand must be allowed.
Gf pHi
Ish press takes no notice. birmingham has d.
yded with Hawarden the attention of the
orld during the week For four days the
echoes Of Mr. Chamberlain's speech came from
every quarter Of the Continent and the Empire
and there was evidence in the American dis-
patches that ne had suddenly acquired popu-
lar.y in the United States. where. owing 10 his
opposition 20 Home Rule and his championship
OF Canadian interests, he had not Deen iiheu'
English sober second thoughts about MS speech
were clouded with misgiving, especially wheh
the Continental press enlarged upon MS ao-
mission that England was weak In consequence
Of her isolation and needed strong military
ally as well as defensive coalition with
America; but IL not possible 10 deny that
he had commanded the attention OF the world
and in some sense established claim upon the
enthusiasm and goodwill OF America where
Gladstone had always been the favorite Enghsh
statesman.
II was a strange caprice OF poilticai fortune
that enabled the statesman who had oeieateu
Home Rule 70 catch the eyes OF all nations ana
10 command the sympathies Of America at the
moment when the grim scene sh"'er' Dea''''
was slowly letting the curtain fall at Hawarden.
Rivalry from the living there could not be "heh
the whole world began with one consent to pay
t..
kings princes. presidents. parliaments and ma
tons united IN homage Only one great man
was silent Bismarck: but his would almost have
been a voice from the grave.
Nothing has been more striking than the
Consciousness Of those who have written OF
spoken OF Gladstone that they could not say any
thing that was commensurate with his unique
genius and character There have been pages
0. memoirs and "reminiscences In every journal
and the leader writer's have had weeks in which
70 refine their sentences, but between the lines
may be read the feeling OF hopeless inability 10
pay acequate tribute 10 a phenomenal career.
The same confession was virtually MADE Dy
all the speakers in Parliament yesterday. Mr.
Balfour delivered thoughtfui speech, SIT VIII
AN Harcourt had carefully prepared hirnseif
tad was profoundly affected. and LORD Rosepery
va really eloquent; but. impressive as were
hsk eulogies there was conscious sense OF
osproporton between any possible estimate In
words and the dignity and elevation OF the
subject.
II has been this general recognition OF the
Truth that Gladstone like England. had
Splendid isolation all his own and that eloquent
or measured words about him were like tink-
ing cymbal that has created the necessity FOR
erownng acts OF reverent homage like public
burial in the Abbey
Intimate friends OF Gladstone assert that the
disposal 0. his mortal remains a matter on
Which his mind never dweit. because. with his
profound religious nature. the spiritual signif-
eance Of the future life was of OvershadOwing