New-York tribune., 1899-02-12

paradox regarding the Liberal attitude IN 'he
Fashoda affair. but this was less important Una"
the commanding tone with which he spoke FOR
the Opposition. The front Opposition bench mas
been well manned day after day, and the de-
bates on the address have been followed with
watchful activity. Last night the Government
majority suddenly fell to thirty-four after the
debate on the amendment urging the necessity
of dealing with ownership tenure and taxatloh
OF land Mr.. Morton, sturdy Radical openeu
the discussion with an argument based upon
the absolute exemption Of ground landlords from
taxation and their confscation OF the unearnsu
i.crement caused by public Improvements ana
the growth of large towns. 1t was an aggres-
sive, well-reasoned speech with the moral 'ha'
the American example OF taxing unoccupleu az
we'll as occupied land should be followed III
England Mr.. Asquith supported Mr.. Mor'o"
with an ncisive speech. showing that the "oN-
ernment was taking up the housing ques.'o"
from the wrong quarter. Mr.. Goschen anu WI.
Bafour replied; but. owing to the negligence u
the U-nionist whips their majority was nearly
wiped out.
This was a fine triumph for the new LioeraI
leader who allowed his supporters 10 open up
new ground for attacking the Cnionists' Inc
Ministers themselves have been careful not u
expose the party at this session, for the lesis-
lative programme IS nothing II not safe yet "
will be strange II they can produce any Dill re-
lating 10 London vestries which VIII not suDJect
them to a Liberal attack and weaken their
party in the metropolis.
Lord Rcsebery has not been seen in Paria-
ment. and great variety of stories has been
invented TO explain what he Is doing. Slr
Wemyss Reid. who is his trusted associate an
Pos ahary
quietly at country houses, and is on the point OF
starting for the Mediterranean on yachtihs
cruise MI Chamberlain IS not in good health
but is expected to resume his place in the House
OF Commons some time next week. Mr Johh
Morley broods in silence over the debates, IN
which Gladstone's Home Rule cause is no longer
mentioned Mr. John Dillon has acted sensibly
IN declining a reelection 10 leadership ana
thereby has opened way for the reunion OF the
Irish factions II Messrs Redmond and Healy
are equally magnanmOus, something may DE
done to restore the Nationalist fortunes. Mr.
Balfour is in excellent health and fine debating
form His three long speeches this week nave
been remarkable for dialectic skill, temperate
statement and lucid reasonableness He grows
steadily into the stature Of leadership.
The death Of Prince Alfred has not only can
ceued several Court functions here and imposed
half-n1ourning for the costumes worn at the two
Drawing rooms early IN March, but II has also
opened the field Of conjecture respecting the
,uccession to the Grand-duchy Of SaXe-Coburg-
Gotha The Duke OF Connaught is next in line,
and will be his brothers her unless ne re-
nounces his rights in favor Of his eldest son.
who is now In his seventeenth year. The Queen
has been credited with a keen desire TO have the
Duke of Connaught appointed Commander-ln-
Chief OF the. British Army. and his eHgihihty 10
that post will be impaired by his rights of sue
cession 10 a German Grand-duchy There VIII
doubtless be a feeling Of relief both IN military
circles and in Parliament If the Duke retains
his rights Of Inheritance in his fathers patri-
rnony as the heir OF the Duke Of Edinburgh lie
,s popular among army officers. but there are
serious inconvenience arising from the com
mand Of the army by a prince OF the royal
house when military questions are debated in
Parliament and reforms required.
Although the weathe. is balmy and springlike,
there are few signs OF gayety in London. all
royal engagements being broken off Lady
Ridley's first evening party being almost the
only prominent incident Of next week. The
theatres are duller than for several years. Mr..
Martin Harvey will introduce Mr.. Freeman
Wis's adaptation OF "A Tale OF Two Cities"
next week at the Lyceum Theatre, and Mr. John
Hare will put on ours" at the Globe Theatre,
before producing Mr.. Pinero's new play There
is q private view to-day at the Graves Galleries
Of italian sketches by Mr.. Harold Mostyn, who
married the daughter Of the Spanish Consul
General at Rome five years ago There ts
similar exhibition Of Alpine scenes by Mr.. Good
win in water colors. Mr. Stanhope Forbes's
panel picture Of the Great Fire in London will
be unveiled next week at the Royal Exchange
Lord Rayleigh is lecturing to-day at the Royal
Institution. and Dr. Conan Doyle is reading
from his own books at Toynbee Hall Literary
affairs are dull; no important books for the
spring are coming into the market. Dent has
projected a new series OF artistic books on an
Cling, hunting and tennis for English gentlemen
interested in outdoor sports. The first volume
will be issued in April. Sir Edward Grey is the
author. l. n b.
PARIS